Triton and mechanical filtration
 

Mechanical filtration not recommended when using the Triton method.
Why?
Filter "socks" are the most common method of mechanical filtration in most home reef aquaria.
What does mechanical filtration remove that is so crucial to Triton method?
Macroalgae utilizes large particulate matter?
Pax Bellum users feel free to weigh in!

They might consider that the skimmer removes enough particulates. The recommended turn over is minimum 10 x tank volume, so the volumn of particulates running past the skimmer is high. Also, in this case, the particulates are seperated from the tank water rather than sitting in a sock in the water. Any particulates not caught can be consumed by the tank critters, breaking them down into inorganic nutrients to feed the algae.

Quote Triton - "Triton does not recommended the use of filter socks/floss as they remove benificial ingredients that algae require.
Any detritus that builds can be removed as and when required"

https://www.*********.com/attachment...-4-jpg.505975/

I have removed filter socks because my chaeto has brought my PO4 from .10 all the way to 0.00 on my Hanna ULR Checker, I am amazed. Use a powerful LED grow light and lots of flow through the chaeto and I'm now harvesting a overflowing 5 gallon bucket every 2 weeks!


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Triton recommend not using filter socks as these do catch and remove not only detritus which the algae use to thrive,but also catch pods and other small organisms that benefit the tank as a whole.

That said, many triton users do run socks, floss or roller mats.

I removed my filter socks after running them for 6 months and had a significant positive impact on algae growth. I’m not sure if the reason for this was the increased flow or the fact that the algae can use the detritus.

I like filter socks. I just dismantled my upstream refugium. I’ve been using Fauna Marin Bacto Balls, SeaChem, and ProdiBio cleaners.

interesting
 

Ryan on BRS tv youtube video just now released states they will not be running filter socks but they will be vacuuming their Triton style sump of detritus.

I run socks to prevent having to vac my sump of detritus.
I have pods galore and socks don't contain any pods when I change out the dirty socks.

How often do you change/clean filter socks?

When they're full. I run 10 micron socks. When in place, they fill within a couple of days

When I switched over I was really on the fence about removing the socks but I did and the system works great if you don't need them why use them?

Good point.
How long have you been running Triton? Full Triton or a variation?

How do you prevent detritus from settling in your sump?

Hey Gary! I hope you are doing well.

Interesting topic. I don't use socks regularly. I don't prevent detritus from settling in the sump, I want it to settle so it can be removed during water changes. I also storm the tank every once in awhile with socks until they fill up, then I remove them. I think there are benefits and drawbacks to both ways.

If I was going Triton and not doing water changes I think I'd break the rules and use socks. My sump gets pretty filthy. If you can't change water, it's gonna be a pain to keep things clean without using socks.

Considering running a modified triton where half of return goes to fuge and flow rate is going to be lower. Been running a fuge for years and has been very effective at nitrient reduction. As N&P get low cheato grows goes way down which is not bad as long as it doesnt crash wondering if all return goes into fuge first according to triton it would be more stable export. Cant see how it would be better, low nutrients is the goal not biomass

Using triton core 7 for about 3 months now I make sure my return pump is on max all day to get the 10x flow rate they recommend and I only notice detritus in the fuge area its never a lot...the area where I have the skimmer is always clean I guess since there's no area for it to settle and build up...I do have a small cuc down there and its only a few guys that started to pick at the corals so they where banished to the fuge

interesting... looking at a total reboot. getting a 2nd hand reefer450 and no sump. whichbis fine bc most ive seen mod this sump to death trying to incorporate a fuge. saw that crystal reef aquatics has after market triton sump specd for the reefer series however the sumps are true triton so no place for socks. jist kind of makes me feel uneasy not having the option.

https://crystalreefaquatics.com/coll...-450-reef-sump

also love that this question was already posed by my old bud gary! how goes it my man!?

Whats detritus going to do? It will mineralise into ammonia/ammonium, algaes favourite nitrogen nutrient.

older thread alert
 

In my experience, detritus laden water registers high levels on both P and N tests.
I want to carefully control N & P levels in my system- especially because I'm doing absolutely no water changes since modifying it's husbandry.
I personally (now) use mechanical filtration only when/if necessary instead of 24/7.
I do not believe any special style of sump is necessary to run a "Triton" style method. The ability to run (or NOT run) mechanical filtration is definitely a bonus- in any type of system.
ICP testing is a fantastic tool- regardless of who you choose to perform it.

Wait whatttt, filter socks catch soooo much gunk and tiny particles

I agree that filter socks can be a beneficial form of nutrient export. They can act to remove a lot of gunk, and I have a hard time believing that chaeto will remove all of that.

The gunk is mineralized & becomes ammonia,,, algae food. The gunk is also food for a host of other organisms including coral.
If you have an efficient inorganic nutrient filter method the gunk is not a concern.

So....which side do you stand on?

Filtration is good or bad?

mechanicle filtration?
depends on the system you want to run, how much feeding going on etc

Yes mechanical filtration. This thread is about wether or not to use mechanical filters while running triton, despite tritons recommendations.

Your brief explanation of gunk getting mineralized and becoming algae food.
Then you state if a efficient inorganic (none living, mechanical filters?)are in place. Then the gunk is of no concern.
This seems to suggest that your a proponent of mechanical filters. Reguardless of system type.

Given this thread being about triton, do you yourself run triton? If so. Do you run mechanical filters in conjunction with triton?

The gunk is organic matter, particulate to dissolved. Coral & microbes & pods etc eat this. It will eventually become inorganic nitrogen, including NO3 - & be used for photosynthesis by algae. So if you grow algae, or use some other efficient form of inorganic nutrient control the gunk is not an issue.
I only use very course mechanical filtration & no skimmer.
Triton recommends not using mechanical, so why consider using it?

Right.
I was reading your posts completely wrong. The way you stated the use of inorganic filters threw me off. I wasn’t thinking an inorganic filter as in algae. It came across to me as mechanical.
Inorganic means non living, I consider algae to be a living filter.

I’m with you now. 👍