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06/16/2016, 09:56 AM | #1 |
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Recommendations for filtration without a sump.
I know sumps are strongly recommended- but I have had floods in the past with my last tank, so I really don't feel comfortable with using a sump. I have a 75 gallon with lots of live rock and sand. I run a HOB protein skimmer. I was thinking about getting more filtration to polish the water and take out any particles of unused food. I do have a cuc. Is it recommended that I get an additional filtration system and if so suggestions for which ones are best would be appreciated? Thank you. ( I know some might still want to advise that I should use a sump, I just am not comfortable with the flooding issues) Thank you!
BTW my tank is 4 months old. Currently fish only, 2 clowns, but my slow plan is to add more fish and some corals. |
06/16/2016, 10:07 AM | #2 |
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I think a hang on filter like an Aquaclear 70 would be an easy way to run different media at the same time in bags. A canister filter would be better but requires more cleaning.
If you only want to run one type of filtration, a hang on reactor might be a good option. I think you can mix GFO and carbon in there actually. |
06/16/2016, 10:12 AM | #3 |
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I run a large Fluval (formerly Aquaclear) on my 40 breeder. It's a great place to run media, adds a bit of extra flow.
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06/16/2016, 10:33 AM | #4 |
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I have the same setup as you. 75 sumpless with a hob protein skimmer. I also run a canister filter with pads and carbon. Also a reactor with gfo. Works great! I had a moray eel that was a huge bio load and this seemed to keep my water perfect.
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75 Gallon Mixed Reef, Reef Octopus BH2000, Sumpless, Maxspect Razor 320w Current Tank Info: 75 Gallon Mixed Reef |
06/16/2016, 10:58 AM | #5 |
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Moray26, can I ask what brands you use?
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06/16/2016, 11:02 AM | #6 |
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I am no expert, but I bought a Two Little Fishes media reactor. I am running GFO in it now, but I have run it with filter floss and carbon in it as well. It's hang on and pretty easy to clean.
The only down side is I bought the 150 first, and the pump was really loud, so I upgraded to the 550 reactor using the MJ600 pump and it runs very quiet. I suppose you can do the same with the 150 reactor and the mj400 pump.
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Never trust a man with a castle in his tank. 56g Column |Aquamaxx HOB-1 Skimmer |Reef Breeders Photon 24 LED |850gph Koralia (X2) | Maxspect Gyre XF130 |
06/17/2016, 08:04 AM | #7 |
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My set up is:
Lighting - Maxspect Razor 320W LED HOB Skimmer - Reef Octopus BH1000 HOB Canister Filter - API Filtstar XL with sponge (20 and 30) as well as carbon Reactor - Two little fishes 150 with Rowa Phos Pump - Maxspect Gyre 150 Hope this helps! It does wonders for my setup as my tanks bioload was very high due to the eel... But never had any issues. I do monthly water changes also.
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75 Gallon Mixed Reef, Reef Octopus BH2000, Sumpless, Maxspect Razor 320w Current Tank Info: 75 Gallon Mixed Reef Last edited by Moray26; 06/17/2016 at 08:09 AM. |
06/17/2016, 08:59 AM | #8 |
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You can also look into AquaClear HOB refugium conversions. Or run two aquaclears, one as fuge and one as media filter.
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06/17/2016, 09:13 AM | #9 |
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Sumpless can be done but you should know if your sump is properly designed you won't have a flood. A check valve and a siphon break will prevent back flow and the sump should be designed to hold the water from the over flow. That being said nothing wrong with going sumpless.
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06/17/2016, 09:15 AM | #10 |
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Here's a 90 gallon cube, no dump, internal tune skimmer & filter
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06/17/2016, 10:13 AM | #11 |
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I have been running a 125 gallon mixed reef with an Aquaclear 300 for the past 3 years. You just have to remember to clean the sponge out weekly. There is still room for GFO etc in the filter. I also use two MP40s with sponges to keep dirt suspended. Mp sponges get cleaned a few times per week.
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06/17/2016, 12:29 PM | #12 |
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Paint the back pane black and use any HOB filter you'd like. I see your concern, that's what I would do. Aqueon makes some nice, Italian made HOB filters. You could throw some ceramic rings in there for more bio filtration or live rock rubble. I used it as a HOB fuge and tossed some macro in it when I was running one temporarily.
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This hobby = no more money Current Tank Info: 8' 240 gallons of headache |
06/18/2016, 03:33 PM | #13 |
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I recommend a canister filter because it has much more filter surface area than a hob filter.
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06/18/2016, 04:34 PM | #14 |
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I'm running an Eheim pro canister filter on my 55 gal. Maintenance appears to be really easy- just change the scrubber pad every three-six months and carbon if you use it in one of your media baskets, and then the blue pad gets changed once a year. All the other media stays.
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06/18/2016, 05:15 PM | #15 | |
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Quote:
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Never trust a man with a castle in his tank. 56g Column |Aquamaxx HOB-1 Skimmer |Reef Breeders Photon 24 LED |850gph Koralia (X2) | Maxspect Gyre XF130 |
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08/17/2018, 04:02 PM | #16 |
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Have you considered Tunze multipliers?
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08/18/2018, 05:19 AM | #17 |
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I ran a 120 with two marineland imperial 400 bio filters. Prolly the best hang on filter.
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If it was'nt for the sea I could not see or sing ( Jimmy Buffet ) I like to glue animals to rocks and put disturbing amounts of electricity and saltwater next to each other Reefing is'nt how long you been in it. It is how deep you get in it. Current Tank Info: 400g display build, 300g sump, 75g ATO, 75g refug and a few more. Close to a 1000g. 200g mixing station. |
08/19/2018, 08:05 AM | #18 |
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I use two aquaclear 110's, run carbon 24-7 in them, change the sponge each week.
I use an under gravel filter system covered by 3" of sand, then nylon window screen,,then another 3" of sand. I use two aqua clear power heads to make the draw. I have used this system for 27 years. |
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