Filter Questions

[tutankhamun]

I am very interested in getting into saltwater aquariums. I have taken everyones advice and before buying or doing anything I am reading everything I can get my hands on.
One question that I have which I have been unable to get answered clearly in my research is exactly what type of filter(s) I will need. When I first began looking a this the LFS said you will need a wet/dry filter to do your filtering plus a protein skimmer.
However, based on my research to date I want to use a sump. Most folks seem to have their protein skimmer attached to this but seemingly nothing else.
I plan on doing live rock, and fish. Is a protein skimmer only sufficient for a 72 gal tank? If someone could calrify this for me I would greatly appreciate it.
Thanks,
Mike

 

[legion]

Are you talking bio filtration or mechanical? A sump is good and so is a wet/dry. Most will tell you that a really good skimmer is a must have. You can put your skimmer in your sump if you want to. Your live rock will actually be a really good biological filter. Is your sump jus to move the water or were you planing on doing some other kind of filtration with it. If you take care when you are setting up you can get by with just a skimmer. Your LR will cycle the tank and so will any stock you add (do a search on this site for cycling a tank). Most people use raw store bought shrimp in the tank for a few days and wait until the cycle is complete. You may want to cure you LR before you add it to your show tank or you can use it to cycle your tank.
To be short and sweet- yes, a skimmer by itself will work if you do it right, but the more filtration the better.
My tank listing is below, I just have a one power filter now, but I used to have two on my tank.

 

[fshhub]

IMO, build a good biofilter:
Plenty of LR, a DSB and good circulation. Top this off with a good skimemr and you can't go wrong. NO mechanicla filter needed(in fact, not prefered)
Best in town, any day.