Mechanical Filtration or Not?

[npaden]

I started with lots of mechnical filtration on my reef tank, but have since completely
pulled the filter pads and am just running them for circulation. 100+ lbs of LR and a
decent skimmer undersized (KNOP) in my 120. I do use activated carbon in one of the
filters. Before I pulled the mechanical I was running < 5 nitrates but now I am up
around 10. I cleaned the filter pads weekly and that is how I kept the nitrates down.
Should I add some filter pads back, or what? I have just ordered 30 lbs of live sand and
am going to start building up my sand bed to 4 inches in spots to help with dentrification. Right now it is 1 to 2 inches. Any thoughts? Thanks Nathan

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[MIKE]

Hi Nathan,

I personally really dislike using mechanical filtration. But it's not "bad", assuming you clean it religiously. My problem was the religious part http://216.121.119.111/ubb/smile.gif.

If your other filtration components seem undersized, and your tank is pretty new, go ahead and use the mechanical filtration for now. Just make sure and clean it like clockwork, or you'll get the opposite effect you desire. BTW, this includes rinsing the carbon too.

Ultimately, for ease of maintenance and ecological balancing, I'd suggest upsizing the skimmer and/or allowing the tank to mature so you can ultimately do with any mechanical filtration.

Good luck
Mike

[DougL]

npaden;
Just a thought, I have found that a gravity return refugium with a very slow flow and some algae filters the water very well, while feeding the refugium sandbed. The best part is it never needs cleaning.
This is the only mechanical filtration I currently run. KAS makes a good point about carbon. A filter in front of it is really necessary.
HTH;

DougL

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[KASESQ]

I would add that some mechanical filtration is necessary if you run carbon in any mode other than a bag in your sump, and even then you will need to rinse out the bag to get rid of the schmutz. I use the large Fluvals filled (and I mean filled) with carbon, and I replace the floss weekly, rinsing the carbon when I clean the filter. I use a lot more carbon than others might think prudent just because I am paranoid about the defensive chemicals given off by my myriad of soft corals (I believe these substances are collectively referred to as terpenoids?). Anyway, I have found that my water turns yellowish really quickly without constant carbon filtration.fwiw, kas