Filter Setup for 28g JBJ NanoCube

[T Fades]

Hi,

Setting up my 28g JBJ NanoCube and wanted to bounce my filter/sump setup off you guys to ensure I am on the right track.

The back portion of the tank has 5 compartments (I think called a mini sump). Here is what I currenly have in those 5 compartments. Please set me straight if I am not using these compartments in the best way.

Outermost compartments (1 and 5) have return pumps, I have a UV sterilizer attached to one of the return pumps.
Compartment 2 has the Oceanic protein skimmer.
Compartment 3 (middle) has the filter media basket, of which I have removed the bioballs, but kept the filter and carbon.
Compartment 4 has the Jager heater.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Tony

[ILuvMyGoldBarb]

The carbon is not really needed. Personally, I'd remove the carbon and save it for if you ever need it. About the only time I ever use carbon in my reef tank is when I frag my soft corals.

[T Fades]

Thx for the response Barb.

Wondering, if I remove the carbon from the media basket, there will only be the filter pad. I've heard the filter pad is not necessary if using enough LR (I plan on using ~ 40 lbs in the 28g).

I could maybe put the protein skimmer in Compartment 3 (middle) in place of the media basket (which would also give the protein skimmer more room to do it's thing.

Or maybe even remove the media basket and put some LR in there and leave the skimmer where it is at.

Thx again.

[labnjab]

I would do without the filter pad too. The only mechanical filtration I run is on my return pumps, and that gets cleaned weekly in hot tap water.

Also, if you plan on doing a mixed reef, with soft coral and SPS, then I would run carbon all the time, but other then that its only needed occasionally