filteration

hey everyone, i have been on a few forums and there are arguments saying i shouldn't use a filter with the sponge and carbon. i should rely on my skimmer and LR only for filtering. but then they also said i didn't have enough LR for my tank. what do you guys think about this?

 

Carbon should be fine as long as your using a good quality carbon. That and changing it on a regular basis so it doesn't leech unwanted materials into your tank. Sponges would need to be kept up on a lot more as I believe they will ultimately add to your nitrate count.

I'm a big fan of LR, I think you have an adequate amount but if you want to use it as your sole filter with a skimmer you may want to get some more. Perhaps 25 more pounds maybe?

Take this with a grain of salt until someone who really knows their stuff agrees or disagrees

 

I second the above opinion. Some of the concerns come from statements about low grade carbon putting phosphates and other unwanted stuff back into the water.....

Jim

 

What types of carbon is everyone using (if youing any)? What is a good brand/quality for the money?

 

I have heard quite the contrary! The cheaper carbon alot of times is less apt to release phosphates into your tank. There is a product on the market by Seachem, I believe, called "RENEW". It is a carbon alternative that is alittle less powerful than carbon though it doesn't release phosphates into your water ever!
As for live rock, I wouldn't be too concerned about having atleast 1-2pounds per gallon tank-as long as you have a deep sand bed you will be ahead of the game, and at the same time be able to save alittle money as live rock is fairly expensive...
As for using carbon on a consistent basis, it is not necessary. As long as your skimmer is strong enough for your tank bioload, using carbon for a few weeks periodically is sufficient. Remember that carbon removes contaminants etc. whci is good, but it also removes iodine and trace minerals as well as medications if you are using them.

 

I agree with CR. He really knows his stuff.

 

Remember that carbon removes contaminants etc. which is good, but it also removes iodine and trace minerals as well as medications if you are using them.


So does your skimmer do exactly the same thing.

The concern of GAC removing trace elements to where it means something is nonsense and an old myth. The benefits of GAC way out weigh its disadvantages. The same for your skimmer. The two compliment each other. Both skimmers and GAC are a function of hydrophobic action and surface activity. All GAC (any media) should be rinsed and any of those that may have PO4 to leach out will be removed by rinsing.

Most good grad GAC are those that are HCl acid washed. Many in this hobby do not say if they are or not. The premium grades in this hobby are SeaChem Matrix, TLF Hydrocarbon and Marineland Black Diamond, along with AP Super Black Magic. They have been timed and tested for years in this hobby. You are safe with these. If one wants something even better one can get C-GAC but it is much more costly, like $8.00 / l or something like HCl acid washed American Norit RO series extruded Lignite GAC.


There is a simple test to prove if any GAC is capable of releasing PO4 into the water. Take a small sample of RO/DI water and put in just a pinch of GAC. Swirl it around and them add some PO4 indicator. If it turns blue in the vial there is PO4. The bluer it is the more PO4 there is. If it turns + blue rinse a new sample in RO/DI and test again to see if it turns blue

The cheaper carbon allot of times is less apt to release phosphates into your tank

And who told you that ? Who ever it was/is does not know what they are talking about. Whether it leaches PO4 or not is not a function of price but how it is processed.

PS

CR please do not take this wrong I often speak in a stong tone.