New filter idea - What do you think?

M

MLACAZE

[Need some input...

I have a 75G semi-reef tank with a 29 gallon sump/fuge. Before I got the sump I had just 2 AC500 power filters and a remora skimmer.

I am still fighting a slight nitrate problem and I want to somehow use the equipment I have. I thought about tossing the foam pads in the AC500's and filling the basket with LR rubble. Would this still pose a nitrate problem? The AC500 moves a LOT of water and you do not see much of the filter in the tank. I do not like the way powerheads look in the tank. Besides that the AC500 really breaks up the water surface.

Would LR in the basket be a maintenance free set-up?

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Mike]
 
[A plenum is probably the best way to break down nitratates into nitrogen gas which is released harmlessly at the surface your only next best alternative are water changes and the DSB!

If your not using RO/DI water changes maybe pointless.

If you DSB or plenum is very old (appr 5 years) there is your problem!

this web site offers an alternative to the plenum
http://reefcentral.com/forums....umber=1

In the thread Nitrate removal system (under reef discussion) rpgraff brings up an intresting system regarding zeolite that I am still wanting him to explain in person

I do not think that carbon or poly filters and skimming are a good way to remove nitrates from the system though argumentatively they will do some?

lastly rooted plants a key to possibly extending the DSB use nitrates and phosphates!]
 
[Thanks for the reply. I will check out that RF thread. Really my question is would I gain anything by putting LR rubble in the basket instead of the foam pads. I am using RO water and I have a pretty good amount of macro in the fuge. The AC500 keep the water sparkling clear, but I think it might be my slight nitrate source. 20ppm.

Mike]
 
[How often are you changing the filter pads in the AC500's? It may be possible that the filter pads are acting as a biological medium that is colonizing bacteria that is breaking down nutrients before the protein skimmer can remove them.

As a first step you could just remove the filter pads and leave the AC500's empty and see what happens to your nitrates.

How much live rock do you have in the tank?]
 
[I clean the pads at least every weekend and try to twice a week. I have 100 or so pounds of LR. Everything in the tank is fine. Absolutely no nuisance algae growth. Just need to get the nitrates down a little.]
 
[The AC500 is cannster type filter right?

If thats the case there will be a lot of flow going through it under pressure and I seriously doubt putting live rock rubble in it will provide any denitrating capability. You will just be adding more aerobic nitrification resulting in more nitrates.

The way to deal with nitrates is to both limit their addition and export them. Limiting has to do with what and how much you feed the tank, removing detritus and organic matter before they break down and not adding nitrate through water evaporation makeup.

Exporting has to do with macro algae cultivation and denitrification using a DSB and/or plenum system or a denitrifying coil of some sort. Also, significant water changes with water that does not add nitrates and possibly trying some of these nitrate removing filter compounds, but I have no experience if they work or not.]
 
[Not sure you have the light to support them, but clams are really nice nitrate filters. And they add a lot to the lok of the tank.]
 
[No, I do not have the lights to support them. I have a "half-reef", inverts and fish, no corals. I do not really have a hardcore nitrate problem, just have a pet peeve of wanted "perfect" water conditions.

Thanks for the input,
Mike]
 
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