Best Filter Media

A

AllanEcc

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Please advise on the best Filter Media. I have Eco Balls in the overflow sump of the DT. In the middle compartment of the Sump I have Ceramic tubes covered in Filter foam. My Nitrate is high.

Is there a better media than ceramic tubes?
Should I be cleaning the eco balls or the ceramic tubes, if so, how?
Should I add stuff to the first & third chambers of the Sump as well?
 
Is there a better media than ceramic tubes?
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YES! A Deep Live Sand Bed (DLSB or DSB for short). Using bio balls and/or ceramic "noodles" are not recommended (or appropriate) for a reef-type marine aquarium (although they might be appropriate in a heavily stocked fish-only system, but even there, a DLSB would be much better)

Do some research here on MASA, and on the web if you like, for "DSB"

Hennie
 
Denitrator.

A DSB is a very good filter as it also houses all sorts of life beneficial to an aquarium.

I use bio balls and ceramic rings on most of the tanks we set up. This is to bring the nitrite down. This type of filtration does create Nitrate. We then use a Denitrate filter to reduce the nitrates.

You can also go the NP pellets route to keep nitrates in check.

But as Hennie says. A DSB is a good start.
 
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Why not post a pic of display and of the sump.

What substrate do you have in display.
Is sump area divided in two by a wooden support?
 
The Sump is divided into 3. First compartment is only return pipe. Middle is half full of Ceramic tubes with 2 layers of foam on top. 3rd compartment is only the pump. I will still put the Skimmer in the first compartment. I have place in the middle and thrid compartment for more ceramic or what ever is best?

Should I clean the ceramic & bio balls (in the overflow sump of DT)
 
I am having the same issues as you Allan. So tagging along.
Again guys, should the ceramic noodles and Bio balls be cleaned?

I also do not have space for a DSB and do not have the budget for a sump now. Whats the next best option? LR? What about carbon?
If I am to remove the ceramic noodles, how much should I remove and over what period?

Shot, Dawie
 
Best Filter Media = "NONE"
 
Dawie22 said:
Again guys, should the ceramic noodles and Bio balls be cleaned?
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These are perfect (apparently) for fish only systems. That is why you see the LFS with their stock that one week got 5 fish and the next week 50 in them running on Bio-balls. But for better water quality, low phosphates and nitrates, as preferred by SPS you need to upgrade the filtering capabilities. Mushrooms and some leathers actually do like dirtier water, so yes, they could be ok.

Ceramic rings have the tendency to be detritus traps, same for coarse crushed coral substrate.

NP-pellets and reactors is an alternative to deep sand beds. Also Vodka Dosing and other wonderful techniques. But I rather drink the Vodka.

I believe in simplicity. Believe in things that I can leave alone with minimal work for me. Eventually you will get irritated with the repeated husbandry scores everyday. So I prefer a DSB. Least amount of work and running effort. Monday to Friday - with the exception to filling my RO container twice a week, running a magnet cleaner (when I have to), I do nothing to my tank - except feeding. Weekends, clean front glass and fill up kalkstirrer and do water change.

So yes, post a Pic, and lets see.
 
Hair-curlers are cheaper and also have a HUGE surface area. That's what we used to use in the olden-days (well, 20 years back).
 
Hair-curlers are cheaper and also have a HUGE surface area. That's what we used to use in the olden-days
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Wow, THAT brings back memories :biggrin:

My very first tank had a hair-curler wet/dry trickle filter system, with an anoxic "wet" zone filled with ceramic noodles (which cost a fortune...). Removed everything within a year, and have been happy with my DLSB and live rock ever since :whistling:

Hennie
 
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