Ecosystem method.. pros vs. cons?
- Thread starter diceman
- Start date
von_rahvin
Member
i think the next tank i build is going to use that meathod. if what he says is only half true . . . . . . that is a bloody amazing tank! i want one or two or three!!!
ky
Member
I have an eco-system on each of my three tanks. Like I have said a hundred times, this is what works for me, and it may not be for everyone. The only downfall for people seems to be the price. Many suggest building their own, but for me, it was easier to just buy them. How it works is this. The water comes from the tank into the first chamber, which is filled with bio-balls. This first chamber filters out the large debri and stops and bubbles from going any further. It empties (at the bottom, so the water is forced through all of the bio-balls) into the second chamber, which has the miracle mud (MM) and macro algae in it. This is also where I hear alot of negative comments, about the MM. Eco-systems claim is that the MM, along with the macro algae, break down all of the nitrates. The algae also produces oxygen and decreases the phosphates. It is because of this chamber that there is no need for a protein skimmer. The water then goes into the third chamber (over-flow at the top so that again, the water is forced from the bottom to the top, eliminating any still areas), which is also filled with bio-balls. These bio-balls remove any remaining bubbles and prevent any of the macro algae from entering the fourth chamber (from the bottom, to force the water through all of the bio-balls), which is like a clean chamber. It is in this chamber that the return sump is attached. You can build your own, but they have designed theirs wonderfully, with water movement and bio-medium contact time in mind. A lot of people also complain about bio-balls being "nitrate factories". All I know is this. I have 3 tanks, 75, 90, 120. All chuck full of LR and inverts. I use no skimmers. I keep my kH and Ca levels optimum so the live rock can function at a maximum level for filtration. My nitrates are 0, phos 0. I have never heard someone that has used it complain, just people that don't and think that they can build their own. For me, I wouldn't use anything else because it works perfect.
ky
Member
PS.
I only change 10 gallons a month in each tank. I have gone as long a 2.5 month with no change. My levels didn't vary at all, nitrates stayed at 0. They (eco-system) also claim that their system prevents and cures lateral-line disease. I have never had a problem with this, so I can't comment on it.
I only change 10 gallons a month in each tank. I have gone as long a 2.5 month with no change. My levels didn't vary at all, nitrates stayed at 0. They (eco-system) also claim that their system prevents and cures lateral-line disease. I have never had a problem with this, so I can't comment on it.
diceman
Member
Moksha here is a link to the ecosystem i found. Can't tell you if the prices are the best or not because I haven't had time to check further. But it's a start. <a href="http://www.***************.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=PA&Category_Code=Special" target="_blank">http://www.***************.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=PA&Category_Code=Special</a>
ky
Member
I didn't mean that I have talked about eco-systems a hundred times. What I meant was that a particular thing works for me and that is why I use it, as opposed to "I know for a fact that this works or that doesn't work" when the "fact" is that someone else told them or that they read it some where else, not a credible research article, which in fact is the only way to prove a fact. See what I mean. Opinions are like a--holes, everyone has one. Just make sure that everyone states that it is an opinion. Hang on while I step off of my soap box..........OK. Eco-system has a web site, just type in eco-system on a search engine. Also, go to ***************.com. They have the same info that is on the website. The prices are the same every where. I buy most of my stuff from ***************.com and they were the same as 5 other places that I checked. I spent about $400.00 for each one. I appologize if I sounded rude.
tinman383
New Member
I have an ecosystem filter on my 90 and so far everything is great. Everyone comments on how clear my water looks when they see my tank for the first time. I must say that my tanks looks a lot better than it did when I was using a wet/dry with protein skimmer. I think the people that talk bad about the ecosystem method are people who have never tried it cuz everyone that I know who has one loves em.
diceman
Member
I quess the next question would be what DAB brought up. Does the ecosystem favor reef or fish or both. Those who have it now please respond. My next tank I am planning will have corals and fish. Any problems? From the pic on the guy with the 4000 tank my guess would be that it doesn't matter it favors both reef and fish.