So is that 3 1300 gph return pumps or 3 totalling 1300 gph. Turning the volume of the tank over 5-6 times an hour is quite adequate for fresh water. As far as nitrifying bacteria goes, Colonies form, reproduce, and adjust to bioload. And, using crushed coral in fresh water adds to the buffering capacity (alkalinity) and depending on your source water, and whats in it, such as calcium hardness will increase PH. Thats why many african cichlid tank owners like to use it as substrate to stabilize a PH of 8+. In my opinion, using it as sump media may house some aerobic bacteria but depending on the depth will house more anerobic. If your doing frequent large water changes (like you should) carbon is a waste of money. Many people try to substitute filtration for proper maintenance. Water is a lot cheaper than filters and electricity. For me anyway. Is there such a thing as overfiltration? No. I have a 30 gallon wet/dry sump returning close to 1500 gph on my 180. But i do 40 gallon water changes of aged water daily (skip a day now and then), and have a pretty happy tank. You said your PH was fine but what does that mean. I would be looking for an accurate way of measuring PH. Test dip strips aren't. Wish you all the best
The Mad Scientist In You...its an ugly thing.
- Thread starter Venom Stinger
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As far as UV goes. Remember its all about contact time and the flow must be slow for it to be effective. If you pick your nose, (or other things) and then put your hands in the tank then maybe UV might benefit. Other than that, you might kill some free floating algae. Shouldn't have any bad bacteria in the water column. So IMO, another wasted maintenance expense, especially for fresh water
lmao sounded a bit confusing...interested in how the crushed coral wrks. your using over the back filters ass your sump ??? I use a UV with mine just make sure you are able to get the bulbs ordered were u purchase it sometimes it can be a bit tricky.
it is confusing.
i did some searching and i dont have live rock. its CC and coral.i am using the hang on back filters for their bio wheels and good bacteria breeding ground.
i don't use activated carbon either. ..the sump should be handling your bioload well enough that you shouldn't be getting any nasty odor.
its a brand new sump. the water smells...so i used carbon.
So is that 3 1300 gph return pumps or 3 totalling 1300 gph. Turning the volume of the tank over 5-6 times an hour is quite adequate for fresh water. As far as nitrifying bacteria goes, Colonies form, reproduce, and adjust to bioload. And, using crushed coral in fresh water adds to the buffering capacity (alkalinity) and depending on your source water, and whats in it, such as calcium hardness will increase PH. Thats why many african cichlid tank owners like to use it as substrate to stabilize a PH of 8+. In my opinion, using it as sump media may house some aerobic bacteria but depending on the depth will house more anerobic. If your doing frequent large water changes (like you should) carbon is a waste of money. Many people try to substitute filtration for proper maintenance. Water is a lot cheaper than filters and electricity. For me anyway. Is there such a thing as overfiltration? No. I have a 30 gallon wet/dry sump returning close to 1500 gph on my 180. But i do 40 gallon water changes of aged water daily (skip a day now and then), and have a pretty happy tank. You said your PH was fine but what does that mean. I would be looking for an accurate way of measuring PH. Test dip strips aren't. Wish you all the best
i took a 280gph water pump out due to it filling the tank faster then it could return. so i am at about 1000gph.
you say the ph goes to 8 or more while i have heard other people say 7.0 to 7.6.
F it..i am going to take it out and add bio balls.
i have two air stones hooked up to a air pump..giving my sump more air.Not following the use of the air stones or live rock but everything else sounds good
my sump literally consists of 1 layer of mech filtration and 3 layers of bio. then back into the tank.
thank you for being the only one to not derail my thread.
i never asked anyone for opinions on the CC in the filter. i already have a thread for that.
i never asked anyone to pick apart my system.
i asked what crazy set ups do you have to maximize your system and does it drive you crazy.
i dont mind anyone asking questions but at least answer the main question.
There's many ways to complete the nitrogen cycle. Nitrite-Ammonia-Nitrates. It's an exact science. Aerobic bacteria need surface area and O2 to colonize and to respirate. Not saying your setup won't work. It will. Depends on what your trying to achieve and the efficiency you want it to occur. In a closed system wastewater plant, thats what an aquarium is. It's more important to remove the waste prior to going septic since there is no water coming in and going out continuously. Other than water changes that we do. I wasn't beating you up or criticizing you man. But yes, Bio-balls would make a better home than a bed of crushed coral in a sump. And, someone else will have a different opinion. Especially with bio-balls. A lot of anti bio ball people out there. But it works. So, the bottom line is that its your tank and do what works for you. But there is no substitute for routine maintenance and a lot of it to maintain water quality.
There's many ways to complete the nitrogen cycle. Nitrite-Ammonia-Nitrates. It's an exact science. Aerobic bacteria need surface area and O2 to colonize and to respirate. Not saying your setup won't work. It will. Depends on what your trying to achieve and the efficiency you want it to occur. In a closed system wastewater plant, thats what an aquarium is. It's more important to remove the waste prior to going septic since there is no water coming in and going out continuously. Other than water changes that we do. I wasn't beating you up or criticizing you man. But yes, Bio-balls would make a better home than a bed of crushed coral in a sump. And, someone else will have a different opinion. Especially with bio-balls. A lot of anti bio ball people out there. But it works. So, the bottom line is that its your tank and do what works for you. But there is no substitute for routine maintenance and a lot of it to maintain water quality.
you are answering me things i never asked about.
but thanks though.
i guess i should state this again.
i am not asking for input on my system. i already have a thread for CC in a freshwater sump. i have been keeping fish for over 20 years..i am pretty sure i know the cycle by now.
i am asking everyone does to their filtration system that is over the top...
/facepalm.
Uh.... No. Because its stupidi am asking everyone does to their filtration system that is over the top...
/facepalm.
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