filterless reef....

[corky]

Anyone out there running a reef without any filtering system(other than skimmer)? I know a while back some talked about trying it and I wanted to compare notes.

 

[y2says]

I have a 35g hex reef tank with a Filstar cannister filter. I took out the stuff that goes inside and used it as a powerhead. I bought the tank and filter used and so far the tank is doing fine. So really, I have no filter or a skimmer right now. Just 30lbs of l/s and 20lbs of live rock.

 

[nm reef]

I suppose you could say that my 55 reef has no "mechanical" filtration...
100+lbs LR
4" DSB in the display
35 gal refugium(gravity return)
3" DSB in refugium
assorted caulperas in refugium
CPR bacpac2r in refugium
this system is soon to be 1 year old and its progressed very nicely...soon I plan to expand the refugium capacity to double its current size and incorporate spray bars on the returns...hopefully then I'll be able to increase circulation in the display and at the same time remove 2 of the power heads that I use now....also I am confident that I could remove the skimmer and still maintain a stable system...
readings have been perfect for several months now
ammonia-0
nitrite-0
nitrate-0
phosphate/silicates-not detectable
calcium-420-450 ppm
alkalinity-2.8-3.5 meg/l
ph-8.0-8.3
temp-78-82

 

[ironreef]

mechanical skimmers isn't needed in a reef. a skimmer or caulerpa tank is all

 

[@knight]

i dont have a mech filter running on mine. i have an emp 400 that only moves water, but i can put in a filter if i ever need to.

 

[mal]

All I have is a skimmer and a sump with fine and coarse crushed agg. and some macro-algae. 4 phs, and sump return in the tank for good circulation.

 

[burnnspy]

29gal reef with airlift skimmer.
BurnNSpy

 

[nosmada]

just a DSB, LR and seaclone skimmer on mine. i did just add a fuge to grow some calurpa in. thats it for me

 

[cj]

100 lbs. OF LIVE ROCK
2 MINI
5 WATTS PER gl.
R.O. UNIT
1 BERLIN PROTEN SKIMMER WITH BIG RIO
1 EHIM WET DRY (REALY COOL)
LARGE CLEAN UP CREW
TANK SET UP FOR 1.5 YEARS, AND 1 MOVED IT ONCE.
THE TANK RUNS GREAT BECASE I DO NOT MESS WITH IT . AND I HAVE GOOD EQUIPMENT
PLUS I HAVE A FEW SECRETS.

 

[dburr]

vvv