K1, K1 micro, or marine pure?

[Sac39051]

Currently converting my reef system to freshwater. Set up is 150 gal display (6’ x 18”) with a 40 gal breeder sump and 30 gallon tied in (was a fuge). All electronics located in closet behind wall.

I am torn between fluidized k1 ( or micro) or marine pure blocks. Concern about k1 is the noise, but LOVE the idea of never cleaning it. Concern about marinepure would be loss of effectiveness as pores clog but love the simplicity as I could just drop a few blocks in the sump and continue to use the 30 gal as a fuge or algae grower.

I would dedicate the 30 gallon to k1, assuming that would be enough for heavy stock (plannin american cichlids and others).

Assuming cost is no factor, what would be best? Anyone used both?

 

[InfinityARch]

The noise of K1 mostly comes from the air pump, you need about 1 liter of air per minute per liter of media, and you can get some fairly quiet air pumps if you're prepared to pay for them.

 

[Sac39051]

I figured as much, the air pump will be in the closet at any rate. I would assume the K1 bouncing around will not be louder than my reeflo gold dart that runs the system, but I have no frame of reference.

Are there adjustable output air pumps out there? I haven’t done any air pump research, what brands should I be looking at?

 

[InfinityARch]

I figured as much, the air pump will be in the closet at any rate. I would assume the K1 bouncing around will not be louder than my reeflo gold dart that runs the system, but I have no frame of reference.

Are there adjustable output air pumps out there? I haven’t done any air pump research, what brands should I be looking at?

Not sure, I've only been toying with the idea of doing a K1 filter, I haven't actually done it.

 

[altums85]

i've had bad experience with marine pure. bought some for my canister. after 6 months to clean my canister. most of the marine pure became mushy and soft. not sure if it was from my warm water and it broke down. kept the tank at 84 back when i was keeping young discus to grow them out.

 

[Galantspeedz]

pumice stone.

 

[phreeflow]

MarinePure blocks work great in a sump. Just make sure you use socks and/or sponges for good mechanical filtration to prefilter the water so the blocks stay clean.

In regards to MarinePure turning mushy, the blocks and cubes are very fragile and breakdown with any turbulence so they’d be a bad choice for canisters. I use MarinePure blocks and cubes in sumps and the balls in canisters as they are very durable and have had no issues with them breaking down.

 

[TexasMFK31]

I just can't get on the hype train of K1/fluidized beds. I have Marine Pure balls in my sump along with Seachem Matrix. Matrix for the price is hands down the best bang for buck biological media IMO. In regards to clogging, maintain your sump well and it won't be an issue for sure =D

 

[Sac39051]

Yeah I used matrix on my last system, works great I just don’t like how much of a detritus trap it is. I hate cleaning bio media with a passion. I figured the marine pure block would be less maintenance.

At any rate I pulled the trigger on some K1 micro and an air pump. I’ll let y’all know how it goes. I’m trying to make this system as low maintenance as possible. Going to diy a large tray for polyester batting as my mechanical. That way I can just toss it after a few days to a week. Because big surprise, I also hate cleaning filter socks

 

[TexasMFK31]

You bio media should need to be cleaned like 2-4 times a year if your mech filtration is up to snuff. I pull all mine and put it into a 5G bucket of tank water, shake the bags and put them back.