Filtration questions

[AZdogpatch06]

Alright so I'm going to give this my best go. I've recently started a 25G reef tank to compliment my 20G freshwater tank. After taking the plunge into saltwater, I've learned a great deal more about filtration thanks to the boards here, and popular sights like bulk reef supply- the store has it's own educational video series. Anyways, I've learned that using a traditional hang on back filter can cause the trapping of food and waste particles which leads to the breakdown of said waste which then releases toxins back into your tank- this is why I run a protein skimmer and a hob filter without the cartridges but instead with a media bag and seachem sea gel. My question is, is there a filtration method for freshwater that can essentially accomplish the same thing that I am on my reef tank? I don't know much about canister filters or other filtration methods so that's why I'm bringing this question here. Unfortunately the "aquatic specialists" at our local pet stores aren't nearly as knowledgeable as the folks on here!


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[calfishguy]

I could be wrong but to my knowledge there isn't such a thing. You could use purigen to remove toxins and what not. I believe that cleaning the filter media in old tank water every few weeks removes the physical waste.

 

[AZdogpatch06]

Would a wet dry set up potentially solve said issue?

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[Dallascowboys16]

A filter will always need cleaned but a wet dry would very much minimize that need. I myself am upgrading my filtration in my 55 gallon from a fluval 306 canister to a 35 gallon wet dry filter. They are the golden standard in aquarium filtration besides sumps. Although you will be fine with an hob filter if you keep up on your water changes.

 

[pip walters]

What are the toxins you are talking about?

Essentially, uneaten food and waste trapped will, during decomposition, release only the things we are used to dealing with via filtration and, in the case of sea water resins (phosphate). That is what the filter is there for is it not?

Am I misunderstanding your question?

In my opinion, many filters on the market are there to get your money. I personally don't like the idea of hob filters as I wouldn't trust the efficiency of what I personally think is a relatively small and, therefore, maintenance heavy, piece of equipment. I would much rather use a multi-chamber sump on salt or fresh water if space permits, with a fluidised bed included as it is self-cleaning...... trap the dirt first, fluidise to maximise nitrification, and finally trap fine particles from the self cleaning fluid bed.

Simples

 

[Mebbid]

Salt water and fresh water operates on different principles. Salt water is all about the absolute minimization of any nitrate production in the tank. That is why they run protein skimmers, refugiums, live rock, etc. The big worry about nitrate production from standard filters on salt water is that salt is expensive and cutting down on potential sources of nitrate is first and foremost a cost saving exercise. To do water changes as nutrient removal in anything larger than a 30g is an extreme cost. For example, a 55g with weekly 50% water changes would cost you about $60 a month at least.

Freshwater is different in that straight water is cheap. That's how we can stock the levels higher and just do a quick and easy water change is our nitrates get too high.

The filters on fresh water DO trap some waste contributing to slightly higher nutrient levels but it's just not as big of a deal.

Lastly, all filters will do approximately the same thing with trapping nutrients. Fluidized sand beds, wet drys, canisters, HOB, sponge filters, etc. will all act about the same in a tank with regards to trapping waste and producing nitrate from excess food.

 

[PB_Smith]

Lastly, all filters will do approximately the same thing with trapping nutrients. Fluidized sand beds, wet drys, canisters, HOB, sponge filters, etc. will all act about the same in a tank with regards to trapping waste and producing nitrate from excess food.

Quoted for emphasis.
all filters require care and regular maintenance.

 

[AZdogpatch06]

Wow thanks folks I really appreciate it! I've upgraded to the aquaclear 50 on my 25 gallon saltwater tank. =)

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