my old 27 gal

[ReefSalt]

I had setup a test tank for Ecosystem the test ran for 1 1/2 years aprox untill the tank became to small for it inhabitants.
This is old pics but im still proud of it since it was borderline Nano.

[ReefSalt]

front view

[ReefSalt]

Zoos

As you can see it became preety loaded.

[kadaytar]

Hey Robin it looks nice. What did you mean with Ecosystem?
Kadir

[ReefSalt]

Ecosystem Filtration with a Refugium.

[ReefSalt]

hers is one of my favorites.

[slylie]

very nice robert! I have allways wanted to do an ecosystem tank, and i was wondering about the following.

1. how large of a refugium did u use?
2. Did you utilize mangrove pods?
3. what type of substrate was in the refugium?
4. Were nitrate levels stable?
5. how often did u need to make water changes?

cheers, sly.

[ReefSalt]

#1 I used the 3012 model whixh is 30 long by 12 and 16 high.
#2 No I used Razor calerpa and some small speices of grape.
#3 Miracle Mud
#4 Nitrates were at 0 and remained like that when I started feeding with phyto they did go up a point or so but dropped very fast.
#5 I did regular water changes once a month only because it was a habit/routine and also recomended by Ecosystem. I have customers who tell me that they do none just top off and Resins to remove discoloration when needed,and I must say they do have nice tanks.

[Dory]

Nice!!

[kentracey]

Hey Robin, nice tank. Were you using a skimmer then as well? I'm assuming you didn't but had to ask. I see you're using a skimmer now and a "monster skimmer" at that. What were you're conclusions with using the Ecosystem? You obviously felt that a skimmer was needed on your new system. One more question if you don't mind. Did you use any calcium supplementation when running the Eco on the 27? Did you have the calcium reactor then? Drip kalwasser? I think most here have considered running an Eco but were not sure of the long term results or limitations of the system. It crossed my mind (and I'm sure others) that it was just the newest and most expensive "snake oil" of the day. It's nice to hear first hand from someone. Thanks, Ken.

[ReefSalt]

Originally posted by kentracey
Hey Robin, nice tank. Were you using a skimmer then as well?

No I was not using a skimmer at all,just Purigen once in a while.

I see you're using a skimmer now and a "monster skimmer" at that. What were you're conclusions with using the Ecosystem?

For me it worked great the growth was good and live stock was healthy even the pieces I would pick up at the store that was damaged would do well after a while.

You obviously felt that a skimmer was needed on your new system.

The only reason I decided to put a skimmer on was because I travel more out of town and still wanted to over stock my new setup,so for a heavy Bioload I think that it is highly nessesary especially if your not around to monitor it often.

One more question if you don't mind. Did you use any calcium supplementation when running the Eco on the 27? Yes I occaisionaly used Reef Calcium.

Did you have the calcium reactor then?
Yes But I never set it up because I didnt need it.

Drip kalwasser?

I allways drip Kalk for that I used Reef Kalkwasser in a 5 gallon glass wine bottle with an air pump to add pressure to the bottle so it would never block up,and I could control my Drip flow better.

I think most here have considered running an Eco but were not sure of the long term results or limitations of the system. It crossed my mind (and I'm sure others) that it was just the newest and most expensive "snake oil" of the day. It's nice to hear first hand from someone. Thanks, Ken.

There are quite a few impressive Reefs that I have seen running on this method I to thought naaa,that cant be! But there are diffrent methods that exist and there is not just one way to keep a reef and it all depends on the Individual.
Hope I answered all your questions.
Ciao for Now