filter and lighting

[superdust]

I am going to setup a 55g with a dsb and lr. Corals will be way down the road so i was going to use a walmart 48" hood will this be ok for lr and sand? If it will what kinds of lights acintic, 50/50, superdaylight? How is the best way to put this over the tank?
I have been told to use a Skilter 400 this has a protein, bio, and mech all in one. Has anyone used this filter before and if so what did you think....will i need any other filters with the lr and dsb besides sufficient water circulation by powerheads?
Thnaks for the help!!!
Dustin

 

[cyn]

Sounds like we started with the same tank! I also started with the WM hood that came with the tank but soon changed to a JBL retrofit with pc's. It sits on the 'usual' spot without any modifications. So far, I am very satisfied. Let me say that I did use the light fixtures that came with the tank for some time, only I changed the bulbs to power glo 18000k ones from the local pet store with good results too. For me and my future plans, this just was not enough. For you with only LR and LS, it should work for now.
What are your future plans with your tank? If it is corals, then for sure your lighting will need upgrading.
HTH,
cyn

 

[mlm]

I had one of the skilters and I returned it the same day. It is very load and not very efficient of a skimmer. I have the same tank and use a prizim skimmer with very good results. If you are going to have a lot of liver rock (1 to 2 lbs/gallon) and a DSB then you do not need any external filter except for a protien skimmer.

 

[psumba]

I have been wondering this myself.
Is that true...you dont need any mechanical filtration if you have LR and LS??
So I dont need to place a Whisper power on the back?
What about a UV filter?
Does that have a negative effect on the DSB?

 

[josh]

psumba:
Yes you don't any mechanical filtration with a LR and LS combo. It is called the Berlin method. However you will need plenty of LR, around 1.5 lbs/gal, a 4" DSB and a good skimmer if you like. Also, you will need lots of circulation, on a 55 gallon I would have atleast 3 powerheads that create a random motion in the water so as not to have any no flow areas. The bacteria on the rocks and sand will do better than any filter you can buy. As for the UV, I haven't had any experience with these and really haven't heard of anyone that uses them. Maybe someone will chime in.
HTH
Josh