Mechnical Filtration for 75 Gallon

[stillcity]

I have a 75 gallon with about 50 pounds of live rock 2 small corals, and 5 small fish. I am running with a skimmer. Do I need mechanical filtration? If I were to choose to help my system with a filter what would you folks recommend as good economical choice.?

[dannable]

All mechanical filtration does is store all of the rotting food and waste in one place and blow the nitrates back into the system. They are really not effective in a reef aquarium in my opinion and you have to clean them at least once a week or sooner. Your best bet would be to add another 25 pounds of live rock (even base rock at $2 a pound would be inexpensive) and buy a good skimmer. Make sure you have good flow over the live rock as well. It will help process some of the Nitrates into Nitrate gas.

I am using the coralife super skimmer and it works great for under $100 Canadian. I think they are around 60-80 US.


Good luck!!

[dannable]

Sorry, I am at work and half asleep :) I notice you already have a skimmer and a small bioload. You really don't need mechanical filtration. Just keep the feedings small.

[Shagsbeard]

I'd get more rock in there. I'd also get a sump going, for all sorts of reasons other that filtration, but as an added bonus you can run a filter from time to time in it.

[stillcity]

I have a sump and I'd like to run a filter occasionally to get the big stuff out. My question is what is a good cost effective filter for the money?

[drummereef]

Imo, mechanical filtration is not needed on reef tanks. ;)

[Billybeau1]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10104275#post10104275 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dannable
Sorry, I am at work and half asleep :)

I want your job. :lol:

[Zann]

for a quick clean up of your water i find a magnum 350 with the micron filter works great for cleaning you can also add diatom powder to it to use as a diatom filter if needed.
i use one on my ap24 it has never been cloudy and i put a hydor on the out put for extra water movement with out adding heat to my tank.

[Shagsbeard]

In your sump you can occasionally run a filter sock. Don't leave it in there long enough to get gross, but I toss one in there every now and then.