can I add another filter?
- Thread starter leesst200
- Start date
I don't use a model like that, best for someone else to answer that one. I will say though that I agree with Bob on mechanical filters in SW tanks. I used a canister on my 55 until I had enough rock. I was VERY careful about doing maintenance on it to avoid toxic build up and now I only use it when I need to run something like carbon for a few days.
that's where good husbandry practices come into play. you need to replace filter pads regularly to prevent the build up of nitrates.
people who runs sumps use filter socks to trap particles susspended in the water column and wash and replace them regularly. a deep sand bed is only effective if it is around 5" deep...which this one is not.
i have 4 saltwater tanks. the oldest one has been running for about 3 years now. i use filter pads and filter socks and my nitrates have never been above 10ppm.
My bed is about 1.5" deep, and i do not have a sump. I agree with dmjordan (from what i have learnt so far from fish keeping), for example, with my pond filter, i have to keep it clean/replace it regularly to keep the nitrates down, same as the freshwater tank, although the media stays in there.
Why doesnt filter media work the same in SW setups then? is it the salt that effects things?
the only real difference as far as the filter media goes is that carbon contains nitrates (which are bad for saltwater tanks) and in a saltwater tank carbon will remove some of the trace elements from your water. i run carbon for 24 hrs and remove it. i do this once per week. i also do 10% to 15% water changes weekly with RO/DI water. make sure you mich new saltwater for at least 24 hours before adding it to your tank. it should also be the same temp and ph as what is in your tank. as for the sandbed... they are most beneficial if under 1" or over 5". anything in between seem to store up decomposing or dying organics....uneaten fish food, fish waste, etc...
