Is there such a thing as TOO Much Filtration

windlasher · 12/07/2018, 09:20 PM

The title says it all.

Let's say I have a 100-gallon tank and a 100-gallon sump. If I were to fill the sump completely with marine-pure balls/bricks, would I have problems or simply excellent filtration?

Call Me Curious

reefteaser · 12/08/2018, 06:31 AM

I started a second, smaller tank in my office. IM Nuvo Fusion 30L. I filled most of the rear (filter) section with Marine Pure blocks. Other than a bag of carbon, and mesh filter sock, that’s it. Assorted soft, LPS and SPS, a couple of fish and 4 Sexy shrimp. Using kalk in my make water, easy-peasy. Parameters in check, color and growth make me happy, it’s been up 16 months.
I’ve had 2 of the big blocks in the sump for my 115 gal mixed reef for over 3 years up with great results, although the other filtration differs. Definitely overkill in both cases, as is my nature sometimes, but perhaps that answers your question.
Marine Pure requires VERY gentle handling, it’s quite brittle. Maybe the Britewell product is sturdier, I might try it someday. Anyway, I like my results.

mcgyvr · 12/08/2018, 06:42 AM

No that is not a problem...The bacterial population will self limit.

Now one could make a case that you may be blocking flow and trapping detritus excessively... But there isnt much to stand on there.

12/07/2018, 09:20 PM	#1
windlasher Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Minneapolis Posts: 504	Is there such a thing as TOO Much Filtration The title says it all. Let's say I have a 100-gallon tank and a 100-gallon sump. If I were to fill the sump completely with marine-pure balls/bricks, would I have problems or simply excellent filtration? Call Me Curious __________________ --- PLEASE HELP SAVE THE DOLPHINS In case we run out of chicken. ---

12/08/2018, 06:42 AM	#3
mcgyvr Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 20,050	No that is not a problem...The bacterial population will self limit. Now one could make a case that you may be blocking flow and trapping detritus excessively... But there isnt much to stand on there. __________________ Who me?

12/08/2018, 06:31 AM	#2
reefteaser Convince'em or confuse'em Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: S FL Posts: 341	I started a second, smaller tank in my office. IM Nuvo Fusion 30L. I filled most of the rear (filter) section with Marine Pure blocks. Other than a bag of carbon, and mesh filter sock, that’s it. Assorted soft, LPS and SPS, a couple of fish and 4 Sexy shrimp. Using kalk in my make water, easy-peasy. Parameters in check, color and growth make me happy, it’s been up 16 months. I’ve had 2 of the big blocks in the sump for my 115 gal mixed reef for over 3 years up with great results, although the other filtration differs. Definitely overkill in both cases, as is my nature sometimes, but perhaps that answers your question. Marine Pure requires VERY gentle handling, it’s quite brittle. Maybe the Britewell product is sturdier, I might try it someday. Anyway, I like my results.