Do you use a filter besides LR?

[jimrawr]

Just curious to see how many people use filters and how many just stick with the Live Rock. I am trying to determine what I will do, I though I needed a HOB filter but maybe I dont if I have enough LR + flow?

[drillsar]

Just get Live Rock Its more Natural and Better way to Filter but remember if Live rock is your only filter you need alot like 2lbs per gallon

[salty3]

I also use a hob to get the solids out.

[jimrawr]

Are you sure about that 2lbs per gallon for proper LR filtration? I was going to put about 40lbs in my 30 gallon..

Also I was told in my LFS that having a HOB filter will only create more problems later on by storing all the crap and releasing nitrates back into the system..

[SuperNerd]

The only thing not "natural" that I use is carbon and phosphate remover.

If you're just starting out a skimmer can't hurt. If anything it may make your water too clean. :D

Your typical "filters"are seen more in FW I think than SW. In SW skimmers are used more.

[drillsar]

minimum of 1 pound per gallon and a maximum of 1.75 pounds per gallon.

[kau_cinta_ku]

i am the same with supernerd only use a phosban reactor other than LR.

"minimum of 1 pound per gallon and a maximum of 1.75 pounds per gallon."

while i agree on the 1 lb per gal. min. i dissagree that there is a max though. the more LR you have the better wether it be in the sump fuge main tank or all 3 it is all better for the system

[drummereef]

Live rock, skimmer, and plenty of flow for me. :)

[corals b 4 bills]

I have 255 lbs. of Live rock and a three inch sand bed (300 lbs,) in my 155 gallon, Nitrates and phosphates are zero. Oh yea I run a phosban reactor one of the cheapest most useful pieces of equipment I own.

[pete620]

I use a filter sock on my overflow a week or two a month to pick up large particales. Other than that I have about 40 pounds of live rock in my 29, a skimmer, and a phosphate reactor. My nitrates are 0.

[ordy1]

What about carbon? I've been under the impression that carbon is used alot in reef keeping. I thought that running carbon in a canister filter, connected to your sump, was the preferred way vis a vis throwing it, in a bag, into your sump. Now I'm confused....... No one uses carbon?

Ordy

[thecichlidpleco]

I just use an empty aquaclear 200 that I may turn into a refuge.

[casingbill]

I just installed a fluval 205, just to do some polishing and run carbon. My parameters have been great with no filter though.

[syntax357]

Gotta feed the critters in the fuge I dont use any filter media just rock skimmer and flow ohyea lots and lots of critters

[zoomfish1]

I put a Tidepool carbon pillow just before the return pump. I like to run carbon full time.

[Gary Majchrzak]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8908889#post8908889 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jimrawr
Just curious to see how many people use filters and how many just stick with the Live Rock. I am trying to determine what I will do, I though I needed a HOB filter but maybe I dont if I have enough LR + flow?
don't forget: besides biological filtration that live rock affords there is also
mechanical filtration and
chemical filtration

you'd be wise to run a skimmer and perhaps some granular activated carbon in a reef aquarium containing liverock.

[grouper25]

I use the new and huge Fluval X5 in addition to fuge, live rock MRC3 Skimmer and UV for my 220.
I load the 220 up with fine 200 Micron pad and carbon and phosban. My water is very clear and provides 650 gallons per hour in extra flow.