Better Husbandry Vs. Nitrate Filter

[Cave Dweller]

I'm still relatively new to the world of marine aquariums but have been on an off with tanks. I currently have a 40g that is going to be upgraded to my brothers old 75g. His sump, which was set up more suitably for reef environments originally had mangroves, rubble, and a skimmer. Accompanied with appropriate water changes etc the system worked fine.

I however, will not have a skimmer at the moment and have been attracted towards FOWLR with fish who have more aggressive tendencies when eatting. I have cut back on the feeding and am trying to do better in regards to water changes etc. As the tank is still relativley young i do know that some of the algae blooms are normal but of course everyone would like to control them as much as possible. Since a power outtage and a few unfortunate carpet surfing events, the lone survivor in the tank is a zebra eel.

I've been trying to read up on these nitrate filters and with my current somewhat relaxed husbandry seem like something that might be worth trying. Has anyone had experience with these filters before? Would like to have the new tank set up a bit better than the current one and am just looking for ideas before I have to bite the bullet and be a bit more dedicated to the tank.

 

[Cu455]

How large is the eel? How often are you feeding? What are you nitrates?

Instead of a nitrate filter get take the proactive approach and get a skimmer. The macros will help to. A deep sand bed will also help. Use a 5 or 3 gallon bucket and install a bulkhead. Have the overflow go into the deep sand bed. Have that overflow into your sump. Or put it after your sump.

A easier way to reduce you nitrates will be biopellets. Put some in a media bag and throw it in you sump. You can use a reactor but it is not a must.

Your nitrates shouldn't be that high with just one eel. I would guess you are overfeeding. The easiest thing to do for now is throw some macro in your tank. Since you have no coral you don't have to worry about the macro blocking light.

 

[Cave Dweller]

To be honest i havent' tested recently. I've even considered a small skimmer with the way it eats. The eel is 20+ inches and gets fed every 2-3 days ranging from 1 1/2 to 2 silversides. But when it eats it likes to go back into the rockwork and "tenderize" them and they practically are exploding with pieces floating around.

I'm not too worried about the levels as I try to stay on top of the water changes and such but if i go to the bigger tank and expand again I'm looking for ideas on how to keep it in check.

Also i'm not running a sump on the 40 at the moment so that would change things as well. I do have some cyano on my rocks still but most of what was scattered across the sand has disappeared, which again could be from the tank being young.

Right now just branching out for ideas to help keep it in check. The deep sand bed can also be implimented directly in the sump too no? Perhaps with some chaeto or mangroves?

 

[Cave Dweller]

Kinda something along these lines...

 

[Cu455]

Yes you can put a DSB in the sump. Thats a great way to set the sump up. A skimmer will help remove crap before it feeds the nitrogen cycle. Filter socks will do the same if cleaned often. Best thing to do to keep nitrates down is not overstocking the tank and feed what is needed and do it in a clean manner. You can even cut your feeding to every 4 to 5 days. Your eel is already pretty big. As predators get bigger you can cut down the amount you feed. Try to feed him pellets. Much easier ,cleaner and cheaper then frozen. It is also fortified with all the nutrients the fish needs. I mostly use NLS mega formula.Ialso use hakari massavore or carni sticks. NLS is the best thing for the .money.

 

[cmantis]

Or you can look into the ARID.

 

[beerfish]

Step 1 - Get rid of the zebra eel. It doesn't belong in a tank smaller than a 150g. They grow to 5 feet long. Keeping it in a 40g is like you living in a port-a-potty.

Step 2 - Tear the tank down and set it up with a sump and high quality skimmer from day one. Otherwise you'll always be playing catch up.