Questions about some lowbudget product

First off a Kent nitrogen sponge that is said to reduce nitrates. Would this be good for my refugium. (first photo)

Second the marineland canister filter. Magnum 350. Would this be better then an emperor 400. (second photo)

Third the coral life reverse osmosis system. (third photo)

And finally even though it doesnt contain a photo a coral life protein skimmer for 125g.

My heart is not set on any of these would just like educated opinions.

 

NO!

get a BRS/spectrapure/bulkreefsupply RODI unit RODI ,
don't need the filter if you have a sump/fuge and enough liverock, but you can kinda make it a mini fuge too, but buy used for that

and buy a better skimmer,

 

Works in Freshwater does nothing in marine. Same with the canister filters.

That is just an RO unit. You would have to get a DI add-on kit.
For $100 you can get a decent RODI. The amount you would have invested in that unit + DI add-on you would have a really nice RODI.
I don't know what membrane they use. But, their Carbon blocks and Sediment filters weigh about the same. Should tell you something.

What store is that? You can save money not buying the Canister or that Zeolite stuff and put the money into a better skimmer.

 

Quote:
KENT MARINE NITROGEN SPONGE is a granular zeolitic medium that directly adsorbs ammonia in freshwater and fosters anaerobic bacteria growth to reduce nitrate levels in both marine and freshwater aquariums.

From the looks of your quote it will only not directly uptake ammonia in SW. It should still uptake nitrates or they are being wildly misleading in their claim.

As for canisters....I don't run one and never will but there are people who do use them in marine applications. Properly used and maintained they are just another form of filtration.

 

Can you guys give me an example of a good RODI system?

 

Spectraapure is a great option and BRS are not bad.

 

I agree with the nitrate product - I don't believe it is a product you will need. You definitely don't need a canister filter. It becomes one more thing to maintain. You have a sump and fuge. Live rock and these should be enough for a filter. Invest in a high quality skimmer and RO/DI unit. I am a firm believer that you will need to be able to run GFO and carbon in your system. I'm pretty sure carbon can just be put in the sump but those that have a sump and fuge can speak to what you would need to run GFO and carbon. These products will help keep nutrients lower so that you don't struggle with phosphates that contribute to various algae problems. Of course, this is all IMO

 

I have a lot of carbon in the system what is GFO?

 

This is a hobby that i've learned over and over again that you get what you pay for.

I would choose water changes/gfo and carbon as opposed to the nitrate sponge.

Yes a canister filter can be a great source of filtration,the downside is they need constant maintenance to work optimal.When let go,they just add to the problems.And with a sump,I wouldn't run one at all.

For ro/di-spectrapure is tough to beat,buckeye field supply and brs units are good as well.The coralife system would be throwing money out the window.

And for a budget,the aqua c remora makes a far better skimmer for in the same price range as well as some of the reef octopus models and of coarse there is even bigger and better brands/models depending on tank size and budget.

Your ro/di,lighting and skimmer are three areas that you do not want to skimp out on.

Granular ferric oxide,it removes phosphates and silicates from your system when used properly such as in a reactor.Since you are having troubles with high nitrates,it's probably a safe bet that you have phosphate issues as well.

 

Also BMX, on this site, if you see an acronym you don't know what it is, just hold your cursor on it and you'll see a ? and it usually will tell you what the acronym stands for - pretty cool