Fluidized sand bed filters

[schaadrak]

I've read a few different places that fluidized sand bed filters aren't that great for reef aquariums, but no explanation as to why. Could someone please explain it to me?

[schaadrak]

bump.

Is it that there just not as effective, or do they do something detrimental to the tank?

[smatter]

Live rock is a potent biological filter in itself. Additional biological filtration is unnecessary.

[fish cowboy]

I think it is an excellent backup to any system. The drawback is if the power goes out the nitrafying bacteria well soon sufficate because it is in closed chamber. I have a friend who ownes a pet store that uses them for his 50 tank system for heavy bio loads plus live rock. Again they are good for backup systems for heary bioloads with many fish. I personally use them and have had great results.

[smatter]

Another drawback is the efficacy at which they produce nitrate. In commercial set-ups where the fish load is heavy, and changes often, additional biological filtration can be helpful.