Filtration For FO

[FishKid]

I remember posting this yestereday, but I guess something happened...

I know, I have been back and forth over getting a FO for the past month(s) but it is official, my dad said if I get rid of the S. nattereri, I could set up a salt water tank (Provided that it doesnt cost anywhere near what I paid for the reef!)

What is the general concensus on FO filters?

I was wondering if I could use 2 AquaClear 500's and maybe a canister filter as a means of filtration. I really dont want to pay $200 for a wet/Dry filter (atleast not right now). I dont see any reason why the Aquaclears wouldnt be as good in Salt Water as they are fresh water, but I thought I would ask anyway.

I dont plan on using RO for this tank, will the water need a tap water purifier, or can i use it straight from the tap?

Mark

[icemark]

I use an Aquaclear for initial setting up of tanks, and it works just fine, but the carbon needs to be removed after about a week (or it starts leaching back) and the sponge becomes a bit of a nutient sink after a couple of months, unless you regularly clean it (like weekly).

Mostly they are great to spot clean a tank, but I don't see them effective as a long term solution to Reef, FO, or FOWLR filtering issues.

Long term IMO: You would be better off getting a really good skimmer, a cleaning crew, and regular water changes.

Also as too your water... you would need to test it or get a report from your water co. Again IMO, RO, DI, or some sort of purification is a must to avoid problem algaes in my area.

[FishKid]

ok, then Ill keep the one I have for the first couple of months. (until I can afford a skimmer) and then, I could use it to circulate the water. I will look for a report from my water company, if its bad, then I might as well get RO, but it already costs $5 a week to replace the water in my 30 gal..

In a FO, is it wise to look toward a DSB? I would really like, in like a year or two, to buy 40# of LR, and some med light corals... so I figure it would be better to start off with sand.


mark



Sorry about the double thread, I cant delete it for some reason, if any mod runs allong this post, please delete it

[FishKid]

ok, then Ill keep the one I have for the first couple of months. (until I can afford a skimmer) and then, I could use it to circulate the water. I will look for a report from my water company, if its bad, then I might as well get RO, but it already costs $5 a week to replace the water in my 30 gal..

In a FO, is it wise to look toward a DSB? I would really like, in like a year or two, to buy 40# of LR, and some med light corals... so I figure it would be better to start off with sand.

also I looked online and couldnt find pages on other peoples FO set ups, does anyoone have a page, or know of one??

mark

[icemark]

You know I just converted my 60 gal (which is mostly FO with a few inverts and simple corals like 'shrooms) to a DSB so I can't say yet if it works.

But it sure looks nicer.