Which protein skimmer is best?

[RFL]

Over the next couple of weeks/months I am putting together a ~120 acrylic tank with some sort of sump and wet/dry filter (most likely using bioballs or shotgun wads?). I want to have a reef set up but don't have lottery winnings or rich relatives so I am doing it slow. I just bought two 250W MH lights and want to purchase a protein skimmer next. With out breaking the bank which will provide the necessary skimming. I need to be able to run it in sump.
Eventually I plan adding ~50lbs of live rock with a deep sand bed, and more rock as I can afford it. Thanks for the help.

[Poseidon]

Kinda like asking which camera is best!!! Or what fruit is best! You will get lots of different opinions to all the questions. I would say go with a My Reef MR-1 or 2 and of course the matching pump. Do not skimp on the skimmer, it is the most important part of your filtration system!

[Reefland]

Hi RFL,

I agree with Mike; get a good skimmer now and not have to mess with it later. The MR-1 & 2 Skimmers are excellent skimmers, I second that recommendation.

I read in your post you mention using a wet/dry and bio-media. I do not think this is a wise choice and something you should read more on. Most people frown upon them because the media easily collects waste which leads to nitrates...

[RFL]

I've been reading about many filtration methods understand that many use LV rock and a deep sand bed with a large skimmer. I can't afford to buy 100+ lbs of LV rock to start with, but plan to add as I go. Assuming minimal livestock, how much do I need to have proper filtration?

[Reefland]

In my opinion, proper filtration is dependant on bio-load. For example, you could get a good skimmer, build a sand bed and put 30-40lbs of liverock in this tank if you only put 1-2 fish in it and a couple of coral. It is when you start increasing the load that the increased bacteria populations will be needed to handle waste produced by the fish/corals. Regardless of what you do with stocking rates, I would X the wet/dry. Go with a sump with a good skimmer, good circulation and build a deep live sand bed.

[Ninong]

I've been reading about many filtration methods understand that many use LV rock and a deep sand bed with a large skimmer. I can't afford to buy 100+ lbs of LV rock to start with, but plan to add as I go. Assuming minimal livestock, how much do I need to have proper filtration?

It depends!

First of all, if you decide to purchase a reasonably good skimmer, you don't need a trickle filter. I suggest you save money by not spending it on a trickle filter or bio-balls of any kind.

Secondly, if you decide on a sand bed of sufficient depth, it will greatly assist in the filtration chores. If you have a 3"-4" sand bed, you could get by with a lot less live rock. If you have no sand bed, then you would need more live rock to accomplish the same effect.

You could order a single box of live rock (usually around 45 lbs) online and save money compared to what you would have to pay at an LFS. That would be enough to get you started assuming you also have a decent sand bed and a protein skimmer. Most people who start out with trickle filters end up getting rid of them or at least removing all of the bio-balls and turning them into a plain sump.

[orion25]

I agree with the My Reef skimmers!! I cannot wait to get one!

As for filtration, I am using a DSB with LR. You cannot beat it. Do Not go with a Wet/Dry. They are useless and mostly detrimental.

Search the forums for DSB, IPSF (Indo Pacific Sea Farms) and Detrivore fore more info on setting up a DSB.

Ninong and Reefland are great resources when it comes to setting up a new tank. I cannot wait until I move because I will be getting a bigger and better tank and I can apply all their knowledge!

As I said go with the MR1 or MR2 skimmer. You can spend a lot more and get half the power.