No filter sock in sump? Why Randy?

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Randy
I enjoyed the pictures of your previous tank. Beautiful as I would expect. On the topic of continuous or automatic water changes, with the ability to now test for minor trace elements and dose same on a regular basis, do you feel the continuous 1% per day change is still beneficial? I always thought the main benefit of the continuous change was replacement of trace elements. Your thoughts are welcomed.
Jack
Destin, Fl.

Yes, beneficial.
Necessary? no,
Adequate to maintain NSW levels of all trace elements? no

But it may help a lot with some elements that deplete slowly, such as magnesium and potassium and probably some trace elements.

It also exports those elements that are accumulating (many people are in this scenario for one or more metals) and it also keeps certain organics that may be hard to control in other ways.

Finally, it helps control the balance of the major ions that few people control, like chloride and sulfate.

 

[srad750c]

Aquaclear sponge in overflow. Rinse out biweekly. No problems.

 

[Mushroomhead]

I removed my felt filter pads from my sump as I was worried they were holding phosphates that might otherwise be removed by the protein skimmer.

 

[J-reefer]

So, does the rock in the refugium replace the macroalgae most people are growing? Or both?

 

[J-reefer]

So are you replacing the marcro algae in the refugium with rock or have both? I might try the no filter socks, getting tired of changing them and them clogging. I do have rox.8 but am afraid to put it online being my sale fin has/had helle and is still recovering. Any suggestions on this- thanks!

 

[SaracensRugby]

I have both rock and macro algae in my sump. I have the Trigger Triton 44, so no filter socks. No issues whatsoever with phosphates or nitrates. Actually I dose nitrates once a week to keep my nitrates between 3-5ppm.