10g Nano-Filteration

[RazerCorals]

I am planning on setting up a 10g reef. I am wondering what I should use for filteration? Just protein skimmer, just filter, or both? I currently am running just a filter and my Blue Damsel has been living for 4 weeks in there.

[Zack]

hey down in user group we are talking about that, anyway skimmer if you can fit one on that is great and anyway what is the other filter? do u have lr ls?

[RazerCorals]

Yeah I plan on using live rock. Last night a got some live sand from the Carribean. So I removed all the crushed coral and replaced it with live sand. I also purchased a Millenium 1000 for $7 what a steal. I also found another small filter that I am using as my powerhead.

[phistio]

some people use a little skilter 250...though i think you'd benefit from a true venturi driven skimmer, rather than a skilter...JMO

[HoopsGuru]

Let me toss my opinion into the mix. On a tank as small as a ten gallon, a skimmer is not all that useful. You will remove more dissolved organics by doing a small water change weekly/biweekly....which you should already do on such a small system anyway. I would just continue with what you have and implement the water changes if you haven't already.

[chris420]

i agree with hoopsguru on the skimmer thing you should just do lr ls and power heads a power filter is fine but dont use any media just use floss or a filter pad and make sure you do water changes those are one of the most crucial things in an aquarium,Chris

[smy168]

I had a 7 and a half gallon Bow Tank running for over 2 years on this method...

2.5 inch Live Sand Bed
11 lbs. of Live Rock (small pieces)
3 minijet powerheads
aqua-clear filter with LR/Culpera only
2X32 watt PowerCompacts (some off market brand)
Micro Chiller (fit right into the filter $99 at petwarehouse.com)
heater 15 watt

I kept alot of stuff in there too!

mushrooms (Red/Purple)
sea mat
candycane
tunicate(yes lasted for 19 months)
polyps (yellow/green star/metallic green star/Daisy)
Percula Clown
Bi Color Blenny
15 Blue Hermits
10 Bumble Bee Snails
Leather frag
BubbleGum
Pin Cushion Urchin

I guess what I'm saying is that simple is sometimes better, I've tried things like the skilter and though it may seem like it makes sense, it's not really needed. Culpera acts as a skimmer. LR/LS with alot of circulation acts as you filtration. 2.5 - 3 inch sandbed breaks down the nitrate. Strategically place MiniJets offer top water movement for gas exchange.

I did 1 gallon water changes per 2 weeks, fed once every 2 days with Live PhytoPlankton and half a cube of frozen food. Dosed with BIonic treatment (Alkalinity/Calcium) once every 3 days.

Tank did great, had to move it to a 54 gallon corner, moved that to my friends place (not an easy task) and now I'm setting up a 125 Gallon....this stuff is addictive make sure you don't have the "fever" like I did.

Enjoy!

[matrixnyc]

Watchman, on a 10 gallon tank, I dont think a Skimmer will help you much.

I would save the $ and spend it on other items for the tank.

Just my 2 ¢