what would be your recommended filtration system for a simple marine tank ?

[angmoh]

I'm planning to upgrade my tank. should i get a sump ? or overflow? or IOS ? or berlin ? or ??

planning to keep some gobies and low-demand corals only.

hopefully can achieve zero ammonia/NO2/NO3 with the new setup..

please comment. thanks.

[KaLiB]

My recommendation is to get a sump and combine the sump filtration system with a DSB/Plenum in the maintank.

The DSB/Plenum will help carry out dentrification(control nitrates) and the sump filtration system will take care of nitrification(convert ammonia and nitrite to nitrates).

In addition, you may add a macroalgae refugium in the sump which helps control nutrient levels in the tanks as you constantly harvest the fast growing macroalgae.

Apart from this, having a sump comes with a few other benefits including increase overall water volume(more stability) and better aeration.

[nim75sg]

Agreed .. get one with a sump.

[monsterz1975]

Get a tank with overflow and sump.;)

[angmoh]

yep i'v decided to go for sump.

as for ammonia, NO2 control, i believe the LR, LS will do the job well, as i'm not planning to go for high bioload, maybe just 3-4 small fish in a 30-40 gal.


i'm more concern about NO3 and PO4 control. i plan to have a refugium in the sump, to get some macroalgae to control NO3.

what bout PO4 ?

[angmoh]

of course with the new settings, i hope can maintain stable water para, and crystal clear water, without changing water every week.

i'll be also getting a weipro venturi skimmer.

[ashkwek]

Guys, what about external cannister filter?
What media to put into it

[KaLiB]

I believe each hobbyist would have his/her own preferred media for use in the canister filter.

For me, this is what i would have, a mix of mechanical and biological filtration media. 1st layer i would put filter wool and subsequently fill the other trays with biological filter media like coral chips, ceramic rings or biohome.

If you don't find it a hassle, chemical filtration media can also be added into the filter but i don't do it as i find it a hassle to open the canister filter regularly to replace the media.

[Little_Fish]

But say if space is of a limiting factor, would a IOS be sufficient? (those tanks with the filter compartment within the tank itself).
Still quite confuse with IOS internal flow system = water flows down and into a sump?
Or as mentioned into compartments within the main tank itself housing the filter medias.
Cos i have got no space to put a sump. :confused:

Thanks. :)

[KaLiB]

IOS can be used, but no doubt it will not have the benefits of a sump. In fact, if space is a problem, my recommendation would be to get a canister filter instead.

IOS takes up unnecessary tank space. This wastes precious tank space which could be used to house more fish or other stuff.

IOS is basically a filter compartment within the tank whereas for a sump, we would use an overflow system. The water from the maintank overflows into an overflow box which then leads to the sump via pipes.

[Little_Fish]

IOS can be used, but no doubt it will not have the benefits of a sump. In fact, if space is a problem, my recommendation would be to get a canister filter instead.

IOS takes up unnecessary tank space. This wastes precious tank space which could be used to house more fish or other stuff.

IOS is basically a filter compartment within the tank whereas for a sump, we would use an overflow system. The water from the maintank overflows into an overflow box which then leads to the sump via pipes.

hmm okay. I'll see if theres any more space i can squeeze out from my table to put a canister filter... Too many things liaoz... :p
hee.

[taylapong81]

i wouldn't recommend a cannister... this is just from personal experience... if you do use a canister, then it might be better to use it ONLY for mechanical filtration, and not biological. Because, biological bacteria gets disturbed very easily, it's better if your biological filtration is in the tank (ie. live rock, DSB), and then the canister just provides mechanical filtration.

I find it super leh-cheh la, cos, gotta keep opening up the canister to get rid of gunk. If not, detritus can collect and start rotting, sending your nitrates sky high.

[rapalla]

I would prefer you go for sump filtration or IOS at least... ;) Anyway every people has it own preference. Happy Reefing! ;)

[taylapong81]

You might want to try reading up on Deep sand beds or plenums... i think they've got their merits... and are quite beneficial in my opinion... dont' forget a good protein skimmer!!

[mugenvti]

Hi, it me again. Can I check what is DSB/Plenum and macroalgae refuhium?

[KaLiB]

Search the article forum, i have posted links on these stuff under deep_end's article.