[apantale]

Hello everyone. I am a newbie to the forum, so I will attempt to explain myself as concisely as possible. I currently have only one tank. It is a 35 galllon, flat-back Hex. I bought it a year ago from a friend who decided to quit the hobby. In any event, I bought the setup with a Magnum cannister filter which works pretty well, but a pain to maintain. I wanted another alternative, but not a hanging filter. I was thinking of building a sump at the bottom of the cabinet ( which btw is a bit tight, since it is hex-shaped as well..) and creating a wet/dry system. Would this be possible, or would I just be better off with the hanging filter, or another cannister one? If I do build a wet/dry, how do I rig the overflow box?

Any assistance is greatly appreciated..Also, i am on a budget..

[Samper]

The wet dry is nice for breaking down Nitrites but can't breakdown the Nitrates and when you clean those bioballs you just release most of it back in your system anyway. My personal favorite is biological filtration aka a ton of Live Rock and Live sand should you decide you don't want a bare bottom tank. Also the addition of a nice skimmer should be all you need. This is called the Berlin method. If you run a sump you can hang some panty hose with carbon in it over the side for water polishing but the only mechanical filtration really needed at this point in the hobby seems to be a nice skimmer.

[apantale]

Originally Posted by Samper

The wet dry is nice for breaking down Nitrites but can't breakdown the Nitrates and when you clean those bioballs you just release most of it back in your system anyway. My personal favorite is biological filtration aka a ton of Live Rock and Live sand should you decide you don't want a bare bottom tank. Also the addition of a nice skimmer should be all you need. This is called the Berlin method. If you run a sump you can hang some panty hose with carbon in it over the side for water polishing but the only mechanical filtration really needed at this point in the hobby seems to be a nice skimmer.

Thank you very much. I may just replace the magnum with another cannister anyways, since it will probably be cheaper than trying to make-shift a wet/dry system. Ideally, you probably would want to have the tank drilled to make the wet/dry more efficient.. But thanks..I agree on the bio filtration via live rock and sand. I have heard others using live plants, somewhat similar to a refugium, but in the tank and not in a sump.

[Poseidon]

First off welcome to Reefland..

Next, do a search about canister filters here, I think you will reconsider wanting to add one. Get yourself a good protein skimmer and you will be amazed at how crystal clear your water becomes. I would suggest a CPR bak-pak or Aqua C remora pro... for hang on.

Good luck! and don't rush it you will be way better off!