HELP A NEWBIE (filters)

sXeDanimalsXe · 09-13-2007, 10:39 AM

I am getting ready to move in to a new place in Nov or Dec and I am thinking about getting a salt water tank. I want some live rock but I am looking at having more fish than rock. My parents had a nice reef tank for years so I know a little but I am having a hard time with filters. I am thinking a 55 gallon because I wont have much room and I have read smaller tanks are easier to keep up with. I have seen a couple "all in on filters" but I am not sure how well those work. Any advice for me?

Samper · 09-13-2007, 11:07 AM

Hey welcome to Reefland!

Instead of a standard 55 I might recommend a 50 or a 40 gallon breeder instead. These give you more width to aquascape and IMO look much better. As for filtration the best "natural filters" that we have are protein skimmers. Most reefkeepers today don't use wet/dry filters or anything to do with bioballs. Canister filters are outdated for our everyday needs although running carbon in one isn't a bad idea. I prefer to just bag up my carbon and stick it in a high flow area of the sump though.

My best advice is to set up a sump underneath your display to house a refugium and get you a good in sump or hang on protein skimmer rated for a system larger than the one you are setting up. Skimmer manufacturers tend to over rate them so purchasing one that is rated by the factory for say a 55 gallon tank usually isn't enough.

**leebca** · 09-13-2007, 11:31 AM

WELCOME TO REEFLAND!

You will need to do some reading on basic equipment and information for setting up a FOWLR system. There are some good posts that will help guide you. Also, you should consider getting one or more good books so that you can actually see what the different systems look like. There are so many that it would be hard to explain in posts that you, someone new, would likely understand.

Through books and publications and these posts, you should then build up a vocabulary of understanding that will make discussions much more helpful.

Start with these posts for additional information:
Setting Up a FOWLR Aquarium
Marine Aquairum Books & Reading

Good luck!

09-13-2007, 10:39 AM	#1
sXeDanimalsXe New in Town Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: virginia Posts: 1	HELP A NEWBIE (filters) I am getting ready to move in to a new place in Nov or Dec and I am thinking about getting a salt water tank. I want some live rock but I am looking at having more fish than rock. My parents had a nice reef tank for years so I know a little but I am having a hard time with filters. I am thinking a 55 gallon because I wont have much room and I have read smaller tanks are easier to keep up with. I have seen a couple "all in on filters" but I am not sure how well those work. Any advice for me?

09-13-2007, 11:07 AM	#2
Samper Contributing Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Arkansas Posts: 3,768	Re: HELP A NEWBIE (filters) Hey welcome to Reefland! Instead of a standard 55 I might recommend a 50 or a 40 gallon breeder instead. These give you more width to aquascape and IMO look much better. As for filtration the best "natural filters" that we have are protein skimmers. Most reefkeepers today don't use wet/dry filters or anything to do with bioballs. Canister filters are outdated for our everyday needs although running carbon in one isn't a bad idea. I prefer to just bag up my carbon and stick it in a high flow area of the sump though. My best advice is to set up a sump underneath your display to house a refugium and get you a good in sump or hang on protein skimmer rated for a system larger than the one you are setting up. Skimmer manufacturers tend to over rate them so purchasing one that is rated by the factory for say a 55 gallon tank usually isn't enough. __________________ Keep your heart pure conceive your own dreams Respect your fellow man the earth and the trees.

09-13-2007, 11:31 AM	#3
leebca Moderator - LEE Join Date: May 2006 Location: So CA Posts: 2,455	Re: HELP A NEWBIE (filters) WELCOME TO REEFLAND! You will need to do some reading on basic equipment and information for setting up a FOWLR system. There are some good posts that will help guide you. Also, you should consider getting one or more good books so that you can actually see what the different systems look like. There are so many that it would be hard to explain in posts that you, someone new, would likely understand. Through books and publications and these posts, you should then build up a vocabulary of understanding that will make discussions much more helpful. Start with these posts for additional information: Setting Up a FOWLR Aquarium Marine Aquairum Books & Reading Good luck! __________________ LEE Post your fish care and health questions on the Reefland MARINE FISH: CARE, HEALTH AND DISEASE TREATMENT Forum.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
ro filters	stdreb27	Tanks, Filtration & Basic Equipment	1	10-11-2006 06:03 PM
R/O Filters...	SEAG	Tanks, Filtration & Basic Equipment	3	08-05-2004 01:27 PM
UG Filters	MasterBlaster	Reef Aquariums	1	08-03-2003 03:59 AM
Filters	Kent	Tanks, Filtration & Basic Equipment	1	07-27-2003 03:13 PM
Filters	Kent	Saltwater (Fish-Only) Aquariums	4	07-09-2003 01:58 PM

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)