Non main stream methods of filtration

motorslave · 03-20-2006, 08:49 PM

Heres one, lets see all the successfull systems out there using not so main stream methods of filtration. When I say main stream I am talking about the general idea that all we need is a good amount of LR and a good skimmer. i would like to see some SPS systems that vary from the norm but maintain good color along with growth. maybe even done without MH lighting.

R

Geoff · 03-21-2006, 09:20 AM

do you mean mainstream as of now, or in the past 5 years? not so long ago DSB's were the mainstream, for many they still are and BB are the alternative method.

G~

motorslave · 03-21-2006, 10:01 AM

Lets say for the last few years. DSBs and BB being the current methods ( for argumnets sake) Also, high intensity lights. What else is out there?

R

ski1297 · 03-21-2006, 02:15 PM

Mangroves, Chaetomorpha, and other macro algae. They might have been around for sometime but not a lot of people use them so you could say non main stream.

Geoff · 03-21-2006, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ski1297

Mangroves, Chaetomorpha, and other macro algae. They might have been around for sometime but not a lot of people use them so you could say non main stream.

are refugiums considered mainstream now? refugiums are kinda based on the ATS (Algae Turf Scrubbers) systems. the main difference is that ATS are refugiums done right. refugiums are actully several steps backwards as far as functionality goes. ATS do have thier problems though. unsightly yellow water being the biggest.

G~

ski1297 · 03-21-2006, 03:22 PM

Could you combat the yellow water with carbon. So what would be a non main stream filter? We all like are LR and skimmers so much, thats all you see on a lot of tanks.

motorslave · 03-21-2006, 07:35 PM

Ive seen tanks that get no water changes. And have nice looking coral. Is a crash going to happen, I would think so.
ATS, now how would you do that Geoff? My LFS is going to use floor tiles for while and sell them to folks with fuges.

R

Geoff · 03-21-2006, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by motorslave

ATS, now how would you do that Geoff? My LFS is going to use floor tiles for while and sell them to folks with fuges.

R

the most common way of doing them is to make a sluce (think panning for gems) with a flourescent bulb over it. the water just flows down the sluce. the micro algae will start growing in the sluce. it is important to export the algae on a regular basis. if it gets to long it starts to break apart and release the bound nutrients back into the water column.

G~

motorslave · 03-22-2006, 08:46 AM

Sounds like more of a hassle than cleaning a fuge.

R

ski1297 · 03-22-2006, 10:02 AM

If you had micro algae on floor tiles could the micro algae not make its way to the main tank. What kind of micro would it be hair algae. If so why would that work more than Chaetomorpha in a fuge? I think this is a cool thread!

motorslave · 03-22-2006, 10:06 AM

Im not sure what type of algae hes going to use. Its going to be on an exchange basis. Hes using pourous tile is about all I got from him. Hes done it before. Ill find out next time Im in there.

R

motorslave · 03-22-2006, 10:07 AM

Its going to be Macro not micro, I do know that.

R

ski1297 · 03-22-2006, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by motorslave

Its going to be Macro not micro, I do know that.

R

Thats good. Geoff said micro. Geoff are you talking about the same thing?

motorslave · 03-22-2006, 10:26 AM

Oh, no we arnt! Hes talking the sluce idea and I was refering to the tiles my LFS is going to grow Macro on.OOps, sorry! The sluce idea sounds kinda cool but can you imagine the evap?

R

ski1297 · 03-22-2006, 10:33 AM

The sluce idea does sound cool but your right lots of evap! So what are some more non main stream filters?