Pumps in Aquarium

[Tija]

On looking around at various photos of marine aquariums, I've noticed that very few (or, at least, not that I can ever see) use internal power filters with sponge cartridges (like the one found here: Age of Aquariums - OTTO PF-2000N ( 2000lph )).

More often, I see powerheads like this one: Age of Aquariums - Vortech Propellor Pump MP60WES
So, my question is: Which of these is a better choice, and why?

Currently, I am using an internal power filter with sponges. I would appreciate any clarification on the matter.

Thanks in advance,
Tija

[Reefing Madness]

Filters trap detrius and cause Nitrate problems. Live Rock when done correctly, at least 1lb per gallon, filters the water for you and a mechanical filter is not needed. We use powerheads to keep the water moveing, this keeps garbage from collecting and from having dead spots in the aquarium which will also cause algae problems.

[Tija]

Filters trap detrius and cause Nitrate problems. Live Rock when done correctly, at least 1lb per gallon, filters the water for you and a mechanical filter is not needed. We use powerheads to keep the water moveing, this keeps garbage from collecting and from having dead spots in the aquarium which will also cause algae problems.

Ah, OK.

Now the problem of live rock. We have a 600L (about 158G) tank, with about 40kg of rock (~88lbs). Accordingly, we would need to just about double the amount of rock we have in the tank. This is something we would prefer not to do, as our lionfish enjoys the space he has, as do we (he has plenty of room to move around the tank).

So... would we be better off with powerheads, rather than the filter?

Also, is there a great benefit of having a wave-maker (something that we, again, do not have, but have looked at)?

The place where we got our tank set up never explained any of this to us, so I hope a few people can chime in and give us some advice.

Thanks again,
Tija

[Reefing Madness]

Powerheads will move the water around, but will not take the place of Live Rock Biological filtration. If you don't wish to use Live Rock, your next alternative would be to use a Filter. You'll just have to monitor your parameters better. Also, no need for a wavemaker either, those would be best suited for a Reed Tank and not a FOWLR.

[Tija]

Powerheads will move the water around, but will not take the place of Live Rock Biological filtration. If you don't wish to use Live Rock, your next alternative would be to use a Filter. You'll just have to monitor your parameters better. Also, no need for a wavemaker either, those would be best suited for a Reed Tank and not a FOWLR.

I'm guessing by Reed Tank you mean Reef Tank?

Hm. So, keeping what rock we have now and not adding more, the best option would be to keep the filter? What about the use of powerheads with the filter -- should we be looking at getting a couple of powerheads as well?

In your own personal opinion, would we be better off getting more LR for the biological filtration? The only reason we didn't get more is because we want to make sure our lion has plenty of room to move about.

In regards to the wavemaker... just for future reference -- Is it best to have a wavemaker in a reef tank? Or are they only needed in certain types of reef tanks?

- Tija

[Reefing Madness]

Oops, spelling.
A couple of powerheads for water movement is always a good thing, even if you don't have all the Live Rock. Helps keep the detrius from buiulding up in dead spots. Your best bet for keeping the water clean is using a filter, your plans don't involve Live Rock.
Guys use wave makers that want to try and mimic the ocean, usually they have a full blown Reef Tank. Its not necessary ofr just a fish tnak.

[Tija]

Oops, spelling.
A couple of powerheads for water movement is always a good thing, even if you don't have all the Live Rock. Helps keep the detrius from buiulding up in dead spots. Your best bet for keeping the water clean is using a filter, your plans don't involve Live Rock.
Guys use wave makers that want to try and mimic the ocean, usually they have a full blown Reef Tank. Its not necessary ofr just a fish tnak.

OK. Thanks SO much for clearing that up for me... I feel a little less naive about the whole thing now.

- Tija