Sw Filtration Problem

[syntax_error]

For a SW tank filtration means a skimmer + liverock right? But I'v read that some people use filters (for example Fluval) to filter SW tanks. I don't get it, I thought only skimmers are used in SW and other filters are used in FW. How is this done? And what is the media used in those filters?

 

[chrissaysyes]

It's the same really...you can use a skimmer in salt or fresh. And you use generally the same media in salt that you would fresh. It's not really as necessary or effective to run the little cheapy HOB filters that a lot of fresh water tanks use but it will still do the same thing. Most filter media is just filter wrapped around a plastic frame with activated carbon in the middle. Carbon serves the same purpose in water no matter what the salinity is. It absorbs toxins and nutrients. The live rock in salt water aquarium harbors bacteria that process those nutrients so filtering them out or absorbing them isnt as necessary. I still use my fluval on my salt water tank because it's easier to use that to add carbon or other chemical media for absorbing certain things. It's also a good place to store more pieces of live rock so that water will pass through it and be "processed." Make sense?

 

[n3ont3tra]

Okay, there are three types of marine setups. Fish only (FO), Fish only with Live Rock (FOWLR), and reef tanks. FO and FOWLR tanks usually will have some kind of external filter or HOB filter. It helps with biological filtration and adds water movement. The reason people don't use external filters or lots of mechanical media in reef tanks is because they tend to cause nitrates, which aren't particularly good for corals. Virtually all reef tanks contain live rock, because it acts as biological filtration. Sometimes people will have HOBs or externals running chemical media, like phosban or carbon.

So basically, in FO tanks there is almost always some kind of external filter for biological filtration. The filter will usually have bioballs or sponges. There might be a skimmer.
In FOWLR tanks there is obviously live rock, as well as mechanical or biological filtration. It depends on whether or not there are invertebrates. Inverts can't take high nitrates like fish can, so sponges/bioballs would have to be cleaned often or not used at all. There might be a skimmer.
In reef tanks there are usually no mechanical or biological filtration, other than live rock. There are too many inverts and corals and things that won't do well with nitrates, and the live rock will usually provide all the filtration needed. There is probably a skimmer. But it's still not required.

I hope this makes sense...

 

[chrissaysyes]

nicely put

 

[1entra]

I agree with both the above but just wanted to add that skimmers are not necassary as it is debated wether they do more good than bad! Another method to help absor nitrates is to have a refugium containing macroalgae eg. chaetomorpha which helps absorbs nutrients from the water (same as a skimmer) but is a lot more natural process!

 

[Musho3210]

skimming is natural, of course its more like a fusion nano skimmer in a huge public aquarium display, but it still happens in the ocean.

I'm pretty sure the debate on whether or not they are worse wouldnt really work because there are too many variables. And it is rairly said that they are more bad than good, seeing that people have had more success using one than not using one.

 

[syntax_error]

ooohhhh ok, now I get it. I'm thinking of getting an Oceanic Bio Cube 29 Gallon, so that's why I was wondering whether the filter would be useful in a marine tank.

 

[chrissaysyes]

I think anyone who sees their first batch of skimmate will agree that skimming is worth it.

 

[andywg]

Okay, there are three types of marine setups. Fish only (FO), Fish only with Live Rock (FOWLR), and reef tanks. FO and FOWLR tanks usually will have some kind of external filter or HOB filter.

Many FOWLR tanks have no filtration other than the LR and the skimmer. FOWLR often refers to a tank set up for a reef but without the corals.

 

[steelhealr]

One must use care here.....there are PROTEIN skimmers and SURFACE skimmers. All SW tanks should have a surface skimmer to remove any surface scum and allow clean light to peneterate the surface. PROTEIN skimmers are mandatory on large tanks and unnecessary on nano tanks to a certain size. Nano tanks should do well with regular weekly 10% water changes. Nano tanks at the 30G range should probably have a skimmer. Again, is there a law against protein skimmers on a 10 or 20G? No. Personal choice.

SH

 

[Dorkhedeos]

It's the same really...you can use a skimmer in salt or fresh.

Protein skimmers actually dont work in fresh

 

[Musho3210]

yes they do, just not as effectively. Unless you get a REALLY big one. Freshwater isnt as.... "sticky" as saltwater.

 

[chrissaysyes]

It's the same really...you can use a skimmer in salt or fresh.

Protein skimmers actually dont work in fresh

yes they do, just not as effectively. Unless you get a REALLY big one. Freshwater isnt as.... "sticky" as saltwater.

Figured it had more to do with gravity?

 

[Musho3210]

sticky sounds so much less nerdy