Filtration overkill?

[Michael Price]

If I got an innovative marine 20g peninsula AIO, is there a wrong way to set up the filtration? I was thinking put a UV sterilizer in the first compartment, protein skimmer in the second, and heater with return pump in the third and final. The main issue I see is the lack of biological in the filter area but shouldn't the rocks and sand support the bacteria growth?

 

[Tamberav]

Correct. You don’t need biological media. The rock does the same thing.

I don’t believe the heater can go in the return area.

It is not supposed to be by the hoses or touching any pumps/plastic. What happens is part of it doesn’t get the same flow and it can fail prematurely.

Also that compartment evaporates and if the ATO failed or such. It could cause the heater to overheat, possibly crack when exposed to air.

It’s not ideal anywho.

Maybe skip the UV and just put the heater or skimmer chamber one.

The limited filter room on peninsulas is a special challenge.