filtration questions

[jvas0156]

:help: I know that you guys have probably answred this question about a hundred times but i cant find my answer on the posts. I am setting up a 55 gallon fish and live rock/sand. Is a power hang on filter enough if it has all three(chemical,mechanical,and biological) or do i need to look at buying a wet-dry system and build a sump? i will also have a protien skimmer and at least 2 powerheads. Thanks again in advance. im just trying to ensure that my livestock will be happy and healthy.

 

[fishnerd]

Adding the skimmer is a must. You CAN do it your way, but keep a good eye on your water quality and keep the bioload low.

 

[jvas0156]

thanx what would be the ideal setup then?

 

[snipe]

Most ppl would think so but you can add the sump fuge wetdry all that other stuff but alot of ppl will do the other "hang on stuff" since it is the same thing saves you alittle money "you have all the stuff in the tank but saves alittle money"

 

[squidd]

My thoughts of filtration...
Large (adaquate) quantity of Live Rock and SSB for Biological filtration (suface area for Bacteria)...High Flow , distributed through out the tank to keep deitrus suspended and removed from MT,promote gaseous exchange and maintain oxygen levels...a Large sump and LARGER Fuge with Macros for malnutrient removal through export (denitrification) and a Killer Skimmer to remove Mass quantities of DOCs (organics) prior to decomposition...
With a well balanced system, no other "filtration devices" (bioballs or biological media) are necessary...Other than the ability to run Chemical Media (carbon or phosphate removers) from time to time, best done in a Fluidized bed (or converted canister) type system...

 

[snipe]

Do you know how mutch that system would cost? That would be multiple of $100's of dollars that is alot of money. You would be best to get a sump and get a hang on back fuge to hang on the sump "the rutern going into the return part of the sump to take the stuff back to mt not to the filter" Most ppl get the live rock live sand the sump and fuge skimmer costs less than what he stated lol. But us little ppl get the hang on filter hang on skimmer powerheads live rock and DSB. That should be enough for a 55. If I was going big I would make the extra to add a sump and fuge I would do a wetdry "for a reef" since I wouldnt like the bioballs "if its fish only go for it"