[tdanks]

I have a 25gl 24x18x121/2 about 14 pds live rock, right now I am currently running just a hob filter marineland millenium 200. I am wondering whats a good filtration system to use for this tank. I want to keep a bubble tip anenome some clown fish and a few diff invertebes.

[SouthBayPhoto]

I'm sure some of the more seasoned veterans of the board will be able to help you more than me, but I'm sure they will ask what type of lighting you're running so you can keep the anenome and such. Plus, most go after more of a biological filter and will probably suggest at least 25 lbs of live rock to help that filter the water. (1 lb per gallon)

I'm sure they will have other help for you as well. Just thought I'd try and help with what info I've read on the board.

It's also good to do a search on the board in this section. A lot of people have asked similar questions and you might be able to find even more info by reading those posts.

That's what I did for a lot of my info.

[tdanks]

just orderd a t5 setup for my lighting I might be wrong but I am kinda getting the impression that if I have enough live rock I can do away with the hang on back filter?

[SouthBayPhoto]

I've seen/read a lot of people here do that, but they are running sumps with their setups and also have live rock in the sump. That is the route I'm taking, but I'll be running a 90 gal. Not that you can't do it with your 25, I'm sure you can as a lot of people here have. You would just need to get a sump and an overflow that hangs on the back.

I'm sure there will be others here with more experience that will chime in to explain that further.

Are you running a protein skimmer? If not, I'm sure that will be a big suggestion as well. Most run them in their sump if they are running one (or next to their sump and plumbed in).

Again, I'm definitely not an expert, but just reiterating some of the info I've read on here lately. Tons of great info here.

[Ratpack]

I currently run a 47g cube with just a skimmer and the live rock in the tank, no sump. Now it does require more work and attention, but it can be done.

tdanks, definitely look into a good skimmer and you should be set to get started. Just go slow.

[tdanks]

I have been looking into maybe setting up a sump with a skimmer built into it but I will probably just get a hang on back one for now. this is my first saltwater tank so I am trying not to get to in over my head. What about canister filters that fit in under the tank say in my cabinet are they worth it or would it just be better to go the sump route further down the road?

[returnofsid]

You're absolutely correct. If you have enough live rock, you can eliminate the HOB filter. I don't see any mention of a skimmer. Put a Remora HOB skimmer on that tank, add another 15 or so pounds of live rock and you're set. Your T5 lighting will be great for your Bubble Tip too. Others may disagree but I've kept 2 RBTAs in 2 different tanks under Compacts and they've thrived very well. I'd not recommend this to others but T5s are much more intense than Compacts. I currently run a Tek5 6 bulb fixture on my 75 and it's keeping my SPS and Clams very happy.

[tdanks]

awesome thanks for the advice I need to get a skimmer too unfortunately this was our first tanks and we got it from a local dealer who was just trying to make a sale. So we are finding out that we need to upgrade everything, but it is cool having this forum everyone has been a huge help. Kinda off the subject but since it is such a small tank anyone have some good stocking suggestions to put in with the clown fish and anenome when I finally get to that stage?

[returnofsid]

Hmmmm, maybe a Blenny or Gobie. Unfortunately, with that size tank, there's not much else you can put in there other than 2 small fish.

[Ratpack]

Originally Posted by returnofsid

I currently run a Tek5 6 bulb fixture on my 75 and it's keeping my SPS and Clams very happy.

Don't mean to hijack, but I would love to see some photos of your tank. I have the same setup I am working on and it would be nice to see one already in operation.

OK, back to the original thread.

[tdanks]

yeah some pics would be awesome if you have some.

[returnofsid]

I've got some older pics of both of my tanks at Michael's Reef Tanks - a photoset on Flickr

I'm planning on getting new pics posted in the next couple days.

[tdanks]

wow thats loos awesome great job

[Ratpack]

Nice, can't wait to see some updated ones. One question, do you run a cooling fan across your TEK fixture? I heard that helps with the PAR value.

[returnofsid]

No fan other than the built in fan in the fixture....wait, I'm not sure there is a built in fan in the fixture...lol. It does have lots of vent holes and might have a fan. The fixture puts out very little heat.

[returnofsid]

You asked for updated pics and I uploaded some this morning after re-arranging and adding some live rock last night. Link is in Signature.

[tdanks]

another question about the T5 how many bulbs should I have in for my size tank and what type of bulbs and out put?

[Ratpack]

Nice tank. The TEK doesn't have any internal cooling but a lot have recommended a fan that blows across the fixture to keep it cool which helps output, but yours seems to be doing fine. Does it heat the water in the tank a lot?