More Filtration?

[menelaus22]

I'm wondering what else I should be doing to keep my tank crystal clear? Here's the current set-up

20g
175w MH
36w Actinics
3 Poweheads (2 point at the surface, 1 running behind and low)
Remora AquaC HOB Skimmer
1 Emerald crab, 11 hermits, 8 snails, million and 20 bristleworms.

I typically do a %25 water change every weekend, but am concerned because I haven't been able to starve a patch of cyno that's spreading on some of my liverock.

Should I get a HOB filter like the Aquaclear for some additional filtration? Or, just keep siphoning the LR and LS during water changes? I've tried turkey basting the LR, but it creates such a mess I've pretty much given up...

[jdbassin]

how much live rock is in there? how long has the tank been set up, what type of substrate do you have sand? if so how deep and how large ore the grains? or is it bare bottom. Normally with live rock, adequate water movement and water changes you should be fine without additional filtration. Especially since you run a skimmer, In fact you change more water that the usualy reccomend. 10% weekly. If you want to make it truly clear you can run some carbon to remove stains in the water via a hob filter. but you want to get a quality reef carbon so it doesn't remove stains but ad phosphate!!



jd

[menelaus22]

thanks for the reply.

I have about 27 pounds of live rock in there right now. The tank has been set up for about 3 months. I have a sandbed, with a little bit of crushed coral on the top (rookie mistake). Since the sand is only about 1 1/2 inches, I just vaccum the heck out of it when I change my water.

[jdbassin]

Ya like I said you can run some carbon to truly clear up the water but I would say that unless you plan on adding a huge bio load too it, three months is still relatively new the cyano problem should clear up with water changes and increasing the water flow to the area where it's a problem. Also what is your water source, Tap water is often very bad, as far as nutrient levels go. make sure your using a purified water source ro/di and a good salt mix. but I wouldn't go adding extra filters unless it's to run carbon on occasion or maybe if you could add a sump or fuge that would be ideal, but really you should be fine with what you have



jd

[menelaus22]

thanks again for the reply.

can someone explain the difference between a sump, fuge, and refugium? What do each add as far as benefits and how to they differ in set-up?

I'm debating whether a 12'' refugium would be beneficial to my set-up.

[jdbassin]

A fuge and a refugium are the same thing, Their are several types of refugiums, Basically what a refugium is a seperate area either inside or out of the main tank thats purpose is to provide a predator free refuge for algeas or other life. A lot of people use them to grow macro algeas to serve as additional filtration or to allow various types of planktons or "pods" to grow and supply the main tank. A sump is a seperate tank that is hooked to the main aquarium that is designed to provide for instance and out of sight area for your kalc reactor, heaters, skimmers etc. Though with some inginuity a sump and fuge can be combined or one in the same. Hope this helps a little, If you'd like to know more about either or each send me a pm and I'll go into more detail



jd

[SPANKYSREEF]

Great explanation JD----A sump will also add more water volume for you system allowing you to have a larger bio-load---ie: 125 gallon tank with a 55 gallon sump will actually give you 175 gallons of water to work with....HTH

[menelaus22]

Thanks for the great explanation. I guess my confusion lies in the fact that they all seem to basically do the same thing. Althought, I guess the difference between a refugium and a fuge would be the light induced algae growth?

So, that being said. Would it really benefit my system to a worthwhile degree to add a hang on back refugium? I was thinking about the CPR model;

http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewIt...product=CR1733

I'm wondering if there's a way I could maybe even buy the bigger model and jam my AquaC Remora skimmer in there? It would be nice to get the heater and thermometer out of the display.

[SPANKYSREEF]

I just added the 18" CPR to my 30 long. I am using it basically to grow pods and such. There isnt much room in there to add the skimmer...Maybe your heater.

[Steve-O]

I run a small HOB with carbon when my tank get cloudy.

[Andy]

Actually, there is a new model of CPR 'fuge on the market that has a built in skimmer. It comes in two sizes - 18" and 24" i think. I have been looking at the 18" for my new 20H that I am setting up. From what I have read on the boards the skimmer is basically a smaller version of their in-sump cyclone's. I know that premiumaquatics carries them. If you go to their site and look under refugiums go alllll the way to the bottom of the page and they are there. I think the small one is around 185 bucks. Of course the CPR site has info also but the pictures suck.

Hope this helps
Andy