protein skimmer or eco system

[callum_parsons]

well i have now saved up enough to get a protein skimmer. but iam not sure if i should go to ecosystem way instead.

which way do u recommed

and what are the benefits and negatives of each way

[Tangman]

Hi Callum. When you say eco system do you mean Miracle Mud, if so i think it depends on the bio load on the tank as IMO MM is ok if you have a few fish and corals rather than lots of fish. IMO skimmers are the way to go if you are keeping large fish such as me, but thats my theory and not everyone else's. I think the mud system is very expensive and as it needs half of it changing every 2 years it could be a very expensive way to go. On the other hand skimmers are'nt cheap either well the good ones are'nt such a A-M or Deltec. Sorry if i have not been much help but as i say it depends what system you are having. HTH. Eric

[callum_parsons]

yeah the miracle mud stuff.
i think my tank well be slightly heavly stocked but i plan to keep a mandarin in the future and i thought it might also act as a refugium

[Kev]

I have had no experience with miracle mud, and don't really know anyone that has so can't really comment.

I do understand that the "mud" requires replacement periodically which much be a real pain, and I understand this stuff is not cheap.

The thought of running skimmerless and therefore silent sounds apealling though.

[MR Teee]

Thing is I look at what my skimmer takes out every day, and I cant understand how a miracle mud system does the same thing.

How do you know if it has reached its capacity?

How much is needed to overload the system?

As I understood it the people that make the miracle mud system now recommend that you run a skimmer aswell.

IMO you cannot beat a large skimmer as the primary filtration device on a reef tank.

[Pinkfish]

In my opinion running a mud only system will leave your setup open to variables i.e how much mud do I need, when do I change the mud ect.

Why not have a DSB system and a protien skimmer. Add some worms and critters to the DSB to stop if from solidifying.

Mike

[Reefer]

Thing is I look at what my skimmer takes out every day, and I cant understand how a miracle mud system does the same thing.

How do you know if it has reached its capacity?

How much is needed to overload the system?

As I understood it the people that make the miracle mud system now recommend that you run a skimmer aswell.

IMO you cannot beat a large skimmer as the primary filtration device on a reef tank.

Absolutely true mate, with a skimmer you see what its doing in the collection cup, it is the number 1 piece of kit to have, end of chat!

[Tangman]

Hi Callum. You say you want to use the MM sump as a refugium, well you can use part of your sump as one so that you get some pods and critters for your Mandarin. Also if you set up a rubble zone in one corner of your tank that will encourage pods etc to go there and keep the Mandarin happy. You say your tank is going to be heavily stocked so IMO i would have a good skimmer ie Deltec or A-M. HTH. Eric :) PS Wheres Roy when he's needed he is the expert on Miracle Mud systems and he could have given you some thoughts.