[Reefer769]

hey!

whats a good filtration unit to put on a 30gal aquarium? im just wondering because im upgrading my 10gal to a 30gal, and i have a powerfilter on my 10, and i just need to know what would be a good source of filtration for a 30 gal. thanks!

[Poseidon]

All you need is LIVE ROCK and a good skimmer. For the 30 gallon get about 25-30 lbs to start. Then maybe add as needed, or as in my case, as the wallet allows!!

[Reefer769]

what if i cant afford a skimmer right now? what is an alternative?

[Reefland]

There is no alternative to a good protein skimmer. There are people who go with skimmer-less tanks but they do not use any alternative mechanical filtration as a subsitute. They tend to be more stringent on water changes and syphoning out detritus from their system.

For a beginner, a protein skimmer, lots of good quality live rock and routine water changes are the only way to go. No Magnum, Whisper or "bio" filter is going to help.

Scott Z.

[Reefer769]

alright then, i guess im just gunna have to mooch 100 or so dollars off my dad, hopefully he'll do it, knowing hes already spending money on me for this 30 gallon upgrade, haha, oh well thanks for the advice.

[Tweter8034]

I have a 30 gallon tank and i use the prizm hang on protien skimmer as my only source of fitration. i have used it for about 4 months now and have found it does a pretty good job. i picked it up at a LFS in houston for 75$.

Jason

[Reefland]

I know it is a tough impulse to resist however doing it right the first time is the only way to go. You are MUCH better off reading, researching and asking questions before buying and setting up an aquarium that is doomed to fail from using unsuccessful equipment or techniques. If you can't "moooch" the money, then don't settle for something less; wait it out until you get the money and set it up right the first time.

Scott Z.

[Reefer769]

yea about that prism, i was thinking of buying one anyways, i saw one on ebay for $68, and i think if my dads agrees to buying the skimmer then ill buy it, and thanks for the advice about the prism, ive been asking everywhere and noone has had any experience with them, so thanks to both of you for the advice, cya

[Tweter8034]

me and my roomies all use it. it is on my oceanic 30 cube my roomies 40 gal oceanic hex long and my other roomies 32 gal oceanic hex we all have had pretty good success. no major problems once you learn how to work it its easy. just read the instructions.

Jason