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View Full Version : Fluidized sandbed filter


blennymower
03/24/2009, 08:27 AM
What do you think about these things? I've read they can add massive amounts of surface area along with biological filtration.

Red Firefish
03/24/2009, 10:02 AM
It's true that fluidized bed filters do have amount to bacterial surface area- that's their purpose. But, if you're using good live rock and adequate flow, you aren't usually limited on bacterial surface area in proportion to your tank's biomass.

Also, artificial surfaces like a fluidized bed (along with undergravel, wet/dry, or canister media filters) are usually highly oxygenated and grow only aerobic bacteria, rather than the diversity of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria found in live rock and established live sandbeds. Functionally, reef tanks with these kinds of filters often see high production of nitrate, which can create the need for bigger water changes.

I'd recommend just sticking with good live rock. Hope that helps.

blennymower
03/24/2009, 03:10 PM
thanks man