Filtration

[IndianMaidn]

Hi all,

Been trying to find an answer for this question, but couldn't find one that said it outright. If a smaller (30 gal.or under ) aquarium can run itself on only the biological filtration (live rock, sand, etc, no filter) why can't a bigger, aquarium do the same ? Or could it ?? Guess I may just be getting technical because I am trying to run my first sump and it is very intimidating
Thanks a bunch

 

[epond83]

What exactly do you mean? Most people around here don't have a regular filter on large tanks, they use sumps if that is what you are refurring too. You don't have to have one but on larger tanks a skimmer is good and along with other equiment a sump is a good place to hid it while adding to your water volume.

 

[IndianMaidn]

Yeah, that's what I meant. . . .sorry. O.K. explaining it as simply as you have, it makes sence and answers my question. Boy, I feel so stupid now !! Thanks much

 

[epond83]

No problem, not a stupid question just inexperinced, also a sump is a good place to but a refugium

 

[Lorna]

A sump isn't exactly a filter but a place to hold increased water volume and equipment. The filter that people use on large tanks is a protein skimmer to remove disolved solids from the water. It isn't a filter per se, the live rock at approx 1-2 lbs per gallon provide the biological filter along with a deep sand bed if you choose this route. the larger the tank the more live rock you need....same principles as a small tank though people with small tanks may or may not have skimmers and if not must rely on regular water changes to remove these disolved solids.....and organic waste

 

[IndianMaidn]

I just purchased a 75 gallon salt water aquarium and it came with a sump.. It had bio balls and plastic (?) floss of some sorts in it. I cleaned it all out and put in live rock instead of the other filter media. It had a skimmer and I'm going to add my heater to ut. That is the only thing that intimidated me. I couldn't understand the use of a sump to save me. Now with all I have learned, I think I may try to build myself one out of a 30 gallon tank I have, the one with the 75 gallon in onky a 29 gal sump. I would I have to change the pump for the return ? I'm okay with the other, it's an overflow !