Should this be removed

[Desert-ReeferII]

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1236/1111333040_57829ebfcc.jpg

My instinct is that the sponges in this filter should be removed; would the sponges be causing my nitrates to be high?

This 40gal system was moved to my house six days ago so even though I thought that I was a step ahead of the game I think I'm only an inch or two, I have 40lbs Live Rock, 50lbs Live Sand, & Cyclone Protein Skimmer that not much is coming out of.

I'm sure I need a better skimmer but which one can I use on this system that I'll be able to use on a 120gal future tank?


http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1098/1110702731_860319460c_b.jpg
Day Six


Thanks in advance.
Bob

[Nano Chris]

I would get rid of the sponges, i use a CSS 125 on my 90 and it works well, many good skimmers out there Euro Reef, Coralife (cheaper), Tunze Skimmers....

[bertoni]

I'd get rid of the sponge, too. For a 120g tank, I'd look at a Euro-Reef, but there are other brands, as well. ASM, Bubble Master, and Deltec come to mind. There are probably a million threads in the equipment forum with skimmer lists.

[happyface888]

Toss the sponge and turn that thing into a refugium

[schoch79]

Get rid of the sponge. I'm not sure you can get a skimmer that is a good size for a 40 gallon that would also work for a 120. I only say this because a good rule of thumb is to get a skimmer that is rated at 1.5-2 times that of your tank volume. That being said you would need about a skimmer rated at 160-200 or so for the 120 and although you cannot over skim I think that would be too much for a 40 gallon as it would cause too much flow and probably a lot of micro bubbles in addition.

[rustybucket145]

yank it! Go big with a skimmer. Many skimmers are waaayyy overrated by their manufacturers.

[gummi]

I can't see the pic or application....

I personally think it's ok to run sponges as they collect detrius but ONLY if they are religiously washed every day or two...

[DSKinchen]

Chuck it or make a firm commitment to clean often. It's a mechanical filter and they work well, but if the crud builds up and breaks down, what's the point of having it. skimming is the way to go but remember, you need to keep that clean too!