How does everyone else have their filter set up?

[Zeal]

So now that my tank is stable I'm trying to figure out how to optimize the filter setup in the back

From right to left

Media basket with filter pad, cheato, then live rock
Heater with purigen then more filter pad
Return pump
Chemipure Elite and matrix
Tunze 9001

I feel like I could do BETTER but I'm not sure what I could possible change. Would love to see what everyone else is doing!

 

[BigCitySmallReef]

Have you tried using Chemipure Blue? That's what I use, I hear it contains the same material as Chemipure Elite and Purigen. Other than that, I just run dual 200 micron socks that I change every other day.

 

[Zeal]

Have you tried using Chemipure Blue? That's what I use, I hear it contains the same material as Chemipure Elite and Purigen.

I actually have 2 small packets thrown in there I got at a fragswap.

 

[Ranjib]

Have you tried using Chemipure Blue? That's what I use, I hear it contains the same material as Chemipure Elite and Purigen. Other than that, I just run dual 200 micron socks that I change every other day.

I was going to say this exactly. Go for chemipure blue instead of Chemipure elite+ purigen.
Also, probably the refugium is not needed if you are going for full chemical filtration+ skimmer. If you are doing refugium, then just go with filterpads.

 

[NY_Caveman]

Perfect topic for me right now. Thanks @Zeal! I will offer some contrast since you ask.

This is really fresh in my head, because I am setting up my JBJ 45 Flat Panel (very similar to your IM 40 Nuvo) over the next couple of days. Here is my plan which is pretty different (definitely not saying better, just different):

Chambers

• Left Overflow: 9004 Skimmer
• Left Narrow: probes
• Center: 2x return ATO and 2x Cobalt 150 W heaters (on Ink Bird Controller)
• Right Narrow: InTank Fuge Basket (I will run activated carbon in here to start until my bioload warrants Chaeto).
• Right Overflow: Rubble Rock and perhaps Matrix; carbon will later go here too

No chemicals really for me. Trying to stay very natural. No pads or socks (I may run socks 1-2 days after filling only since they came with my tank). I am running it lean and have room to add if needed.

I think you have a fine setup. That is a lot of filter pads to me, but not uncommon. Just change them a lot. Running pads after the Chaeto though may snag pods, perhaps? I have kept marine tanks in the past, but admit this is my first AIO. Also will be using macroalgae for the first time for nutrient export, so I am no expert there.

 

[Zeal]

I was going to say this exactly. Go for chemipure blue instead of Chemipure elite+ purigen.
Also, probably the refugium is not needed if you are going for full chemical filtration+ skimmer. If you are doing refugium, then just go with filterpads.

So, the skimmer might not be needed? And Ill look into buying just Chemipure

 

[Zeal]

Perfect topic for me right now. Thanks @Zeal! I will offer some contrast since you ask.

This is really fresh in my head, because I am setting up my JBJ 45 Flat Panel (very similar to your IM 40 Nuvo) over the next couple of days. Here is my plan which is pretty different (definitely not saying better, just different):

Chambers

• Left Overflow: 9004 Skimmer
• Left Narrow: probes
• Center: 2x return ATO and 2x Cobalt 150 W heaters (on Ink Bird Controller)
• Right Narrow: InTank Fuge Basket (I will run activated carbon in here to start until my bioload warrants Chaeto).
• Right Overflow: Rubble Rock and perhaps Matrix; carbon will later go here too

No chemicals really for me. Trying to stay very natural. No pads or socks (I may run socks 1-2 days after filling only since they came with my tank). I am running it lean and have room to add if needed.

I think you have a fine setup. That is a lot of filter pads to me, but not uncommon. Just change them a lot. Running pads after the Chaeto though may snag pods, perhaps? I have kept marine tanks in the past, but admit this is my first AIO. Also will be using macroalgae for the first time for nutrient export, so I am no expert there.

Thats why I posted here! I feel like im maybe over doing it with the Refugium, filter pads and everything else. Im not sure what I could possibly remove to make it better or add... any tips would be appreciated

I also had my heater in the center and I noticed my water was evaporating much quicker

 

[NY_Caveman]

I would personally use a skimmer with any method. They have always improved my reefs.

 

[Zeal]

I would personally use a skimmer with any method. They have always improved my reefs.

I was told from Day Uno skimmer is a must.

 

[Zeal]

Would it be wise to remove the filter pads?

Edit: I changed my filter pads this morning and I just noticed they're just not getting a bit yellow and dirty....maybe it's not a good idea to have these?

 

[NY_Caveman]

I also had my heater in the center and I noticed my water was evaporating much quicker

Interesting. Thanks! I could easily use the other chambers for my heaters. I may eventually add another media basket to mine. I am going to let it mature very slowly once running.

I will say this, you said your system is stable and I saw elsewhere you mentioned your Alkalinity was spot on so I would not do anything drastic.

 

[Sarah24!]

Hello,

I have kept fairly larger tanks and I have noticed that less is usually better. As much as I ran carbon filter pads, and filter socks, I noticed my water had higher nitrates with them, than with out. Since I have had them out my nitrates stay between 5-10ppm and with them I was between 15-20 which makes me a tad nervous. Yes I do water changes about every three weeks, but my water is always spot on. The skimmer is very necessary and should be the main filter.

Not to mention running all the pads and chemicals etc adds up. I mean 20 dollars for water change every three weeks is pretty cost effective. But swapping those pads out, and chemical pads etc costs more than 20 or even 30. It’s always to each their own, but the more you leave it alone and stop changing things the better it will be.

 

[Ranjib]

I have experiences only good things with skimmer. If you are planning to keep sps, I would strongly recommend one. I have not tried fuge, most folks I know complained about the small size related hiccups. But things have progressed a lot now, the new santa monica scrubbers (box) for nano tanks looks very promising.

Carbon gives crystal clear water. In my tanks, carbon+kessil gives very pleasant look . But I can see the benefits of going purely algal filtration + skimmer.

 

[Zeal]

My thinking is that with the filter pads they catch all the junk, wouldn't that eventually leak ammonia into the tank?

 

[Zeal]

Over here at work bored got me thinking. Shouldn't be an issue mixing my live rock with seachem Matrix in my last compartment in my media basket right?

 

[diveinheadfirst]

Perfect topic for me right now. Thanks @Zeal! I will offer some contrast since you ask.

This is really fresh in my head, because I am setting up my JBJ 45 Flat Panel (very similar to your IM 40 Nuvo) over the next couple of days. Here is my plan which is pretty different (definitely not saying better, just different):

Chambers

• Left Overflow: 9004 Skimmer
• Left Narrow: probes
• Center: 2x return ATO and 2x Cobalt 150 W heaters (on Ink Bird Controller)
• Right Narrow: InTank Fuge Basket (I will run activated carbon in here to start until my bioload warrants Chaeto).
• Right Overflow: Rubble Rock and perhaps Matrix; carbon will later go here too

No chemicals really for me. Trying to stay very natural. No pads or socks (I may run socks 1-2 days after filling only since they came with my tank). I am running it lean and have room to add if needed.

I think you have a fine setup. That is a lot of filter pads to me, but not uncommon. Just change them a lot. Running pads after the Chaeto though may snag pods, perhaps? I have kept marine tanks in the past, but admit this is my first AIO. Also will be using macroalgae for the first time for nutrient export, so I am no expert there.

Just finishing up my JbJ 45 build and this post was super helpful in helping me decide to go with the tunze. I do have a flow question for you though. How many powerheads are you running? I currently have one mp10, and lots of flow coming from my vectra s2. Wondering if adding a second mp10 is necessary.

thank you for your time and insight!!