Cryptic Fuge In A Canister Filter?

[kenske]

I've read that using a canister filter for long periods will become a nitrate factory. What if we remove all filter media and fill only with LR and eventually sponges would grow and help with the removal of nutrients.

Anybody ran/running a canister filter filled with LR for at least 6 months? If so, do/did you have any nitrate problem?

 

[wimby]

I have had mine setup for about 4 months it's an eheim with just live rock and filterfloss and carbon I use the spray bar to shoot water behind the rocks so there is water movement back there so far all is well with the nitrates I just change the pads at water change time it is on a 45gl tank I also have the same setup on a 20gl hope this helps

 

[bud]

Hi

How do you put a spraybar in a can?

 

[NYreefNoob]

filter

you dont put it in the can it's attached to the return line, my rena came with either a spray bar or a nozzle

 

[wimby]

yeah it's the return line I have it flowing behind the rocks in my main display

 

[SIReefer]

How do you get light in the canister filter for the live rock?

 

[wimby]

I don't have a light you only need light for cheato and thats also in the main display why do I need a light? All is well with both my systems like this no light

 

[SIReefer]

I just did a quickie research on this. I thought fuges were supposed to be lit but I found out that cryptic/benthic refugiums exist in low light or darkness. I have extra space in my sump that receives very little light so this idea might be worth exploring. I never heard of this type of fuge before.

 

[wimby]

I did it cause I don't have a fuge or sump and I have no room for one and I wanted extra water movement and I also heard that live rock was the main source of filtration and I also read about it someplace else so I tried it and it seems to be working just fine