Good Filter media for Reef Sump?

Discussion in 'Filters, Pumps, etc..' started by alexhamilton, Sep 25, 2012.

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  1. alexhamilton

    alexhamilton Plankton

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    Hello there!
    I am new to this whole Filter sump thing, im starting a 120 gallon reef tank. (largest ive ever done) and i want to make sure i get the right filter media in my sump.

    Let me start by saying i am going to have 150 pounds of live rock in my tank, I will also be using live sand. I already have 2 Phosban reactors. one is going to have nitrate and nitrite reducing media inside, the other one will have phosphate reducing media inside,
    I have a protein skimmer that is rated for a 250 gallon aquarium,

    So now i am stuck with what to put into my sump. OR if i should us it as a refugium? Like i said before Ive never previously used a sump before AND this is the biggest tank ive done so i want to get it right the first time.

    All input is much appreciated!!
     
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  3. Corailline

    Corailline Super Moderator

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    Welcome to 3reef,

    Sound like you have done your homework.


    What do you have in the way of mechanical filtration ?

    A refugium with marco algae is a good idea.

    Congrats on the new setup.
     
  4. alexhamilton

    alexhamilton Plankton

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    Thank you!

    So the mechanical filtration is what im kind of lost on.
    Becuase Alot people say that protein skimmers are and aren't mechanical filtation,
    And that reactors are biological, chemical and mechanical filtration. (Depending on what you have inside them)


    So when it comes down to it. i know i have plently of biological filtration due to the live rock and live sand. but as for mechanical and chemical. i am not really sure where i sit.

    What would you recommend?
     
  5. Corailline

    Corailline Super Moderator

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    LOL yeah I know of the debate on skimmers, tomato tomato.

    For mechanical I was thinking along the line of a sock to remove the suspend particles.

    Sounds like you have biological more than covered.

    I always run a quality carbon in my tanks.

    When you say nitrate removal in the reactor are you thinking bio-pellets?
     
  6. alexhamilton

    alexhamilton Plankton

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    Yes i was thinking of getting the socks too. i just have no place for them.
    And ive also seen mixed reveiws about carbon. but i was leaning in that direction anyways since i have always used it in my other tanks.

    And yes bio- pellets, I have read great things about them and know a few people that swear by them. So i figured i would give them a shot.
     
  7. Corailline

    Corailline Super Moderator

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    Take a looks at a couple members tanks like TheGrimGuy (not the new thread) and 2in10's tank. Also member Biocube just started a thread on Bio-pellets, oh and Vinnys thread.

    I hear mixed results about their use. It seems that if you are going to use them it's best to start right from the beginning and to start out at smaller amounts and work your way up.
     
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  9. alexhamilton

    alexhamilton Plankton

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    Well thank you! and im using the NPX bio beads. which i have read are alot better then other companies. as the NPX are all natural and other companies are not. idk how much truth is behind that. but i hope its true. haha. but would you have any other recommendations for my sump? because i feel as if i have enough chemical and mechanical filtration but i am still unsure. Any other media you would suggest i use?
     
  10. Corailline

    Corailline Super Moderator

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    What type of fish are going into your tank?

    Do you have a RO/DI system?

    Your skimmer is overrated, you have more than enough rock, phosban and are going to run bio-pellets, sounds like you have it covered.

    If you start a build thread (and I would) post some images and maybe we can find a place for a sock.
     
  11. alexhamilton

    alexhamilton Plankton

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    I am not sure what fish i am going to start with in this new reef setup,

    But i do not have a RO/DI system but there is a local reef specialty shop that has unlimited RO/DI water for free. Ive been going to him for awhile so i have that covered.
    But yes i am planning to start a thread and post pictures as i start the setup.

    So i will keep everyone updated!

    Thank you for your help!
     
  12. Todd_Sails

    Todd_Sails Giant Squid

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    Filter Media for sump filtration?

    -filter sock
    -LR- DT better than the sump IMHO
    -PS
    -Macroalgae- it's chaeto for me

    Nice job so far, there are dozens of ways to skin a cat