Nitrate trap?

[Taqpol]

Since I am likely not going to be able to plumb in a decent overflow or buy a skimmer thats worth getting for my 20H nano right now, I have been thinking of other means of filtration to skim the surface (Not get rid of the DOCs, but at least put them back in suspension where they don't build up an oily film on the surface. Along this line of thought I found the Current USA SubCurrent Internal filter. Here is a link:

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~ ... ndor~.html

This thing would skim the surface as well as provide extra flow in the tank in place of a second powerhead (I already plan on buying a Hydor Koralia 1 or 2). It also has a mechanical filter pad to remove large debris and some activated carbon to clear up the water. I know BioBalls are bad news, so I would probably replace this section with some live rock rubble. My question, would the sponge/filter build up enough detritus to cause a Nitrate problem? I plan an having an AC70 modded into a fuge with chaeto, but would this nitrate removal system just cancel out the nitrate built up by the internal filter?

 

[Anonymous]

Interesting product! As far as the sponge, if you clean it every few days that becomes a non issue.

 

[ChrisRD]

Assuming this will be a reef with live rock and good circulation, frequent water changes may be all you need.

Personally, if I was going to put a power filter on a tank this size I would opt for an external hang-on back type that takes up less internal space in the tank (which is at a premium in these small tanks) and is more easily accessible for frequent cleaning.

IMO you'd be best to forget the rock rubble idea as this will likely just be a crap trap and ultimately do more harm to your water quality than good. There will be more than enough bacteria in/on the live rock/sand that will be in the tank.

HTH