55G zeovit tank

[jorsan]

Hi,
In the berguining I had a 160G beautifull tank that was almost ready to be used with the zeo method but after downsizing my system, now I have a 55 G tank. Dont have a sump so reactor is not an option, could I use a canister filter instead? any other ideas? what about the dossage? few live rock , runing for about 6 months, almost no corals yet, fish population between normal and high.
All your comments/ideas will be welcome. Thanks

[tonkadawg]

WELCOME!!!

Zeo is a definite possibility for your tank, but if you can check this thread out and answer all the questions, the experts here will be able to better help you with your set up:

http://zeovit.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14

[Orion76]

You could use an internal canister filter, just take out the sponge and put in Zeo rocks instead.

Will you be using a skimmer?

[Aged Salt]

An external canister filter will work fine, with the flow rate at 50gph[200l/h] through the zeolite[you will use 1/2ltr. of zeolites for your set-up. External models of the zeo-reactor are also available. BTW, a skimmer is a must for the method. Bob

[jorsan]

Thanks to all. I'll post all the information this weekend. The canister filter is a good idea, I supposse that I need to buy a big one to hold carbon and zeosalts; an external one could do the job (external is easier to work with and move the media daily as recommended) any particular brand? . . . About the skimmer, my idea was not to use one and perform 30%-40% of water changes monthly instead but . . .do you think this could work? for me, skimmer= export fo nutrients and big water changes monthly= export of nutrients also . . am I correct?
Thanks again for your help

[jorsan]

If skimmer is a must, witch is the best for a 55?

[Aged Salt]

Hi Jorsan, WC's on the ZEOvit method are 5-10% of one's net water vol/wk.[plz. be sure to read & understand the ZEOvit guide] The ZEOvit method incorporates specialized zeolites & bacteria with carbon sources for seeding & feeding the stones. Skimming will be much more productive than in the past due to the "mulm" released from the stones when they are shaken while doing the stone cleaning daily on your external canister filter. This by-product is laden with N's/P's & is easily skimmable but not easily removed by WC's. WC's are only performed to replenish trace elements which are used by our reef. For your system, I would suggest a hang-on-the-back pinwheel skimmer, AquaMedic's multifloater-1000 which will do a fabulous job on your size reef. Any canister filter with a valved effluent to regulate the flow rate through the zeolites will work. It's important to be as close to the recommended flow rate as possible. BTW, carbon can be used in the canister & for your purpose, use 1/3 Cup quantity of a non-leaching-P04 carbon. Bob

[jorsan]

Thanks for your quick and correct response. About the filter, what about using a HOB filter? maybe thats much better for mover the media daily, do you agree, or its better tio have an external one closed?

[GTR]

HOB will be OK and IMO easier to move the media. I'd use a mesh bag fine enough to hold the media. I don't care for the socks in the hobby market for this purpose though. I use produce mesh bags for some things in my reef with good success but they may allow the small stone to leak out. That might not matter though, you'd just need to remove the HOB at media change out time to get all the small zeolites out of the bottom of it.

SteveU

[jorsan]

Do you consider the AQUA REMORA PRO an option?

[Aged Salt]

Jorsan, I have never seen one of those in action, but if it's at least "rated" for 2x's your system's volume, then it should do fine. Bob

[tonkadawg]

jorsan, I have used the HOB method and it did ok. The one thing you need to keep in mind is that when you cycle your filter (3 hours on, 3 hours off), you need to make sure the zeo stones are submursed when in the off position. This was a bit of a problem for me and have have since switched to a sump with a reactor. The other thing, is by using the mesh bag, over a short period of time, the bag begins to collect detritus and gunk. Remember the whole point to Zeovit is a nutrient poor system. If you go this route, be sure to keep an eye on this, and replace the bags when build up begins.

I have a Remora pro, I ditched the MJ1400 for a Mag 3 and this thing kicks arse. I think if you used a Mag 3 too, it would be fine for your 55 - IIRC, the Remora pro is rated 90 gallons (thats with the MJ/Rio pumps)

[nyfireman3097]

bro i had a turboflotor1000 on my 55g i have it now on my 125 the thing works amazing
Nick

[jorsan]

Thanks to all for your responses but this morning just place an order for the DELTEC 630 HOB skimmer. I've done some research and found this one the best, expensive but the best (hope Im right). I had the euroreef in the past in a 180 (I still have it but useless) and works OK also but is too big for my new setup.
The Deltec have a chamber for place media and for carbon will be OK but looks like I cant use it with zeo stones. I need to find a HOB filter that have the pump in it (dont want to see pumps in the tank - I also will use closed loop for water movement) with the correct flow (you recomends me a 50G/hour flow) so help with this matter will e apreciated.
Thanks again for your continuous support
Jorge

[Aged Salt]

Jorge, if you plan to place the zeolites in a filter bag to run in a Aqyaclear-HOB-type filter then GPH will not be a sticking point, as the water will also flow "around" the stones, not "through" them as in a closed canister-type filter. Whatever size HOB filter that holds 1/2ltr of stones will be fine. Again the 50GPH is applicable only on the "flow-through " type. So a Aquaclear 200 or 300 is your decision. Just knead the stones once or twice a day BTW, you should be happy with the skimmer, Bob