Wet/dry - cannister filter

[GoinSalt]

I'm thinking of getting (used) 100 gal. tank with wet/dry and cannister filters, as well as uv sterilizer.

Along with powerheads, pump, heater, piping, all for $500

I researched some of the archives on the site and am getting mixed signals about wet/dry.

can I run some LR/LS along with the wet/dry and cannister? Is it too much filtration for a FOWLR?

If I go with this type of setup, how much more work is involved with maintaining the tank? Do I need to clean the wet/dry frequently (every other day) or like once a week?

I haven't come up with a firm livestock list but thinking about maybe a flame angel, bi-color blenny, a bunch of chromis, a couple of clowns and a couple of tangs (not the same species).

Any feedback would be great -- mostly the filtration.

Would I still NEED a protein skimmer, or could I do without one for a while?

Nate

[Reefland]

People will give varied opinions on this but I think a protein skimmer should be a must for any marine tank.

As far as the wet/dry, that depends on the use of bio-media. Wet/dry filters usually have some bio-balls in them but if you remove these, the wet/dry filter will be fine nd you could even put some liverock in there if you wished. For the canister, if it is maintained properly it will be fine too. If I had one I would only run it to "polish" the water occassionally.

The wet/dry (minus media), a protein skimmer, LR and LS would be a nice system.

Scott Z.

[GoinSalt]

People will give varied opinions on this but I think a protein skimmer should be a must for any marine tank.

As far as the wet/dry, that depends on the use of bio-media. Wet/dry filters usually have some bio-balls in them but if you remove these, the wet/dry filter will be fine nd you could even put some liverock in there if you wished. For the canister, if it is maintained properly it will be fine too. If I had one I would only run it to "polish" the water occassionally.

The wet/dry (minus media), a protein skimmer, LR and LS would be a nice system.

Scott Z.

What purpose does taking the bio balls out? Wouldn't it be better to leave them in for the bacteria?

The reason I'm asking is that I don't really have the funds to spend on 100 lbs of LR and 100 lbs of live sand. I'm hoping to get by with much and was hoping that the wet/dry and/or cannister could pick up the slack.

No?

Nate

[Reefland]

The bio-balls will become waste traps if not cleaned often; and when cleaned often the bacteria is removed anyhow. This is the problem with any bio-media; it can trap waste and that will lead to nitrate problems.

[My2heartboys]

The bio-balls will become waste traps if not cleaned often; and when cleaned often the bacteria is removed anyhow. This is the problem with any bio-media; it can trap waste and that will lead to nitrate problems.

OK, I may be wrong here---but if one "cleans" the biomatter with fresh saltwater---then bacteria would not be killed, just loose debries (excess food, fish poop, etc) knocked off.

Just a thought--not sure it is correct.

Anne

[Reefland]

That's possible but in order to clean the waste good it's going to take some scrubbing, with a toothbrush or similar. Since there is really no benefit, the extra labor is a waste.

Tanks that incorporate liverock have all of the necessary bacteria that is needed. Bio-balls proved a place, and enviroment for bacteria to colonize in the absence of liverock and would be recommended on a Fish Only tank where nitrates aren't of great concern and liverock is not used. Beyond these applications, that is a tank with liverock (bio-balls are not needed) or one where nitrates is an issue, the bio-balls should not be used.

[ANGRY JOHN]

well i think if your not going to perchace a decent amount of live rock then leave the filtration alone because if there is not a good amount of materal for the bacteria to live on then you will run into big problems. the first step would be to get the skimmer then geting the live rock. it would be a good idea to mix up the bio balls about onece a week and as you put in the live rock to take some of the balls out. as you say you cant afford a large amout of live rock all at one time then do it in steps. the sooner you can remove the bio balls completly the better but i think with 50 pounds in the tank you would be good to go and all the balls could be out. just rember to provide good circulation around the rocks with a few powerheads so there are not stag reigons in the tank.