wet dry filter

[titoav15]

I am about to buy a wet dry filter and came down to two differnt onse for my 55g reef system.
either:
MegaFlow Sump Filters - MODEL 1 (20"X 10"X17.25") AQUARIUMS UP TO 55 GAL.

Amazon.com: MegaFlow Sump Filters - MODEL 1 (20"X 10"X17.25") AQUARIUMS UP TO 55 GAL.: Home & Garden

or
Aqua Clear Model 75 wet dry filter
Petsr4u - ProClear Aquatics Model 75 Wet Dry Filter No Prefilter, Wet Dry Filters / Skimmers
Let me know what you think is better and why

Thanks!!

 

[mfdrookie516]

i vote neither... wet/dry filters are notorious for causing high nitrates, which is something you dont want in a reef tank

 

[titoav15]

what do you recomend for a filter then?

 

[Be2lose]

I have a wet/dry and have had no problems with high nitrates. the tank has only been SW for about a year. Maybe I'm just lucky or it will be something I'll have to deal with in the future.

 

[thincat]

Which ever you chose I would ditch the bio-balls if you are going lthe route of a reef tank. They are hard to keep clean and become a nitrate factory in short order. If you can afford it get the bigger of the two.

 

[titoav15]

so what do i put in the filter then? Which would you go with in this case?

 

[titoav15]

any other options? I have a fluval 404 now and if thats all I need then ill keep it.

 

[mfdrookie516]

a fluval 404 with just ceramic rings, no sponges would be fine. thats what a couple of guys around here use and what i plan to use when i finally decide to set one up

 

[titoav15]

if i take the bioballs out what do i replace it with?

 

[Angry the Clown]

Sorry to hijack, but would a wet/dry (with it's high nitrates issue) be suitable for a low tech planted tank? Gas exchange would be an issue with CO2 injection, but if that's not planned, could it be beneficial?

 

[SHARPiE]

My Hooded 42G has a wet/dry trickle system with ceramic rings. For added DOC removal I have added a Hang on Back protein skimmer. Nitrates aren't a real problem - they are usually 20 ppm when I do PWC's.

 

[thincat]

if i take the bioballs out what do i replace it with?

The going thing is live rock rubble for added biological filtering.

 

[lancer22386]

i use Filter Sock 100 micron With Drawstring 7in x 16 inch

but try to get the longer ones

 

[dropin]

If the wet dry is for a new tank, then leave the bio balls in. you can always remove them slowly over time once your reef has stablized in 6 months or so.personally i have run a wet dry for 10+ years and never had a nitrate buildup. keeping them clean by using filter pads and water changes.

 

[Keith A.]

I've had a wet/dry filter for about 8 years now and never had any problems. I would also ditch the bio-balls becasue I've heard that they can increase the nitrates. I put some cheato in mine to help with phosphates and nitrates. I've heard you can also use rubble rock to add to the bio filter part of the process.

 

[titoav15]

Any recommendations on a what kind of or brand sump I should use? Or should I make it myslef? Also what should my sump have? I want to add my protien skimmer in there, a filter sock, anything else?

 

[dropin]

I like quiet one pumps, because they are quiet. If you are going the sump route, buy yourself a used tank that will fit in the stand you are using. its a great place for protein skimmers, heaters, carbon. there are lots of diy plans out there