Adding new Filter to Established tank

Discussion in 'Filters, Pumps, etc..' started by xJamesC28, Apr 12, 2013.

to remove this notice and enjoy 3reef content with less ads. 3reef membership is free.

Page 1 of 2
  1. xJamesC28

    xJamesC28 Bristle Worm

    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2013
    Messages:
    142
    Location:
    Ireland
    Hey, My 20g Reef tank doesn't have a filter, I just rely on the Live Rock to do the Filtering for me and I've been wanting to get a filter lately but I don't want to start another cycle Especially with my Current stock. Too much risk. What can I do? Would Adding a filter not cause another cycle since there is Live Rock Filtering the Water?

    I feel like there is nothing really I can do...
     
    xJamesC28, Apr 12, 2013
    xJamesC28, Apr 12, 2013
    #1

    2. Click Here!

  2. DevinH

    DevinH Montipora Capricornis

    Joined:
    May 18, 2012
    Messages:
    1,015
    Location:
    Louisville, Kentucky
    A filter isn't adding to the bio load so I don't think it would.
     
    DevinH, Apr 12, 2013
    DevinH, Apr 12, 2013
    #2
  3. pgoodsell

    pgoodsell Horrid Stonefish

    Joined:
    Apr 6, 2009
    Messages:
    2,059
    Location:
    Sparks, Nv
    Should be able to add the filter with no problems. Wont affect the bio load at all. In time it will actually help increase you level of bacteria as they colonize the new filter media.
     
    Last edited: Apr 12, 2013
    pgoodsell, Apr 12, 2013
    pgoodsell, Apr 12, 2013
    #3
  4. sailorguy

    sailorguy Torch Coral

    Joined:
    Mar 15, 2009
    Messages:
    1,186
    Location:
    new jersey
    Just curious,what are your reasons for wanting to add a filter and what type of filter do you have in mind?
     
    sailorguy, Apr 12, 2013
    sailorguy, Apr 12, 2013
    #4
  5. oldfishkeeper

    oldfishkeeper Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Aug 13, 2012
    Messages:
    7,660
    Location:
    Cincinnati
    +1 to this question
     
    oldfishkeeper, Apr 12, 2013
    oldfishkeeper, Apr 12, 2013
    #5
  6. xJamesC28

    xJamesC28 Bristle Worm

    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2013
    Messages:
    142
    Location:
    Ireland
    I'm looking into a HOB Filter. Even with the amount of Water Changes I do the tank gets dirty fairly fast. So I'd like one to make it look that bit cleaner and Plus, it would also help on flow in the tank. Even though I have enough I could always do with more flow! :)

    And also it would be less noticeable in the tank
     
    xJamesC28, Apr 12, 2013
    xJamesC28, Apr 12, 2013
    #6

    7. Click Here!

  7. Mr. Bill

    Mr. Bill Native Floridian

    Joined:
    May 28, 2011
    Messages:
    4,874
    Location:
    USA
    The HOB will be fine. If you use the mechanical media, it may need changed frequently as trapped detritus still breaks down into DOCs, thereby increasing Nitrate production. FTR, I have one on my tank for surface circulation and a place to hang media bags for GAC, etc. I do not use the pads.
     
    Mr. Bill, Apr 12, 2013
    Mr. Bill, Apr 12, 2013
    #7
  8. oldfishkeeper

    oldfishkeeper Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Aug 13, 2012
    Messages:
    7,660
    Location:
    Cincinnati
    Agree with Mr. Bill - shouldn't affect the tank in terms of any kind of cycling. I have one on mine and keep GAC and phosguard bag in it. I do make sure to rinse the media bags at least weekly because of detritrus build up. I think you could even make it into a mini fuge if you wanted - add macro and a light and there you go. It also will provide additional surface flow. It's a great addition to your tank IMO.
     
    oldfishkeeper, Apr 13, 2013
    oldfishkeeper, Apr 13, 2013
    #8
  9. xJamesC28

    xJamesC28 Bristle Worm

    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2013
    Messages:
    142
    Location:
    Ireland
    Thanks guys!, I really appreciate it, I was just a bit worried that I would never be able to do anything but I guess I'm wrong :). What would you recommend to put it the filter?
     
    xJamesC28, Apr 13, 2013
    xJamesC28, Apr 13, 2013
    #9
  10. DSC reef

    DSC reef Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Dec 16, 2012
    Messages:
    3,817
    Location:
    Cocoa, Florida
    Marineland makes great HOB filters. Thats all I use.
     
    DSC reef, Apr 14, 2013
    DSC reef, Apr 14, 2013
    #10
Page 1 of 2