Fluval U1 -- For 10g Reef Tank ?

[nano_reef_ubergeek]

I have a 10 gallon reef tank with 10 lbs dead rock and 3 lbs live rock. I'm thinking of getting a fluval U1 filter because it's small and I heard that they are pretty quiet, but I opened one of these up in one store and all I could see was one sponge filter. (I'm wondering if you can get a carbon filter for this little baby. )

I know that someone is going to tell me -- get the U2. But those are fairly big and take up more space --- and it's only a 10 gallon tank. Plus, I did open up a Fluval U2 and the pads in the box were combination poly and carbon .... I don't know if you can buy a separate poly filter with no carbon on it. I don't want to use carbon filtration all the time in my tank.

Right now I have a Aqua Clear 20, that makes too much noise --- I heard that some of these take time to break in -- but --- I'm probably going to end up taking it back to the store where I got it.

 

[loraxchick]

I have a 10 gallon reef tank with 10 lbs dead rock and 3 lbs live rock. I'm thinking of getting a fluval U1 filter because it's small and I heard that they are pretty quiet, but I opened one of these up in one store and all I could see was one sponge filter. (I'm wondering if you can get a carbon filter for this little baby. )

I know that someone is going to tell me -- get the U2. But those are fairly big and take up more space --- and it's only a 10 gallon tank. Plus, I did open up a Fluval U2 and the pads in the box were combination poly and carbon .... I don't know if you can buy a separate poly filter with no carbon on it. I don't want to use carbon filtration all the time in my tank.

Right now I have a Aqua Clear 20, that makes too much noise --- I heard that some of these take time to break in -- but --- I'm probably going to end up taking it back to the store where I got it.

hi and welcome!!!
you might want to move the thread into the salty section. Betta folks may not be very helpful in this dilemma
cheers

 

[aly_starh]

Welcome,
yes saltwater people will be able to help!

Whats the current stocking in the tank?

 

[nano_reef_ubergeek]

oh ..... I just started .... there is only live sand ..... 3 pounds live rock and 10 pounds dead rock. I'm told that it will be a minimum of 4 weeks before I can add any fish ....

(It may take me a while to move this to the saltwater forum .... because I don't know how to do that)

 

[aly_starh]

no, you cant move it, mods do that

Just make a new one on the Saltwater section

 

[nano_reef_ubergeek]

ok .... I'm draining the tank ..... packing up the rock .... and moving everything over to the saltwater section.

 

[loraxchick]

ok .... I'm draining the tank ..... packing up the rock .... and moving everything over to the saltwater section.

lol
good luck!

 

[Assaye]

Not sure about the U1, but the U2 should come with a carbon insert. I imagine the U1 is quite similar? If not, you can buy the extras.

 

[Luketendo]

Can't you make your own carbon aka put carbon in media bags or cut carbon sponges to fit but reefers use carbon pellets.

 

[SkiFletch]

Can't you make your own carbon aka put carbon in media bags or cut carbon sponges to fit but reefers use carbon pellets.

Sure can, lots of folks do this

 

[nano_reef_ubergeek]

I am thinking of doing that .... but I don't feel that I know much about it ..... I guess I could buy tetra replacement filters .... cut them up .... put carbon on the inside and use nylon thread to sew it a little ..... anything to avoid having a noisy HOB filter ..... I bought and Aqua Clear 20 and I'm going to take it back because it's just too noisy ....

I may try get by with only a Koralia Powerhead and no filter for a while ..... the Nano Koralia has 240 gallon per hour movement and I'm wondering if that's too much for a 10 gallon tank ..... there is this small green boxy Italian made powerhead that sits at the bottom of the tank ... it has 100 gallon per hour movement.

I have not made any decision yet .... just trying no to worry about it too much ..... just postponing any decision until I know more .....

 

[Luketendo]

Can't you make your own carbon aka put carbon in media bags or cut carbon sponges to fit but reefers use carbon pellets.

Sure can, lots of folks do this

Yeah because I had a stingray filter for freshwater I didn't want to use their carbon pellets so I cut up a jewel sponge to shape and size.

 

[aly_starh]

what fish are you planning on keeping once the live rock has fully cured?

 

[nano_reef_ubergeek]

well .... I'm thinking a small six line wrasse .... and a small green clown goby .....

I might have trouble trying to keep both of them once they get bigger ..... but a clown goby may not eat much .... (they seem to spend most of the time resting in place)...... I may even be able to keep both of them as adults.