Reef Filter

murph1083 · #1 11/06/2006, 07:51 AM

I am getting ready to convert my FOWLR into a reef tank. Im currently using a Emporer Bio-Wheel filter for it but when I upgrade I would like to upgrade this too. The stand the tank is on is oddly designed and there is almost no room to put a sump or wet/dry fiter there. The two options I was looking at was a Hang on Tank refugium with a skimmer, a canister filter with a skimmer or even a combination of both. IF I can find a wet/dry that fits, should I go with it and a skimmer as the filtration? Any advise is welcome.

serpentman · #2 11/06/2006, 07:57 AM

If there is any way to squeeze a sump in there, I would do that. Then add a decent skimmer and you should be good to go. There is no need for a traditional wet/dry filter as the use of bioballs (the dry portion) have been known to produce high nitrates.

sir_dudeguy · #3 11/06/2006, 08:53 AM

well if you're converting to reef then you should not put any wet/dry, canister filter, or HOB filter in there anyways imo. They've all been known to shoot your nitrates way up. All you need is at least 1 pound of rock per gallon of water (assuming its good and porous) and a good skimmer and thats all the filtration you need. Live rock has all the same bacteria as bioballs or any other media, but it can break down nitrates further which the others cant.