Eco-System Filtration

[bubba654]

I have a 55g 40#sand20#live sand 60#rock 20#live rock. red sea prizm skimmer 2 rio power heads & 4- 65 watt pc lights . I just set up january 15th and already have red and purple corline alge transfering to the base rock. I am thinking about setting up an eco sump all water paramiters are good. I have done the fish only for 2 Years and have a really good LFS but he is really pushing and his tanks are great I guess I am just looking for the pros& cons Thanks

 

[NaH2O]

Let me do a little research on it, and I'll post some information. Here is an analysis of Miracle Mud. I think it's important to note iron and aluminum.

Aluminum in the Reef Aquarium

Iron in the Reef Tank

Iron: Look at Organisms Other Than Macroalgaes

What is the LFS telling you about the benefits of an Ecosystem? True Ecosystems do not run skimmers, and IMO, this is a mistake. Skimmers will remove far more DOCs (dissolved organic compounds) than macros.

Oops, guess I posted some information already. I'm going to get some info on macros for you.

 

[NaH2O]

Here is some information on Basic Refugium Maintenance. There is some good information on Caulerpa there.

 

[CarlaW]

I've had one set up on my 80 gallon for 2 years now. They seem to work pretty good, if you are patient enuf to let the macros do their job. But, it is not only the system that helps, it is also using good maintenance schedules, and not adding a whole bunch of junk into the system also. All I add now is buffer, turbo ca, and kalk. Maybe a little iodine, if I remember.
HTH

 

[bubba654]

Thanks charlie, their are suppliments sold with the system do you\have you used them?

NaH2O thanks for digging for me Mylfs advocates use of a skimmer,only on a limited basis but they do use them.

Thanks again for all the help