bznbuff
New Member
I have a recently installed ProStar v2 150. It is a FOWLR with softies and easy corals.
For now filtration is the 3 included filter socks with balled up filter floss changed out as needed, and a ReefMat 500.
I will also be adding UV light and if needed algae scrubber in future.
My primary objectives are having interesting fish, some cool corals, balanced by ease of maintenance and minimal water changes. Hence the LFS recommended the reef mat for easy upkeep.
However, I am wondering if their design / install has a flaw. the tank has 2 downspouts (where the intake of water from tank goes down into the filter socks in the sump). the installer diverted one of the intakes straight into the reefmat. The reefmat is in the second sump compartment, after the filter socks.
I just wonder if both downspouts should be going into the filter socks, and then have the reef mat filter the water after that. Otherwise, it seems like I am wasting reef mat roll because that water has not been filtered by the filter floss / socks, so 50% of the dirtiest water is going straight into the reefmat.
My mat usage has gone from like 6-12 inches a day in the first few weeks to now 3-4 feet per day ... obviously some of that is the diatoms (and other new tank fun) and as I have added fish and thus nutrients and waste.
Should I make this change or keep as is?
Apologies in advance for any obvious mistakes ... newbie with a 6 month nano tank and now this 6 week old 150.
thank you!
For now filtration is the 3 included filter socks with balled up filter floss changed out as needed, and a ReefMat 500.
I will also be adding UV light and if needed algae scrubber in future.
My primary objectives are having interesting fish, some cool corals, balanced by ease of maintenance and minimal water changes. Hence the LFS recommended the reef mat for easy upkeep.
However, I am wondering if their design / install has a flaw. the tank has 2 downspouts (where the intake of water from tank goes down into the filter socks in the sump). the installer diverted one of the intakes straight into the reefmat. The reefmat is in the second sump compartment, after the filter socks.
I just wonder if both downspouts should be going into the filter socks, and then have the reef mat filter the water after that. Otherwise, it seems like I am wasting reef mat roll because that water has not been filtered by the filter floss / socks, so 50% of the dirtiest water is going straight into the reefmat.
My mat usage has gone from like 6-12 inches a day in the first few weeks to now 3-4 feet per day ... obviously some of that is the diatoms (and other new tank fun) and as I have added fish and thus nutrients and waste.
Should I make this change or keep as is?
Apologies in advance for any obvious mistakes ... newbie with a 6 month nano tank and now this 6 week old 150.
thank you!
