Rex17 Posted January 20, 2017 Share Posted January 20, 2017 Hey Everyone, I've been lurking on Nano Reef for quite some time now, and I decided to start my own thread for my new 56 gallon reef build. I've decided this time around to go "sumpless" and use other methods of filtration. I'm planning on keeping primarily SPS. Which yes I know, SPS and a sumpless tank do not go together. I will be using two canister filters, the larger one has a UV sterilizer and I will be running carbon, and other resins along with floss, this canister will be cleaned out weekly. The second canister is going to be used as a biological filter. I will be running bio - balls, ceramic rings, along with crushed live rock, this filter will be cleaned out every few months. As it goes for other equipment I'll be using a ATI sunpower 24" 4 bulb fixture, along with a pair of EcoTech MP10wQD. As in my opinion lighting and flow are two of the main factors when setting up an SPS dominant aquarium. Equipment 56 Gallon Aquarium 30L x 18W x 24H ATI sunpower 24" Vortech MP10qWD x 2 AutoAquat Smart ATO Micro With 5 Gallon Reservoir Aquatop CF400UV Canister Filter Aquatop CF300 Canister Filter Used As Biological Filter. I've tried many different methods of aquascaping, but in my experience taking the minimal approach is better in the long run. I've noticed fish have more room to swim, the corals have a larger amount of space to grow in and there's less surface area for dirt to get trapped under. Link to comment
seabass Posted January 20, 2017 Share Posted January 20, 2017 Welcome to Nano-Reef.com. I'm not convinced your filtration (bio-media and rubble in a canister filter, cleaned out every few months) would be ideal for a SPS tank. I suspect that this setup would elevate nitrate levels more than not using it at all. While I also like less rock in the display, I still prefer to let the rock be the only bio-filter. Link to comment
Clown79 Posted January 20, 2017 Share Posted January 20, 2017 I agree. Your liverock in the tank would be sufficient biological filteration. There is no need for the second canister filter. If anything the second canister will just become a nutrient factory. I'd rather 35-40lbs of liverock in the display(where would you put your corals with very little to no rock) Than deal with the issues of the canister build Link to comment
RIP Sebastian Posted January 20, 2017 Share Posted January 20, 2017 Welcome to Nano-Reef.com. I'm not convinced your filtration (bio-media and rubble in a canister filter, cleaned out every few months) would be ideal for a SPS tank. I suspect that this setup would elevate nitrate levels more than not using it at all. While I also like less rock in the display, I still prefer to let the rock be the only bio-filter. +1 Link to comment
Rex17 Posted January 20, 2017 Author Share Posted January 20, 2017 Welcome to Nano-Reef.com. I'm not convinced your filtration (bio-media and rubble in a canister filter, cleaned out every few months) would be ideal for a SPS tank. I suspect that this setup would elevate nitrate levels more than not using it at all. While I also like less rock in the display, I still prefer to let the rock be the only bio-filter. Yes that's what I was thinking. I've never gone with the sumpless route and I've heard that canisters should be cleaned weekly other wise the build up unwanted nutrients. Link to comment
Rex17 Posted January 20, 2017 Author Share Posted January 20, 2017 I agree. Your liverock in the tank would be sufficient biological filteration. There is no need for the second canister filter. If anything the second canister will just become a nutrient factory. I'd rather 35-40lbs of liverock in the display(where would you put your corals with very little to no rock) Than deal with the issues of the canister build Yes, I'm going to be picking up two bags of CaribSea today along with 30ish pounds of live rock. I'm going to then throw together a dryscape and make it minimalistic as possible, with still having enough surface area to place corals. Link to comment
JLynn Posted January 20, 2017 Share Posted January 20, 2017 A different option would be a methanol denitrator and an external protein skimmer. Link to comment
Rex17 Posted January 20, 2017 Author Share Posted January 20, 2017 Just picked up two bags of CaribSea Fiji Pink and approximately 25 pounds of live rock. I also ordered my ATI sunpower 24" and the bulbs which should arrive on Monday. Forgot to mention I also have a few corals and fish that will be slowly moved into the tank over the next few weeks! Link to comment
seabass Posted January 20, 2017 Share Posted January 20, 2017 As I'm sure you know, make sure the rock is fully cured/cycled (no ammonia detectable) before you add any livestock. Link to comment
ninjamyst Posted January 20, 2017 Share Posted January 20, 2017 i like dinosaurs. following. Link to comment
Rex17 Posted January 23, 2017 Author Share Posted January 23, 2017 My ATI sunpower arrived earlier today along with the bulbs. I'm going to be working on getting it mounted sometime this week. The tank has been running as of Saturday. Now I'm patiently waiting for the cycle to be finished so I can transfer over my livestock but for now here's a few shots of the light. Link to comment
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