to filter or not to filter

[super stooge]

hi, im currently designing my next tank and im not sure if i should use mechanical filters or just go full biological (with a skimmer). im currently leaning towards biological to prevent possible nitrate problems and just wanted some of ur opinions

[dsn112]

if you have enough Lr and Ls, skip the mechanical, maybe a phosban reactor with carbon and one with gfo. With a good skimmer you will be good to go. If you can run a fuge that will help also.

[minireefer03]

You can run filter socks but need to replace them VERY often to prevent nitrate buildup.I run a 7" on My 92 and change it about every 6-7 days whether it needs it or not.I have 5 of them and when I get down to the last one I throw them in the washer with a small splash of bleach.And rinse in dechlorinator after done.Works great.

[Sk8r]

I run a 54g reef with no filtration, no filter sock. I have a 20g fuge and if copepods want the All Day Ticket and ride forever, I want no stop for them. My mandarin eventually appreciates them.

[super stooge]

so does any1 think its a bad idea for me to do it?

[reefhead165]

Originally posted by super stooge
hi, im currently designing my next tank and im not sure if i should use mechanical filters or just go full biological (with a skimmer). im currently leaning towards biological to prevent possible nitrate problems and just wanted some of ur opinions

What do you mean by biological filter......LS and LR or Bio ball. b/c bio balls cause a high nitrate problem down the road FYI

I just pulled mine out on my wet dry b/c i had nitrate of 20 ppm i am just using LR and LS for a bio filter

[bertoni]

Mechanical filters might pull out some animals that'd be useful to have in the water column, but they are fine if kept clean. I don't bother, personally.

[jccash]

I have a 65 Gal, use a sock (but like the guy above, change it about every 4 or so days) and use a proten skimmer. I have carbon and phasban in a sock in my sump. I am thinking about buying reactors.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeffcam...7602190610068/

[super stooge]

na no bioballs.

thanks for ur replies and ur tank is beutiful jccash, great shot of ur 2 clowns