wet dry
- Thread starter sharpie
- Start date
Wet dry filters were at one time, "THE" filter to have.
For the last 12 yrs or more, other systems have come to the forefront and have for the most part, relegated the wet dry to fish only systems.
The wet dry is a highly efficient system, quickly changing the ammonia to nitrite and the nitrite to nitrate.
However, because it lacks anerobic areas, it is incapable of converting the nitrates which will accumulate in the system and will require many water changes or a nitrate removal system to make it suitable for a reef tank.
For the last 12 yrs or more, other systems have come to the forefront and have for the most part, relegated the wet dry to fish only systems.
The wet dry is a highly efficient system, quickly changing the ammonia to nitrite and the nitrite to nitrate.
However, because it lacks anerobic areas, it is incapable of converting the nitrates which will accumulate in the system and will require many water changes or a nitrate removal system to make it suitable for a reef tank.
Even though I know wet/dry filters are somewhat outdated technology, I still find myself looking at them longingly in my aquarium supply catalogs. They are just so neat looking. Makes me want to drop $200-300 to have one just to look at in my own home (not really).
I think the looks are part of the appeal. At least for me.
I think the looks are part of the appeal. At least for me.
Why drop $200-300 bucks on a wet/dry when you can make one for much less! Check out this one that I am in the process of making
I had a post about this just last week. And come to find out after reading books, talking to other people, and reading what everyone else has replied back to me. Wet/Dry's are really best for a FOWLR tank. They are not the best to use for reef tanks. Like stated about the bio balls collect nitrites and can cause spikes bigger than your tank can keep up with to break down. There is another system out there that is a lot more safer to use with a reef only tank, and thats a sump with a refugium. You do not have to have a refugium but it helps out a lot more, and does not absorb as much of the nitrites like the wet/dry would.
