Is my filtration enough?

[Mord]

Ok, so question for all the masters here

I have recently begun setup on a 15 gallon FOWLR which i do eventually intend to convert to a nano reef. This being said, It is my first step into saltwater, but due to restrictions in my apartment I am unable to go with a larger tank. So my equipment list is as follows:

Aquaclear 20 Powerhead: 125gph
Zoomed Powersweeep 214: 160gph
Penguin Biowheel 150 (LR rubble): 150gph
Current Fission Nano Skimmer: 84 gph

So I know i am well over the 10x turnover rate
There are 18 lbs of live rock in the tank and about 25 lbs of sand. 10lbs live sand and 15lbs argonite sand.

Everwhere i am reading says Sump.. Sump... Sump. What i need to know is am I feasibly stable for a few months at least. I am looking at moving into a new place in about 6 months where I would be able to move into a larger aquarium, or go back and retrofit this one for a plumbed overflow and a sump.

Thanks for any help/critiques

-Mord

 

[bjoiner]

IMO, for a 15 gallon tank, I wouldn't worry about doing a sump. The trick to a tank that size is to skim hard and do water changes often. Also, make sure you top off daily as (percentage-wise) you'll loose a LOT to evaporation.

I've had a 20 gallon FOWLR going for about 2 years now. One of the biggest issues I've run into is salt creep. Makes it very difficult to keep salinity stable.

I would save the money for the sump and put it towards a bigger tank in the future. My guess is that you are going to outgrow the 15 pretty quick. :-D

 

[Mord]

So do you have any recommendations then on the easiest way to control the salt creep, Cause I have already noticed that. Tank is still cycling, so no livestock yet fortunately, cause im still learning how to control the sg of the water, but I already notice a roughly .003 sg swing throughout the day. Still workin on how to control that, since i honestly dont see a lot of salt creep on my stuff which is what is confusing me.

-Mord

 

[bjoiner]

Are you using a hydrometer or a refractometer? Especially since SG is so important with a tank your size, I would HIGHLY recommend a refractometer. I was using a swing arm hydrometer and could get a delta of .003 testing the same water twice - they really aren't reliable. The refractometer however is very precise and in my opinion easier to use than a hydrometer. After a quality skimmer, this is probably the best investment you can make for your tank.

They do sell a spray that is supposed to help the salt creep. I've never personally used it and I can't tell you if it works or is one of those gimic things.

The salt creep I have on my tank is due mostly from the light's power cord rubbing against my filter. When the power cord touches the side of my filter, the water starts trickling down it (another good reason to leave a drip loop in your power cords). I find a lot of salt on the cord and the side of my filter. - Just watch to make sure everything on your filters have a good tight fit and you should be ok.

HTH, Ben

 

[Mord]

I am using an off the shelf hydrometer >.<

Definately interested in getting ahold of a refractometer. Is this something I would need to order from a specialty parts store online? Or could I find it at a local hardware store.

 

[bjoiner]

I doubt if you'll find them at a hardware store. You probably won't even find them at a fish store unless it's taylored for marine.

I got mine from marinedepot.com for around $50 (arrived next day).
http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_the ... sp?CartId=

You might be able to find them elsewhere for cheaper but probably not by much.

 

[RichG]

I was using that same skimmer on the same size tank, and was'nt getting much skim. I switched over to the red sea prizm deluxe, and it made a world of difference. I don't think you get enough contact time with that little skimmer. Look into the prizm.

Good luck

richg

 

[Anonymous]

The penguin bio wheel should be dumped as you will be fighting nitrates with that collector. If you want to use it, empty it out of any bio balls or floss, and use it to:
1. Dose any additives
2. A good place to drop carbon pr phosban as needed.
3. create surface flow (I assume it is a hang on back?)

Controlling sg in a nano is tough...good luck. I couldnt tell you how to adjust that, i never had a nano.