Filtration Question (to use or not to use)

[Sniper308]

My tank consists of the following:
46g Bow Front tank
10g sump (1/2 full)
Aquaclear Aquatics skimmer(rated @150g tank)
2-power sweep power heads(for circulation)
Fluval 304(new model)canister filter
The return for my sump is a hagen 802 powerhead.
Aprox. 100-125lbs live rock
very very fine crushed coral substrate(almost as fine as most reef sand) about 3-4"
I removed the bioballs from my wet dry about four months ago and have seen no ill effects. My question is this....
The Fluval is set up using only the sponge prefilters and it is full of the bio-max(i think) ceramic rings. I know that this is probably doing the same thing as the bio balls but am running the filter mostly for circulation. Do I need the Fluval? Does anyone think that I would be better off removing it or what about running it completely empty just as a water pump. I am sure that I have enough LR for biological filtration but am having a problem with nitrates which I am attributing to the Fluval. Does this sound like a good assumption? What about water circulation? The hagen 802 is a little undersized for a return pump, I have been looking for a replacement but do not want a Rio. As far as the powersweep Power heads go, they do an excellent job of sweeping current but are not that strong when GPH is considered. Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance to all responses.

 

[srbayless]

Howdy,

I would gradually remove the media from the fluval, it is probably just adding to your nitrate problem. You could keep the fluval since it's a nice place to put carbon or other media.

Get a Mag 9 for your water return. I have used a mag 7 and 24 on my aquariums, and love the pumps. I have recently heard some complaints about the mag 7's not restarting after a power outage. The mag 7's seem to be the only mag pumps with this problem.

If you really don't like the zoomed powersweeps, switch to Maxijet pumps. The maxi's are far superior and never fail. They don't have a sweeping head, but that's OK.

Good luck,

Scott.

 

[DeathWish302]

Umm, here is my opinion: lose the Fluval, if you still want it for circulation, empty it completely of media and only use it occassionally for carbon. No crushed coral is fine enough. If you want a DSB, i'd highly suggest Southdown. If you've seen the sugar-sized sand by Carib Sea at you LFS, it too is still too big for the bulk amount. From my reading, dsb's are the number one nitrate reducer (mine is in the beginning stages, so i'm still waiting).
As for your return pump,what corals are you keeping??? With that small of a return pump, i'd suggest an upgrade. A high-end pump will pay off in the end. Also, i personally don't like the mags and wouldn't touch a RIO. I'd shoot for a Little Giant, Dolphin, Quiet One, or Iwaki if you keeping or will be keeping SPS.
Aren't familiar with powersweeps, but i only have good to say about Maxi-Jets. If your serious about a reef, and want SPS i would truly consider a closed-loop recirculating system Gemini powerheads, or a combination.
Here's the link for the ciculation system!!! here

One last point, remember there are many ways to reef and many equipment manfacturers to choose from. Research and listen to advice, then make your decision.

DW302

 

[waterloomarc]

I'm really surprised that you can get any return from that powerhead. That's not meant to be a flame, I love Hagen powerheads. I'm really surprised that not a lot of people use/recommend them on this board.

That said I would also recommend that you buy a new return pump, something that would give you more flow. For your size tank I would go with maybe a Mag 5 or 7, with the caveat already mentioned about the 7's. A Mag 9 would be a huge jump from what you've got, but consensus seems to be the more circulation the better

How much head have you got between your sump and tank? How many gph do you get through the 802? I'm setting up a refugium in the near future and I'm still undecided on what to plumb it with...I was thinking of using one of my 401's

-Marc

 

[kaotica]

i had a fluval 404 and took it off and gave it to my borther for his freshwater tank. i use a mag for the return from my 10G, and as for the 802 just add it to your tank to increase current. I have 3 401's in my tank and they are ok.

 

[Sniper308]

to waterloomarc: As for the 401 to return water from your refugium, I would not reccomend that. I have tried to use a 401 to pump water change water from a 20g rubbermaid to my tank and it will hardly flow any water.

To Mickav8r: Youre just about right, I have no idea what the actual gallonage of water in the tank is now but the rock covers the entire back of the tank from top to bottom and leaves about a 4" area in front for swimming space. I moved the rock from my 92g corner bow front and had to squeeze it all in. I am currently looking for a tank between the 2 sizes say maybe a 75g.
I am assuming the rock amount to be at least 100lbs. as I did purchace it at different times and different amounts. Although the rock piecies are quite large for the most part, the are very light and porus which may be affecting my judgement of the actual weight.

Pictures of this tank can be seen at the following link:My reef tank

[ August 27, 2001: Message edited by: Sniper308 ]

[ August 27, 2001: Message edited by: Sniper308 ]

 

[Anonymous]

ditch the fluval...

I'm still pondering how you managed to fit 125 pounds of LR in a 46 bow... you got what 3 gallons of water in there =)

 

[Sniper308]

Anyone?