Question on cycling

[Carissa]

I can't find that link now. If I come across it again I will post it. It was mainly talking about differences between European setups and American setups.

What makes sense to me at this point, is that nitrate levels are determined more by stocking than anything else (denitrification aside). If a filter is allowed to trap a bunch of detritus and keep it there, it will be churning out nitrates. But it would seem to me that one thing that can be done to reduce nitrates is have mechanical filtration that is cleaned out on a regular basis....thus removing organics before they turn into nitrates in the first place.

 

[Amphiprion]

Yes, as long as it is changed very regularly (several times per week), or else the opposite scenario will occur. You will have a localized nitrate factory. Stocking, feeding, export, etc. has a lot to do with final concentrations. It is sort of a delicate balancing game.

 

[Carissa]

So would you say it's better NOT to have mechanical filtration (besides a protein skimmer)?

 

[Amphiprion]

So would you say it's better NOT to have mechanical filtration (besides a protein skimmer)?

That all depends upon how often you are willing to change out the mechanical media. Personally, I do not employ typical mechanical filtration. I rely on protein skimming only, which completely removes particles from contact with the water. The one exception would be that particles are trapped in the phosphate and carbon reactors that I also run, but not to a large extent.

 

[Carissa]

I think I'll go that route too. If I can, I would like to get a hang-on protein skimmer that also has space to put media of some kind. Any suggestions off hand for a 33g tank?