filter confusion

[ogre]

I'm investigating the option of changing my 70gal freshwater to salt. I have found a nice wet/dry filter on ---- but now I'm wondering if I shouldn't go with a refugium instead. Origanally I was going fish only but now the idea of some crustations and corals has me second guessing all my choices. What can I have success with if I don't use LR. I still have a bunch more questions so respond if you don't mind ansering a few more times. Thanks, ogre

 

[dmjordan]

a tank with out live rock would be a fish only tank. why not use live rock in your tank??? it acts like an internal filter for your tank and will have a lot of bacteria living in it to help with water quality. a refugium is a great addition to your tank....but remember a fuge does not replace your filter (wet/dry, sump, canister, etc...)

 

[ogre]

Thanks for your response, that clears that up. I assume that mixing LR with Lace rock in my set up is o.k.? will the lace eventually take on the live rock aspects in time. Is LR safe will all fish?

 

[nictavius]

Live rock is safe with all fish....if you decide to go with a reef tank you could be looking at a major investment on lighting for a 70 Gal.....just something to think about before you take the plunge.......

 

[ogre]

I think i know that a reef tank is inverts, anom's and the like with reef friendly fish and a fish only is ... fish. Can a nice mix of the two be had?

 

[dmjordan]

there are different types of set ups you can do:
F.O. - fish only
F.O.W.L.R. - fish only with live rock
REEF - corals, live rock, and fish
inverts can be in all of the above.
lighting requirments change depending on what corals you wish to keep. with live rock i would still upgrade standard tank lighting with a power comapct or t-5 unit. make sure you spend the money on a lighting system 1 time. nothing worse than buying something now cause its cheap then soon after realize that your lighting is insufficient for what you want to keep and now have to go out and buy a whole other lighting system.

 

[barngeatbayman]

why would you need another filter if you have a sump with a refgium I thought a sump with a skimmer, baffle, fuge and return sump is all you need no?