Newbie setting up tank and need some filtering advice

[RyanRay]

I'm in the research, read, and research more stage of setting up a reef tank. I really don't have much experience other than visiting the real thing every chance I get (boy am I due :wink: !) but this is something I've wanted to do for as long as I can remember.

I think I'm starting to get a better handle on my plan including tank, lighting, species compatibility, substrate, etc. but, after all the research I've done, I'm not that clear on the best filtering methods.

I planning on a 65 gl, primarily invertebrite tank, with substrate mix of a coral sand/crushed coral/aragonite mix with plenty of live rock. I was planning on making some "dead spots" or anaerobic regions underneath one or two pieces of the live rock by layering 2" of fine sand. I've heard conflicting reports about this, so I'm not sure if I should avoid this or not. Thoughts?

For the other filtering methods, I'm kind of at a loss. My buddy, who's done this for some time, is recommending a wet/dry filter and sump. From what I've heard, this is not necessarily the best option. What I do know is I'm spending the money to the best protein skimmer as I can get. Can anyone share experience on what they've done for filtering this type of setups and advantages/disadvantages?

Thanks in advance!

(sorry to all about posting in general discussions...wasn't paying attention when posting.)


RR

 

[ChrisRD]

If you have live rock/sand in the display tank and a good skimmer you don't need the wet/dry filter. Wet/drys are a great nitrifying filter (meaning they house aerobic, nitrifying bacteria that convert ammonia > nitrite > nitrate), but they don't offer any dentrification (conversion of nitrates to nitrogen gas). They have their applications, but IMO a reef tank is not one of them. :wink:

The live rock and live sand will house all sorts of bacteria and perform both the nitrification and denitrication functions + provide natural habitat. Combined with a good protein skimmer (which will remove most of the wastes before bacterial filtration comes into play - a good thing) you'll have all the filtration you need. Best to save the money you would have spent on the wet/dry and put it towards a better skimmer and a good RO or RO/DI unit.

HTH and :welcome:

 

[ChrisRD]

Also, take a look in our library when you get a moment.

There's some good information in our Beginner's Guide...
http://www.reefs.org/library/newbieguide.htm

...and some good book recommendations here...
http://www.reefs.org/library/reading/

 

[RyanRay]

If you have live rock/sand in the display tank and a good skimmer you don't need the wet/dry filter.

Thanks for the information Chris. I did have one follow up question, based on your comment about the display tank. I may be showing my "newbie-ism" here, but is it important to have a sump in addition to the display tank? Does this act independantly from the wet/dry filter or are they one in the same. I think this is where the bulk of my confusion is coming from and I'm unable to get any clear information the explains this.

Thanks again.

RR

 

[VinNay]

I'm also a newbie and had the same confusion for a while over the sump issue, but finally figured it out.

A sump can just be a smaller tank (10-20 gallon maybe, depending on the size of your main tank). It can act as a housing unit for your filtration, etc (skimmer in your case) so those things don't have to be in the main (display) tank. A sump can also help with overflow problems.

I'm in the process of setting up my first tank, and it has an internal overflow box with holes drilled down to the sump where I will house my skimmer. The Extra water held in the sump also helps with keeping temperatures, pH, etc stable (the more water in the whole system, the better).

 

[ChrisRD]

Yup, many of us like to have a sump tank under the display tank where we can put protein skimmers, heaters, etc. out of sight. It's not required, but it's convenient and has some benefits. More total system water volume = more stability as mentioned above is one. It also gives you more options for skimmers (most hang-on skimmers aren't nearly as effective as the bigger in-sump models) and it's a convenient place to dose Ca/Alk additives, add evaportation top-off, etc.

The wet/dry setup is similar in that is also involves having a small tank under the display tank. The main difference is the bio balls. If you take the bio balls out and just have an empty tank, basically you have a sump. Some people actually do just that, but there are much cheaper ways to go about getting a sump! :wink: Basically any watertight container will work. Many of us silicone/glue some baffles in them too to keep skimmer bubbles out of the return pump intake (and thus blowing back into the main tank).

HTH

 

[ChrisRD]

...and BTW... ...VinNay,

:welcome: