wet/dry or refugem?

[mr_X]

I find alot of fish stores using the refugem type filtration system, and when i ask them about it, they tell me it's the easiest and least maintenance. But there are people who have told me to stay away from this and go with a nice wet/dry with a built in skimmer, like the ProClear Aquatics Pro 150.
I so much want to have the refugem setup but i also would like to keep my life as simple as possible too.
Any Ideas?

 

[Anonymous]

I'd go with the skimmer and a refugium. Wet/dry systems always produce nitrates, which are not desirable in a reef tank. A refugium with macro algae, lighted at opposite time from the main tank helps to keep the water parameters more stable. A skimmer IMO is a given in any reef system.

 

[mr_X]

Ok, next question.....what size tank should i use for a 75? I have a 20 gallon freshwater tank still populated, that i was thinking of breaking down. will that do?

 

[Anonymous]

I'd go with the biggest that would fit under the stand, more water volume is always better!

 

[Anonymous]

I would also, go with the skimmer/fuge or just a good skimmer over a wet dry. I also agree that the biggest sump you can fit is the one you want. I 20 gal would be the smallest you could get away with IMO. I had a 10 on my old 60 and it was to small for comfort.

 

[mr_X]

i appreciate the info. i'll let you know how it turns out.
BTW, i was surfing the net and saw "Diatom" filters.
anyone have any experience with these?

 

[Anonymous]

They aren't terribly practical for everyday use and are basically a canister filter that uses diatomacious earth as a filter media. They can filter out fine particulate matter. Diatom filters are usually used to "polish" the water, like a once a week treatment. I've used them on occasion.

 

[fload]

The bigger the better you can hide a lot in it under ur stand or put it next to your tank and make a pretty sweet planted tank also amazing to look at with a flashlight in the dark so many wierd bugs you can get by without a skimmer however water will not be very clear and feeding will have to be closely monitored but I highly suggest a GOOD skimmer and be prepared to drop around $300 on the skimmer/pump

 

[mr_X]

i saw some skimmers last weekend that i was thinking about getting, one was the coralife needle wheel 125 gallon model, and the other was a sea clone 150 gallon model. both of these were under 120USD.
are they any good?
also...i have been doing some looking around, and i have seen a few setups(refugium)that had no partitions at all. apparently this works, and i'm assuming that the reason for the partitions is just to keep things kinda neat. i am thinking of buying a used 40 gallon and putting it next to the 75.
i could possibly fit a 29 tall or so underneath....

 

[jumpincactus]

the baffles serve a couple of purposes, it helps to control microbubbles from entering your main tank as they can be not only annoying but over time can be harmful to your inhabitants.

They also serve as dividers as you said to keep things neat, also gives you seperate compartments to house your skimmer and macroalgae to export nutrients.

Wet drys were the rage in the 80's as for modern day reefs most reef heads use refugiums. That is not to say you cant have a reef without one but if you want more stable water parameters and being able to have macroalgae for nutrient export and better control of nitrates I would stick with a fuge.

 

[Anonymous]

Adding voice to the 'fuge side, with partitions. Partitions serve to stop grit migration in a sump and thus protect your return pump, skimmer pump etc (where relevant). Macroalgae rocks as well!

 

[SnowManSnow]

stay AWAY from the seaclones

im sure MANY ppl here would second that thought.

b

 

[SnowManSnow]

btw i like that avitar andy hahaha...

there was someone here asking if they could use TABLE salt not long ago.. oh well guess you never know till u ask.
b

 

[mr_X]

okey then, it will be the coralife needle wheel skimmer for a 125..(i have a 75)and a 40 gallon refugium. i'll put 2 partitions, for a total of 3 compartments. should i drill some holes for the water to enter the compartments, or allow it to overflow into them? i am thinking , if i drill some small holes in the bottom of the first bulkhead, and then let it overflow into the last...the water fully circulated. in theory. now for the pump. i am going to place my refugium next to my main tank, instead of underneath, so does anyone have a recommendation on the GPH?

also..i have noticed that alot of systems have a sump BESIDES the refugium. nothing much to look at really..maybe a storage bin or something like that. is this important as well?

 

[Anonymous]

It's a matter of preference really. As far as the mechanics of the thing, you could start a new thread in the DYI forum. Those people know how best to set things up. I have ZERO ability in that department :lol:

 

[mr_X]

DYI?

 

[Anonymous]

DIY, must be a typo..... link below
http://www.reefs.org/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=4

Snowman, I take no credit for the avatar. I stole it from another site where I hope no-one from here frequents...

 

[Anonymous]

Yeah, I meant the DIY forum sorry!

 

[mr_X]

hey.
i have posted on the DIY and no response. some readers, but no responders..lol
here is the post:
http://www.reefs.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.p ... 62#1116262
any input?

 

[mr_X]

http://www.reefs.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.p ... 60#1121460