What is the proper filtration?

I don't filter, just use a skimmer, live rock, and a lot of circulation.

mogurnda said:

I don't filter, just use a skimmer, live rock, and a lot of circulation.

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Is physical waste broken down and ultimately removed by the skimmer or occassionaly vacuumed out?

Some is removed by skimming, some is broken down to oblivion by detritivores and bacteria, the rest can be taken out with the occasional thorough siphoning. Every month or so, I like the blast everything with a powerhead to loosen debris.

I forgot to mention that I also use carbon. Helps to keep the water a little clearer and keep chemical warfare down. It can go in a canister, the sump, or the outflow from the skimmer.

Skimmers remove protiens caused by decaying organic matter by removing it before it gets converted into ammonia. Bacteria break down what ammonia is produced into nitrite, and then break it down into nitrate, and then break it down into harmless nitrogen gas. Any visable wast produces can be removed by vacuuming, although a good clean up crew makes vacuuming pointless.


As for carbon, it is used to remove inorganic substances mostly harmful metals, like copper. However carbon can only absorb so much before it fails to absorb anymore, making it needed to be changed.

Gealcath said:

Any visable wast produces can be removed by vacuuming, although a good clean up crew makes vacuuming pointless.


As for carbon, it is used to remove inorganic substances mostly harmful metals, like copper.

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I am not sure that I completely agree with either of these statements.

First, getting debris out of the cracks in your rocks is one of the best ways to prevent algae outbreaks. Detritivores will take care of a lot of the stuff, but my experience has been that it pays off to physically remove detritus on occasion.

Second, one of the things carbon does best is to remove organic substances. It provides a huge, hydrophobic surface for stuff to adsorb to. That is why people use it to remove yellowing compounds produced by macroalgae, and toxins produced by many species, including soft corals. Because it is by its very nature not very selective, it also removes metals to some extent, but that is not its forte.

I use a prizm skimmer. Can I put carbon in there? If so, where? Or do I have to buy something else to hang on my tank? The reason I ask about carbon now is because I am finally to the point (education wise) where I feel comfortable adding some softies to my tank.

I run carbon periodically in a cheapish hang on tank filter.
You can put a filter sock full of carbon just about anywhere, although a high flow area is the best- you need the water running through it, not just around it..