Our Filtration Methods
3 Categories of Filtration
Filtration is broken up into 3 categories; Mechanical, Chemical, and Biological filtration.
These methods remove nutrients from the tank.
Mechanical (Removes large organic matter and other debris from the water column.
We use filter floss in media cups or media chambers.
In high nutrient systems, we use protein skimmers as well.
-
Can be cut to fit in any space and very affordable
-
We rinse them every week in RODI water and use until it begins to wear out or doesnt rinse out, then replace.
-
Downside is that there are no reef safe eco friendly alternatives for filter floss that we have found yet.
-
Can hold filter floss and other filtration media
-
Less risk of clogging vs. socks
Our Recommendations
Bubble Magus
Reef Octopus
-
Very quiet
-
Easy to clean
-
Can work in only 4" of water
-
Doesn't need to be constantly adjusted
-
Has a variety of options to fit your designated space (We prefer the internal pumps due to compact space)
-
Extremely quiet
-
Easy to adjust and clean
-
2 year warranty on pumps they make themselves
Chemical (filtration method that removes heavy
metals, phosphates or nitrates, harmful toxins from odors, and removes yellowing color from water)
Two Methods
​
Carbon: We use carbon in reactors or mesh bags to reduce harmful toxins or when chemical warfare occurs with corals. We rarely use carbon in tanks that have Tangs to avoid health issues.
​
​
​
*To reduce carbon dust in the tank, we take out a pitcher of water and put the mesh bag filled with new carbon/GFO in the pitcher for a few minutes then add to filtration area of the tank.
​
Granular Ferric Oxide (GFO): This is a popular inexpensive way to reduce phosphate in the reef tank. However, it can reduce too quickly which is why we use in small amounts if used at all.
Our Recommendations
Seachem
Chemipure
-
Better than their original product phosguard, as it contains both aluminum oxide and granular ferric oxide that binds phosphates to them.
-
Also removes silicates to help with water clarity.
-
We like the Elite of the Chemi-pure Blue because this is more ideal for small to medium bioload (low phosphates and nitrates). It pulls them out slower than the blue. Slow small changes to your reef tank are best to reduce stress.
-
Lasts 2-4 months
-
Comes in mesh bag already for easy maintenance
-
Easy and cost effective
-
No reactor or extra maintenance necessary
Biological (beneficial bacteria to clean the water on a molecular level)
Biological filtration methods are natural processes to break down or absorb waste.
Any surface area in the tank allows for good bacteria to grow, reproduce
and break down waste. We also use refugiums with underwater plants (Macro Algae) that grow and absorb nutrients in the tank.
Sand, rock, and many other porous objects like bioballs can be added to increase surface area for bacteria to help keep your tank balanced naturally.
Biopellet reactors are also a way to increase surface area in small spaces for bacteria.
-
Cost effective
-
We recommend small trims every two weeks to keep things balanced.