Funny Newby Mistake

So I was just informed tonight (by a complete stranger @ lfs) that I dont need to run a hang on the back filter and a sump at the same time.....After doing so for over a month and i was planning on continueing it because i bought a 6 month pack of filters. Im so clueless sometimes, I just thought the sump was like extra filtration. But found out having both running takes out all the bacteria even the good stuff.:laughing0

 

You are fine with the two if they are performing different function. If the HOB is used for chemical filtration and the sump is used for the skimmer and fuge then you would be doing the right thing. Duplicating filtration is a waste if one will do the work fine.

 

i dont think the extra filtration could hurt, probably keeps the water sparkling clean as well.

 

Yeah I thought that using a HOB was added flow and a easy way to run the water through a carbon filter...

I don't see how it would remove anything "good", but I'm a noob myself.

 

It won't if you are using it for carbon filtration.

 

Thats exactly what im using it for, I liked the flow the filter put out. So it isnt removing good chemicals too? I might put it back tomorrow lol

 

well the thing is with two bio filters (bio wheel,Live rock) the bacteria on bio wheel starves the bactria on the live rocks since the biowheels bacteria have a better chance at gaining nutrients

 

If you have a bio wheel just remove it they are nearly useless anyway.

 

+1 I ran a HOB filter in a sump for a while. I used it to run carbon and GFO, took out everything else. I was a poor college student and at the time, it was cheaper than buying reactors or canister filters. Worked fine.

 

Not sure how it would remove good bacteria from the rock and sand, unless it's like a pool cleaner and crawls around the tank sucking out bacteria!:LolLolLol: