Filtration

[MadReefer]

I currently have a Rena Filstart XP3 filtering my 55 gal with a Prizm skimmer and a power head for water movement. The canister is setup with both mechnical and bilogical meduia. Some one just gave me another XP3. I was considering making the one on my tank strictly biological and making the new one mechanical. Does this sound like a good idea? Is there a better way of using both filters?

Thanks,
Mark

 

[Brian]

Hi MAVL666

You could possibly fill the second one with live rock rubble. I wouldn't put any more sponge material in. The sponges will eventually cause nitrate buildup. Unless you have a strict maintenance schedule. I have live rock in place of bio balls in my wet dry on my 90g FOWLR. I have read that this should also cause nitrate buildup, but I haven't noticed anything excessive. You have to keep in mind though, this is a fish only system, I don't have any corals in there. It can tolerate higher nitrates.

 

[MadReefer]

Thanks for the info. So then should I remove the foam from my other filter and add more ceramic media this way both will be strictly biological?

 

[Brian]

Well, That's really up to you. I would take out all biological media. Let your live rock be your biological filter. Although, now that I think about it. I am assuming that you have Live Rock. :

Do you?

 

[MadReefer]

Brian,
I have 20lbs of live sand and about 30lbs to 35lbs of live rock in the tank.

Mark

 

[Jcurry@wesketch]

Like Brian said I would remove the biological material and sponges and replace one with carbon and the other with Phosguard or similar phosphate removing media. Let the live rock be the biological filter and upgrade the skimmer when you get a chance.

 

[MadReefer]

Thanks. But wouldn't I need more live rock to have an effecient biologocal filter? If I did do this how often would I need to replace the carbon and phosphate absorbing media? I have heard that phosphate absorbing media only works for a vey brief time, less than a month.

 

[Brian]

I'm not very familiar with Phosguard, or putting phosphate media in a canister filter, I'll let someone else answer that one. I am still new to the whole phosphate removing process.

You do have enough rock to have a good biological filter; but 10#'s more wouldn't hurt. I don't use tons of carbon, although with my new system I am running it. I am figuring on changing it about once a month.

 

[Jcurry@wesketch]

I change my carbon and phosguard once a month.