Tank system upgrade - thoughts?

[smarls]

So, I currently have a 55 gallon, with a hang-on skimmer (Prizm Pro Deluxe), running a jbl 240 watt lighting system. (very basic, I know, but also, very nice and simple!)
I have in the past had a phosphate problem, although it has not yet seemed ot have a negative impact on my tank (no algae etc). But it has spurred me to try and improve the quality of my tank.
I was thinking that I could improve the stability of my water chemistry and/or the size of my water by adding something to the tank. I was thinking of adding one of the following:
(i) a dedicated cannister filter for the sole purpose of running constant media (carbon and phosphate sponge). I have a spare eheim professional II that do not use for anything right now. Will this just become a nitrate factory?
(ii) some form of refugium. Hang on maybe (except, I have a hang on skimmer, so I have no idea where I would hang it on!) I guess maybe an under tank fuge, but then my sytem suddenly gets way more complex (water going under, having to come back up, possible overflows etc.)
(iii) fluidized sand bed cannister (I think thats the name of it - the clear tube with the sand inside).
Any thoughts? Any concerns? Am I over reacting about the possibility of a under tank fuge overflowing?
Thanks for any thoughts, I am just not clear where to go next to try and improve my tank.
Stewart

 

[ty_05_f]

I know that alot of people have your basic setup and run carbon 24/7. I personally run carbon b/c it clears the water up quite nicely. As for nitrates if you have a dsb and enough rock i don't think it would be a problem. Well it hasnt been for me. Good luck on whatever if anything you choose

 

[smarls]

Thanks Ty.
Anyone else?
What about adding live DSB instead of the CC I currently have?

 

[ags]

Why not try to find the source of the phosphates and eliminate it first? Using a phosphate sponge will reduce the phosphates currently in your tank but if the source is not eliminated you will always have the possibility of a problem. Do you use RO/DI? Check the quality of your salt mix, foods, etc. I think most of these could be the source and I am sure there are tons of other possibilities.

 

[smarls]

Ags,
Thanks for the input. I have tried finding and eliminating any source of the phosphate, inlcuding limiting feedings (once every three days). I only use DI water etc. And I really have no other phopshate input source. I do have a SFE, so I think that feeding him is part of the problem (they are messy eaters).
My theory on the phosphates is the old owner of the tank used tap water, and I think it has leeched into the rock etc., and will just take time to come out (I have no basis for this theory, but right now, I am sticking with it!)
So while the phosphates are part of the impetus to improve the tank, the other driving factor is that I would just like a better system...ok, I am pretty addicted! I am just not sure what step tpo take next, and was looking for suggestions on how to improve the tank without messing it up. Any thoughts?
Stewart

 

[beaslbob]

I highly recommend the refugium, and you are correct to worry about it overflowing. You need to test it out to make sure that when the power goes off and comes back, it runs nromally.
The real reason I recommend a refugium is to get plant life growing. All the other things you are considering will simply not do as effective as plants. Plus a refugium is extremely inexpensive to build. Mine was in the order of $40.00 plus a power head.
phosphates do come with tap water as to nitrates. Both also happen as a reault of the bioload. So RO/DI water will not remove the phosphates and nitrates from the livestock in your system. Plants will and also remove the phosphates and nitrates in tap water, heavy ions, buffer the ph and result in a balanced and stable system.

 

[ags]

Actually your response had me thinking, what kind of LR do you have? When I first set my tank up I went through a local wholesaler who aquacultures it in the gulf here in Tampa. Beautiful rock, tons of life and super cheap. Once I had it in my tank the LFS I go to told me to check my phosphates regularly because supposedly that is one of the major drawbacks to stocking the tank with Gulf Rock. Anyway so if you happened to buy your LR as aquacultured Florida LR that very well could be your source.
As for up grading the filtration on the tank trust me I completely understand the uncontrollable urge to dump as much money as you can afford into your tank. Phosphate sponges work really well. I suggest you go that route.