Dubbo Posted March 28, 2009 Report Share Posted March 28, 2009 Just wondering if anyone has one for a long term without using protein skimmer, and what kind of filter media they put in the filtration compartment ? I am thinking of making a nano reef with one and use filterpads and chemibond as filter media. It will be fish only after it's setup or until I can get a cheap deltec hob skimmer or something similar. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djsurfs Posted March 28, 2009 Report Share Posted March 28, 2009 Hi, I've been running an AR620T for __ years now (must go check diary) but as a seahorse tank with live-rock in it. Well, technically 2 of these tanks, because the 1st one spontaneously burst just prior to it's 2nd birthday! I had a skimmer in the back of the 1st tank, but since setting up the replacement, could never be bothered to re-rig and tune the skimmer ( it was finicky!) I'm sure it's been at least a year now... I'm not sure how necessary a skimmer is... I guess it depends on the type of inhabitants? not to start a debate or anything, LOL. I know there are strong opinions about it Filtration and flow I would imagine to be your 1st concern. Oh, and lighting and even a chiller!! if you are thinking of running a reef. I had to drill some extra holes in the cover, to plumb the cannister filter I've always run the 620T with. It just has the plastic bioballs, some phos-absorber and coarse sponge & floss. I am also using a chiller, because of the temperate SH's. But, I have also ran a small AR380 and an Aquamode 600 long term, using just their standard trickle filters that are built in, using the ceramic noodles, bit of extra small porous rubble (sintered glass),coarse sponge,2 types/weights of floss, and on occassion phosphate absorbing crystals. I have had the 600 running for just under 3 years with several non photo-synthetic corals living happily and multilplying. hope that helps Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dubbo Posted March 28, 2009 Author Report Share Posted March 28, 2009 Hey cool ! thank you for the help, I am hoping to setup mine asap ! I also noticed that an aqua clear hob filter 50 advertises to have 757 litre/hour flow rate. I wonder if I can get away without a power head if I use one of those filters instead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djsurfs Posted April 14, 2009 Report Share Posted April 14, 2009 I have never owned a HOB filter, so haven't a clue about that... perhaps the bumped post will get noticed by someone in the know *bump* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
livingart Posted April 14, 2009 Report Share Posted April 14, 2009 if you are going to try corals a skimmer is a must and lightng will need an upgrade maybe better off with something bigger there is a good thread in saltwater section by the conch on running a nano Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suphew Posted April 14, 2009 Report Share Posted April 14, 2009 Another option is to to have corals and no fish, if you have no fish you don't need to put food into the tank, no food no waste..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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