Filtration Opinions/Questions

johnny5

johnny5

Member
Hello all,
My first post!

I bit the bullet and bought a tank/stand this weekend. I have been doing research for a few months and for my situation a 46 bow seems to be the best choice for right now. Im in a 3rd floor apt right now and I usually move yearly so a larger tank is just not feasible for me right now.
I have been burning out the search feature on this forum trying to get all my ducks in a row. I think I have learned much more from the posts here than the books I read initally..
Also, I have seen a ton of newbie questions on the board and do not want to offend anyone by asking a questiont that has clearly been asked before, so I will try to be very specifc.
I am going for a reef system; as much LR as possible, hopefully once matured I will be able to support some hard/soft coral and anemones. Im not into aggressive fish so I would mostly be the reef and a few docile fish. I've even been pondering keeping it true to the reef's here in south florida (limited to local specices), but I am torn on the idea atm (here I go thinking ahead again).
After hours and hours of reading, I still can't decide on the best filtration system for my 46bow. I've basically narrowed it down to two methods..
1) quality hob skimmer/small refugium/canister
-AquaC Remora Pro Skimmer (pro or not to pro?) (~165/~225)
-Aquafuge HOB 12x4x12 refugium (~90)
-Ehiem Plus 265 gph canister (do I even need this?) (~120)
2) sump/refuge/overflow
-Aquafuge Refugium Pro (225)
-TidePoll SOS Prefilter (~70)
-misc parts needed to get water too and fro (~100)
Which do you think is best? I am trying to setup a balanced LR/LS system, hopefully one that is fairly self-sufficent.
Any comments would be very much appreciated.
Thanks!!!
(pic of new oceanic tank/stand is attached)
 
neoreef

neoreef

Member
1) quality hob skimmer/small refugium/canister
-AquaC Remora Pro Skimmer (pro or not to pro?) (~165/~225)
-Aquafuge HOB 12x4x12 refugium (~90)
-Ehiem Plus 265 gph canister (do I even need this?) (~120)
2) sump/refuge/overflow
-Aquafuge Refugium Pro (225)
-TidePoll SOS Prefilter (~70)
-misc parts needed to get water too and fro (~100)

Hi, I am not the most experienced person, but I would consider a third choice.
3) quality hob skimmer
refugium and whatever it takes to get water to and fro.
I would skip the canister. Not clear you would need one.
Congratulations on doing your homework. 5t sounds like you have researched the products avalilable. This is a very confusing hobby. I've learned a lot about plumbing, electricity, marine biology and water chemistry from having a measly 55 gal!
Good Luck! and let's hear from some other folks, before you take my advice! --Kathy
 
johnny5

johnny5

Member
Yep, im starting to think the can would be useless to me.. atleast for now. The eheim plus can's look cool, and I would think it would be beneficial for pod growth.. but I dont really need to worry about that until I start populating the tank. Which will not be for a few weeks.
I think I'll get the Remora Pro and the HOB refuge, and spend more on LR and lights. Then if I want to upgrade to a sump later that will be a add-on and wont effect the existing system.
That aquafuge pro looks nice, but I think its a little on the expensive side. Even the ---- price is high. Im no magiver, but I think I could fab something for cheaper.
Does anyone have any suggestions on 36" light kits?
 
neoreef

neoreef

Member
Hi Johnny5,
Let's keep this post front and center so other folks will reply. I am not a long time keeper, so I don't have a ton of experience.
If I were starting out, though, there are a couple of things I would do differently.
Since you are considering a refugium, you may want to check into getting your tank drilled before you set up. I wish I had done that. Sometimes your LFS will do that for a fee. An overflow box is a nice thing too.
best of luck to you,
Kathy
 
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