How much filtration is enough?

[moonrs]

I've got another question: I had my sw tank on an Emperor 280 for about 6 months, with no problems. Although everything was ok, I wanted to give my fish better filtration than could be achieved through Emperor. I had the opportunity to purchase an only slightly used Fluval 404, so I did. I added that to my tank about a month ago and have had both running since. Is it okay to remove the Emperor, or should I leave it on? The fluval is rated for a tank Much larger than mine (up to 100 gallons), while the emporer is rated for 50ga. Thanks

 

[bdhough]

Well. I'd say leave it if for only the water flow. You could take the filter pad out of the 280. Aside from the power consumption which im sure is minimal the pads are the only other thing you ahve to pay for. You could place on in there from time to time for extra carbon or use the space in there for a carbon bag every now and again. If you want to replace it, sell it to me for 20 dollars , and buy a skimmer this time.....
If you have any live rock that is your filtration persay. It contains all the bacteria you need for any kind of minimal ammonia or nitrite levels. The mechanical filters are only provideing more space for bacteria to build on, the filter pads, and a way for you to place carbon in the flow of the water.

 

[lesleybird]

I would leave them both as the Emporer 280 has the biowheel that also adds a lot of oxygen to the tank as the spray bar pours the water over the biowheel and the other filter does not add oxygen to the tank. Saltwater tanks need a lot of dissolved oxygen keep their creatures healthy. The biowheel also adds a lot of wet/dry biological filtration which the other filter does not have. Lesley

 

[moonrs]

I'm the one who posted the "Happy Tank?" thread a few days ago. I think one reason my fish are doing so well (despite the large number of fish) is how much filtration I've got in the tank. As far as the rest of the tank goes, I've got live sand, live rock (about 50lbs, I think) and a protein skimmer (seaclone 100). I do regular water changes, although I only have de-chlorinated tap water. Hope my tank holds out!