Reef Aquariums | Mechanical Filtration for the Reef Aquarium

Mechanical Filtration for the Reef Aquarium


Filed Under filtration, reef aquariums |

Welcome back. After much reading we learned that mechanical filtration is basically used to capture larger particles in the water and help keep the water generally cleaner. There are several types of mechanical filters, ranging from attaching a bag of filter material to the input line in the sump, canister filters, trickle wet/dry systems, to hang on back (HOB) filters such as those frequently used in freshwater aquariums.

There is a serious downside of mechanical filtration in the reef aquarium that is less prevalent in fish only tanks or even freshwater, that is the need to frequently change the medium in the filtration unit or risk a nitrate bloom in one's tank. This can result in occurrences such as algae blooms or at very high levels of nitrogen, total tank failure. Typically the material needs to be changed every 2 weeks (conservative) to every 4 weeks (aggressive) before the decomposing material caught in the filter begins to decompose to the point of producing nitrate and ammonia.

The risks of using mechanical filtration without a frequent change are quite weighty. However, since we are space constrained on Tank 1.0 and will not have a sump, we decided to use a small HOB filter for the sole purpose of mechanical filtration as a water polisher and to give us a place to put chemicals, such as carbon, for use in the tank. The filter will run empty most of the time only being used with media when the water shows signs of yellowing or if particles are obviously visible. The filter will also be used in conjunction with regular water changes.

The chosen filter was an aquaclear 70 rated for up to a 70 gallon tank. This was readily available at a local pet store for around $45.

Check back with us soon for our next installment on chemical filtration and the reef aquarium.

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One Response to “Mechanical Filtration for the Reef Aquarium”

  1. Biological Filtration in the Reef Aquarium | Reef Aquariums on June 12th, 2008 7:09 am

    [...] Mechanical Filtration for the Reef Aquarium [...]

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