Help Getting Started

[c_scherer123]

Originally Posted by serratus

Wow, it seems you guys are unanimous about not using a mechanical filter and going for a good protein skimmer.

I'm starting to learn that the nitrates are bad too and live rock filters that out. Now, here is where I am a bit confused and please point out if any of what I am saying is wrong: Live Rock as well as a cannister filter have bacteria that grows in them that converts ammonia into nitrite and then from nitrite to nitrate. So from what you are saying, is there a different bacteria that grows ONLY in the live rock that converts nitrate into nitrogen gas? These guys don't live in the cannister filter?

Second confusing point, whether you have a cannister filter or not, the amount of ammonia produced by the live stock will be the same which means the amount of available ammonia that gets converted into nitrite is the same. In turn, this means that cannister filter or not, the amount of nitrite available to convert into nitrate is the same. So how does the cannister filter INCREASE the nitrate levels? Wouldn't that be the same irregardless of cannister filter or not?

I don't mean to sound like I am arguing with you. I am not. It's just that I am confused and would like to find out why. It seems that all of you agree that cannister filters INCREASE nitrate levels so there must be some error in my thinking and that's why I am confused.

Being fairly new myself, I remember the confusion.
Ok, here is an example of why i would use a skimmer instead of a canister.
Eg. Feeding time - some brine shrimp (or other food/fish waste/etc) is floating around the water column. The water current is supposed to keep stuff from falling on the sand/substrate. So, it can get sucked into a canister - if you have foam, it can sit there decompose until you clean it (image a fish sitter on holidays...). Or it can get sucked into the skimmer which would throw it into the foam in the cup. The foam isn't part of the system now (unless it overflows...) and it tossed out on a regular basis.

As for live rock, as I understand it (and someone may correct me on this), there is a special bacteria deep inside the rock which operates in anerobic conditions to help remove some of the nitrates. The rock also converts ammonia into nitrites and into nitrate, but it also has a small capacity to (remove/convert?) nitrates. Foam in the filter just lacks the ability to remove nitrate. (Also, how many times have you managed to rinse a sponge completely clean?)
A canister with carbon can provide extra flow, but a powerhead will provide more flow for less money (and lacks the capacity to leak water on the floor if it breaks). Just provides a nice place to hide some carbon.