He has mechanical filtration. The filter pad between the sump chambers. the physical structure of the chaetomorpha, which can trap large particulates, and a protein skimmer. Once this tanks detritus reaches a stage where it can not biodegrade any further, it will settle in the sump or the DT.
Well a chaetomorpha blanket is mechanical filtration, it's one made of plant fiber. But it is also an active biomass whose growth out competes most other photosynthetic organisms and serves as an excellent host to various detritivores, micro-invertebrates, and bacteria; thus it is such an excellent export method and one of the most natural methods. Great video, and a nice review of the underlying biological theory (for the nutrient cycles). But the distinction I would draw is: it doesn't have to be inorganic to be mechanical
You do have mechanical filtration, the chaeto itself! Its kinda genius now that I think about it. Its a like a sponge but it can absorb the nutrients of the particles it traps!
That chaeto has grown so much from that little ball you started with. The Triton method is a very interesting way to run your system. I'm excited to learn more about it.
I also read you don't need mechanical filters, but most reefers do, I think because the mechanical filter traps the bigger particles before it gets to your equipment hence making you gear last longer.
That’s the exact same reason I quit using mechanical filtration a while ago. I noticed my acans weren’t near as happy when I was using filter socks so I quit using them. I also keep bristle worms mixed in with my dragon breath in the sump
Great vid, thanks. I assume when you say no mechanical filtration, I assume the filter pad on the output from chamber 1 - 2 is just fine enough to catch bits of cheato that break off and not end up in the display, and allow smaller particles for coral to consume.
First, let me congrat for your Tank and all your reef background!!! A lot of experience and excellent tips, very appreciated for share with us and please still sharing this, don’t get me wrong!! But this is my personal opinion, and I think that such black sponge is a mechanical filtration, maybe you can put the algae inside of a net. Is just an idea in order to have a complete Triton method.
Okay so when ever I get a new ball of chato it grows very well BUT then as soon as I take some out so it can grow back again it dies off ? It's the second time its happened to me now?
How does a tank cycle with the Triton method? I guess you are reliant on nitrification from the bacteria that lives in the sand and rock? Does this in turn limit the amount of fish stock you can have? I know cheato will deal with nitrates and phosphates but can it turn ammonia into nitrite? I guess I need to read up on it but the tank is looking great, I do love the simplicity of your method too and by the way it looks like that bacter clean is working a charm.
So how do you clean your filtration all that waste that’s built up in there how do you get it out. You can’t just leave it there forever it will build up waste wouldn’t it. I’m just curious I’m trying to learn. You must have to remove all the poop and waste in there can’t just sit there forever. Can it
I see. The tank has turned around for the better! Will you be doing a video on the move of the tank when the time comes? Im curious to see your approach. As to if you will keep the sand or use new how much water volume you will take with you etc. Ive done the move more time than i care to admit. Its stressful but at the same time kinda exciting.
I use a filter sock only when doing a tank cleaning aka sand bed stir and turkey baster on rock work and only for about 2 hours. this is done every two weeks. My refugium is full of feather caulerpa and dragons tongue algae. But I do not use Triton products, just kalkwasser and coral/fish feeding.
That sponge is so the Chaeto won’t go into the skimmer chamber. If you take a real close look at that sponge it’s super coarse. The frozen food easily flys by it.
