[kmcginnis]

Hi,

Ok..2 stores, 2 opinions.

In one corner - skimmer is fit into the tank WITH all the other media (sponges ect).

In corner 2 - skimmer REPLACES the media (sponges ect).

Which should I listen to???

[Jay03GT]

I went with #2. Big skimmer with no other stuff. I just run a skimmer and a filter sock over 1 return (the other return is split in half between my 'fuge and the skimmer section).

[stephaniesquires]

I use a sock after water changes, live rock rubble everywhere I can fit it, and a skimmer. If you think about it, natural filtration (live rock) doesn't need to be 'cleaned' as it works to clean itself and the water, "manmade" filtration - bioballs, sponges, filter socks have no way of cleaning themselves and need to be maintained to do a filtering job - both types will work, but how well and with what maintenence is the question...

[thelastmucci]

personally I'm going to use the kitchen sink when I get my tank. I'll have a pin wheel protein skimmer. Using at least one sponge if not too. Have up too two micron bags of purigen and something else that I can't thikn of b/c it's late. Oh yea and a fuge with LR and LS and cheato....my tank is going to shine baby.

[bri74]

I have a 55gal. with 100 lbs lr a crappy skimmer and no other filters it stays pretty clean a little green hard algae on the glass every few weeks and water params are great. I believe with enough LR and LS and a skimmer you should be cool
p.s. I do have a magnum 350 canister filter that I use to put in carbon from time to time to polish the water and I also made a cool spray bar with it so basically its a power head

[NATIVEVAMAN]

I have a thing about sponge's and water.When youput them together all sorts of nasty and undesirable things tend to grow.Martha Stewart says that a person trying to clean out a sponge is a fool on an errand.(Bet you never thought you would here Martha quoted here on RB lol)I think the judicious use of a filter sock is a good thing,like when you are cleaning inside the tank or rearranging your rock,but not all the time.A skimmer should be able to stand alone and do its work.If your skimmer really needs help and cant do the job alone you need a new skimmer or to adjust the old one.

[stephaniesquires]

Originally Posted by NATIVEVAMAN

I have a thing about sponge's and water.When youput them together all sorts of nasty and undesirable things tend to grow.Martha Stewart says that a person trying to clean out a sponge is a fool on an errand.(Bet you never thought you would here Martha quoted here on RB lol)I think the judicious use of a filter sock is a good thing,like when you are cleaning inside the tank or rearranging your rock,but not all the time.A skimmer should be able to stand alone and do its work.If your skimmer really needs help and cant do the job alone you need a new skimmer or to adjust the old one.

Never thought of Martha Stewart as a great orator, but she's got a good point - and extra points for good use of the quote - but I'm a little concerned that you're not getting out enough if you can quote Martha!!

[thelastmucci]

I see your point native....the only reason I was going to use it is because it came with the setup. But I can always disregard it. Also saves me from buying the Pura-pad that CAD sells. But I think I"m still going to go with the micron bags of Sea-chem and Purigen...it's just good husbandry IMO> Also I"m not to sure on how exactly a filter sock works but would love to know more. For that matter if anyone has any insight on using "filter floss" by all means enlighten me. Personally I don't know how one little strand can do anything...and what do you wrap it around..the LR...the reason I"m using so many types of filteration (ie chemical, natureal or bio. and mechanical) is becuase thats what all the so called "experts" say to do.

[NATIVEVAMAN]

Anthony,filter sox are generally part of an over flow system.If you are still planning the cadlights tank you wont need them.

[jvharding]

This Thread has been moved to the Current Forum.

[rlcline76]

Dale, have you been watching the HGTV channel again?

[thelastmucci]

Thanks Dale...I was wondering how that works. Finally something I don't have to buy LOL.