better filter for 55 gal

[sparrow]

I am upgrading to a 55 gal long tank from a 30 gal. I have a skilter in my 30 and want to still use it with another, but what other filter should I go with? Each LFS said different things. One Redsea prizm pro deluxe 300 and the other said bak- pak I think is what it is called. One is $210.00 and the other is $150.00, or is there a better one out there I want to get it right this time. I plan on getting more LR before moving everything to the larger tank.
Thank you
Tanya

 

[thomas712]

Well you can stick with your skilter, but also use another HOB filter, like whisper or penquin, that should give you plenty of mechanical filteration, then for biological filtration you should use plenty of live rock and sand. A couple of powerheads and you should be fine.
Or
You can add an overflow box so that your water drains to a sump below the tank, add a real skimmer, heater and return pump back to the main tank.
Lots of things you could do.
Thomas

 

[sparrow]

Thank you for your reply Thomas
I am use to freshwater tanks and just getting into sw, so I think I mistakened a filter for a skimmer. Would I need another filter, or could I just put a skimmer in the tank? I have 30#'s of LR and am planning on getting another 25#'s. I have sand on the bottom now and a lot of extra that I will use in the new tank.

 

[jonny bolt]

Get a Penguin 350.

 

[thomas712]

I ran a 55 with 2 whisper double cartrage filters, no skimmer (but I wish I did then), 2 Maxi jet power heads, and it was plenty of water movment for my tank. I did have a large nitrate battle because of crushed coral, but I did alright before I upgraded, I just had to do 50% water changes thats all.
Thomas

 

[maeistero]

water movement is very important. fw hang ons gave me too much air bubbles. i like my skimmer to mix air with the water outside the tank. started with a cannister (fluval 304 on the 55) and i probably will never do anything else on a nondrilled tank again.
once again, i stress water movement.