Wet/dry questions

[tapeworm]

I have a 210, 130 pounds of LR and pretty good bio load.
I am a bit frustrated with my Pro-Clear W/D. It does not allow much for upgrades.
I was thinking about a new filtartion system.
I can build my wet/dry, something like:

Just a bit longer, so I can use both sides of the filter.
Does anyone have any suggestions?
Is anyone running an aggressive tank with a refugium system, no wet/dry?
Do you have any wet/dry designs you recommend?

 

[moto757]

great question i just yanked all of my bio balls out cause basically they suck and run arefugium with a seperate power head in my sump it is in front of my skimmer with a uv sterlizer next to the refugium and regular water flow going through the middle I have been running the u.v for over a week now and the tank is really clear and started the refugium early this week so the nitrates haven't really dropped that much the main reason was when i yanked out the bio balls all the crap the had on them i would defintly run the refugium/wet dry no balls i am building one for a friend right now and will post some pics when i am done

 

[tapeworm]

So how about an ETS type sump with a sock type filter, a UV filter and a fluidized bed? Attach a stand alone refugium to it so I can control the flow?

 

[moto757]

that sounds fine one i am building will have a seperate chamber and i am drilling a hole in the baffle to run the powerhead to the refugium i like to have it all in one but what ever works just not the bio balls uv and the refugium are the way for me for now on

 

[cincyreefer]

A refugium only filtration can work provided you have a very good skimmer and good maintenance habits. Bio- balls just leave ALOT of room for error, especially on vacation, which is a major plus for me.