Jump to content
Top Shelf Aquatics

Looking for Filtration advice on new tank.


Sean.G

Recommended Posts

Ok so I have tried my hand at reef tanks before, but its mostly been a disaster. The tank started out nice but I got a really bad Bryopsise problem that kind of killed my enthusiasm for the tank, its basically under control now but most of my coral did not survive being grown over by the algae.This was probably due to rushing, small tank (5 gallon) and basically no room for any filtration other then filter floss, and some random ion exchange resin type filter media,

 

Now my parents surprised me with an extremely nice tank and I actually have a job to help fund this adventure and I really want to make this tank go well.

 

My main question right now is what is the "popular" filtration method right now, I can't seem to figure out how I am going to filter this tank. I remember a few years ago wet dry was popular but now people seem to shy away from them and claim they cause nitrate problems among other things. So what is the consensus right now?

 

The tank I am getting is the RedSea Reefer Nano. Its a 21 gallon display with a 7 gallon sump. The dimensions are below in case you would like them or it help when suggesting equipment.

Tank: 18 inch Cube (45cm)

 

Sump: Water Height is 8 Inches (20cm)

Main Chamber is 9.4x8.3 Inches (24x21 cm)

Return/pump chamber is 9.4x4.7 inches (24x12 cm)

All I have right now in terms of equipment is the tank a return pump a powerhead, and my parents also got a Current Orbit Marine Pro light. It seems alright but I fell like I will either need another one or will need to upgrade to something better as I eventually want to have some of the higher light Corals out there. I have basic water parameter test kits and a simple hydrometer as well.

 

I'm planning on getting a RODI unit as my current tank has been running on store bought RO and that could be part of my previous algae problem.

 

So what would you all recommend as far as additional equipment. Mainly the filtration aspect of things. My budget is not huge but I'm still not sure exactly how much I am willing to spend.

 

Thanks

 

If this is more a beginner question sorry, I was originally going to post it there but compared to the other post in that section it seemed out of place.

Link to comment

Nice tank!

 

You'll want to get a refractometer instead of a hydrometer- must faster, easier, and more accurate.

 

I would just set it up and start cycling with dry rock. I recommend ReefCleaners, since it doesn't leach anything.

 

During the cycle you can finalize equipment and accessories, but I would start cycling ASAP since it takes about a month (roughly)

Link to comment

For now I'd just plan on getting a good skimmer, that sump has a good size skimmer compartment for a skimmer with a integrated pump. A good skimmer and a reactor you can run GFO in will go a long way in controlling nutrients.

 

That's a heck of a nice upgrade. Congrats.

Link to comment
  • 2 weeks later...

Get the biggest and best skimmer you can fit/afford. Reactors for GFO are popular too and would help you fight algae since you have struggled with that before. They can be pretty afforable too. You can run carbon in a reactor too or just toss it into a mesh bag. Refugiums are very popular now and I use one on my tank. You grow macroaglae like cheato and others in order to export nutrients, balance PH swings and create a safe haven for microfauna.

Link to comment

 

Beside skimmer, get

  • 2 of these reactors, one for carbon and one for GFO, chained together, Carbon first, run off manifold from return pump
  • TLF 150 reactor for biopellet, with a dedicated pump for it

 

Can you please ELI5 how to get those ebay reactors working? You just get a ball valve to control flow and tube from bottom to top?

Link to comment

I'm going to make it simple, since I fought hair algae. Horrible experience.

 

Refractometer. Like Harry said, it's impossible to calibrate a hydrometer. Too much room for error when dealing with sensitive live stock. For example. I calibrated my refractometer at 1.026. With my hydrometer, my 1.026 water was 1.030. You can get a good one for lime 23 bucks on amazon. Don't spend 40 or 50.

 

Filtration. Skimmer is critical IME. Notice I say experience, not opinion. Lots of options out there. Research, research, research.

 

Granular Ferric Oxide, or GFO. IME you will not get the best results without using a reactor. Research GFO reactors. I use a Two little fishies phosban 150 with an mj 1200 pump. Also, I use the GFO on amazon that is 15 bucks a pound.

Link to comment

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

  • Recommended Discussions

×
×
  • Create New...