Nano Filteration

[mrjames]

ello all! your knowledge needed lol

how does LR & LS filter water???
whats process does it go through??
does it always have to be submerged?? if so whats happens when u do a water change and you have high rockwork??
can filters be used like in a freshwater aquarium??
how do u measure if you have the right amount of salt in your aquarium??
do u need to add any special chemicals to feed ur LR and keep it healthy??

thanks for all good advice so far!! have a good weekend everyone!!

mrjames B)

 

[JaminRat]

I'll try to explain in layman's terms for you assuming you have some FW knowledge.

The LR/LS works in much the same way as your FW filter sponges. Because the rock is very porous the bacteria colonies that would normally be in your sponges grow within the rock. The difference being that the LR also has an anaerobic area which allows a type of bacteria to grow that break down the nitrate and complete the full nitrogen cycle.

FW filter sponges would work to convert ammonia to nitrite and nitrite to nitrate but the problem is you are left with large quantities of nitrate which is very bad news in the marine world.

There are alternatives to LR known as the Berlin or natural method but they are not as simple.

You measure your salinity (amount of salt in the water) by using a couple of different pieces of equipment either a hydrometer or refractometer. The later being the preferred as they are far more reliable. The standard unit of measurement is Specific Gravity or SG. Pure water has a SG of 1 and you'll be aiming for 1.025 for your reef. As far as I'm aware you can go as low as 1.021 if you have no corals but I have been recommended to maintain 1.025.

You do not need to feed the LR the waste from your livestock will feed the bacteria. You will want to think about a clean up crew to keep algae and leftovers at bay. This is normally made up of crabs, shrimps, snails and various other inverts.

Hope this goes someway to explaining your questions. Best way to learn is read and then ask questions about what your unsure of. Your off to a good start by asking not rushing in. Remember this phrase 'success comes slowly, disaster comes quickly'

 

[rhysiboy]

erm the liev rock and live sand filter the water because of the bacteria and life on the rock. these all do there job to keep the water nice and clean. i think they ?eat ? or take in the bad stuff (not to sure on that one)

i think that you can have the rock out of the water providing it has no coraline algae on but it isnt realy advisable coz well it should always be in water.

erm filters usualy end up doing the opposite from helping because of the sponge filters and all that jazz become full of detritus and rotting matter cauzing a 'nitrate factory' unless it is constantly cleaned (probably 4-5 times a week i think) the only thing they would be good for is surface agitation for more gas exchange or housing activated carbon and filter media of sorts that people recomend on this site (and others)

to measure the right ammount of salt you need either a refractometer (incredibly accurate but somewhat costly) or a hydrometer (less accurate but cheap) and you use these instruments to test until you sg is probably around 1.022- 1.025 (thats what ive heard people sg levels be between)

well you dont really need to add anything but if you want more growth for corraline algea and LPS + SPS corals calcium can be good. HOWEVER it is not needed in a very early tank because your levels should all be stable and any addition of calcium should come from your sand (if its aragonite or crushed coral) wen it is needed Also remember if you add anything make sure you have the test kit for that suppliment because you could end up doing more bad then good. so remember its usualy better to stay away from suppliments in the early days.


hope people will add more info as ive given some basic info
Oh damn i realised while i was writing lal this someone beat me to the post hmph ah well
here to help
Rhysiboy

 

[Redstratplayer1]

There are alternatives to LR known as the Berlin or natural method but they are not as simple.

The berline method is the use of Live rock,power heads and a skimmer to clean your tank.

 

[JaminRat]

There are alternatives to LR known as the Berlin or natural method but they are not as simple.

The berline method is the use of Live rock,power heads and a skimmer to clean your tank.

Sorry badly worded I meant to say there are alternatives to the berlin method but are not recommended for a noob.

 

[mrjames]

cheers guys!!

so is the breline method recomended for a newbie?? becos i was thinking of having the LR & LS as my filteration and no skimmer becos i dont want to have a sump for a nano...??? please advise lol

thanks again!

mrjames

 

[rhysiboy]

im going to be using the berlin method without a sump or skimmer. every one advises it and it probably the easiest thing (well as of yet methods are always changing)