Preferred method(s) of filtration?

[snakeblitz33]

Hello all,

Just curious what you guys use as far as filtration goes. State what type of reef you have, ie; mixed, Lps, softy, Sps

List the type of filtration you use on your systems.

Here is a list of what I can think of:

Live rock
Filter socks
Mechanical filtration
Phosphate reactor
Carbon reactor
Chemicals- list them
Deep sand bed
Refugium
Algae scrubber
Protein skimmer
Biopellet reactor
Denitrater
Fluidized sand bed
Trickle filter
Plenum
Under gravel
Canister
HOB filter
Constant water changes

Or list something not listed! I'd like to know!

 

[kopczynski]

I use a fluval 406 and a sea clone 100 with 80lbs of live rock in my 60 gallon reef which has 7 fish, radioactive dragon eye zoas, an aussie meat coral, candy cap montipora, hammer coral, pulsating xenia, toadstool, and a sinularia finger leather coral.

 

[trigger40]

i use HOB with macros/live rock.

 

[flower]

The only filter unsuitable for a saltwater tank is the under gravel type. Anything else will work.

I used a canister for many years on my reef (soft corals and some non-photosynthetic), without a single problem. I enjoyed my sump system until it began to leak. I've also used a duel phosphate reactor/carbon unit from bulk reef supply, and an Octopus 1000sss skimmer. All HOB skimmers I ever had, I hated.

Now I no longer keep corals, just fish and seahorses...so a HOB with macroalgae, live rock, and fake décor. I keep about 2 inches of sand, so nothing gets trapped. I don't even use a skimmer anymore.

 

[mauler]

I use a 180lbs of live rock and a protein skimmer that's it.

 

[snakeblitz33]

Cool. Thanks guys, keep em' coming!

 

[bang guy]

I think my next system, if it ever happens, will be live rock & skimmer as the only filtration.

I've pondered the idea of having a dark zone loaded with sponges but haven't worked out the technical difficulties on that one yet.

 

[snakeblitz33]

That's really cool Guy, I'd really like to know more about that.

 

[aduvall]

Is this reef only?

 

[snakeblitz33]

This thread is posted in the reef tanks section, but by all means if you have a tank, post it up

 

[aduvall]

LOL Sorry! I always look in the new post section and forget to check on forum section!

I have a 65G FOWLR

I use 55lbs of live rock, 1 inch of live sand, 306 Fluval canister (with Carbon, bios, and polisher pads) I do water changes every 6-8 weeks. Hoping for a HOB Skimmer in the next 3-5 months.

 

[aduvall]

sorry again for crashing the thread!

 

[flower]

I think my next system, if it ever happens, will be live rock & skimmer as the only filtration.

I've pondered the idea of having a dark zone loaded with sponges but haven't worked out the technical difficulties on that one yet.

I did something similar, I had one half of the 90g tank lit (175W MH w/actinic), but the other side got only actinic, ambient light and a little glow from the other side. It worked out pretty good. It wasn't sponges however, it was non-photosynthetic coral.

 

[bang guy]

Actinic light is actually right on a photosynthetic peak. So, even though it looks dim to us to photosynthesizing organisms it's very useful, especially dinoflaggilates.

For a dark area what I'm considering is a layer of starboard supported about 4" from the tank bottom and using a cpuple powerheads fitted into the starboard to set up a strong laminar current from left to right.

 

[jorge garrido]

I have a 185 gal tank that i bought with filter like a kent marine skimmer , UV sterilizer and a separate tank for my fuge. i use bulk reef supplies dual reactor for phosphate and carbon, thinking of changing to biopelletes. i have no sand in my main display its bare bottom. i got 6'' of live sand in my fuge with cheato and live rock. 0 phosphate .5ppm of nitrate my LPS, clam and soft corals love a little dirty water.