Can this filtration be enough?

[vadryn]

I have a 90g sumpless mixed reef. Heavy rock and 4”+ oolitic sand. Been running 10+ years. In tank refugium with chaeto. Can I add carbon dosing (Tropic Marin) to complete my filtration (nutrient export)? No skimmer. No GFO.

If that’s insufficient, what would be required to bridge the gap? I want minimal clutter as all hardware is in the display.

Thanks!

 

[fishyjoes]

What problem are you trying to solve?
Running 10 years seems like it's all handled just fine

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

Your tank has been running for 10 years. What problem are you trying to fix with carbon dosing?

I could be wrong, but I believe a skimmer is an essential part of successful carbon dosing as well.

 

[vadryn]

The tank limped along for years after a crash and I’ve been resurrecting it since January. A few fish and the softie corals are legacy, everything else is new since I got parameters decent.

My research has me believing the Tropic Marin carbon dosing didn’t require a skimmer like pellets do.

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

The tank limped along for years after a crash and I’ve been resurrecting it since January. A few fish and the softie corals are legacy, everything else is new since I got parameters decent.

My research has me believing the Tropic Marin carbon dosing didn’t require a skimmer like pellets do.

What are your current nitrate and phosphate levels?

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

Thread 'Carbon dosing without a skimmer' https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/carbon-dosing-without-a-skimmer.681489/

 

[vadryn]

Nitrates average 20, while Phos .2

I want a bit more stability and lower Phos. GFO keeps it just under .2

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

Nitrates average 20, while Phos .2

I want a bit more stability and lower Phos. GFO keeps it just under .2

Actually, for the type of corals you have, I would not recommend going any lower on the N and P.

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

Again, what problem are you trying to solve with carbon dosing and/or lowering nutrients?

 

[vadryn]

Slow growth of corals in particular. Things people say grow quickly don’t for me, like chalice. Maybe I need to dose something for my impatience.

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

Slow growth of corals in particular. Things people say grow quickly don’t for me, like chalice. Maybe I need to dose something for my impatience.

My chalices grow extremely slow compared to some of my other coral. I don't think lowering nutrients (that are already in a good range) is a good way to get coral growth, especially in LPS.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

Since you have no skimmer, I would suggest to point one of your powerheads to the water surface. you can clearly see the slick on the surface in your picture, it will help with gas exchange. Just my 2 cents.

Thats a beautiful tank, very nice!

 

[vadryn]

I have a gyre on the left. Trying to create as much surface ripple as I can with the water noise. Same with the Neros but I can’t aim them with the fish guards on.