Filtration

andrew1113

andrew1113

Member
im not really new but i was recently reading The Conscientious Marine Aquarist to be specific the filtration section and it was saying that a hang on back external power filter is inferior for running a marine tank.
Im only 17 and im kinda on a tight budget at the moment..but ive been saving up so that i can get my tank back in perfect order..
So i was wondering what type of filter would be best for my tank?
Its a 55 gallon reef tank..suggetions would help very much and pictures to if ya got them.
thank you
 
gio28

gio28

Active Member
im 15 and im new to the hobby..but i've asked the same question as you. i have a hang on power filter too and i asked what would be better for a reef tank (i have a 36 bow).
i got alot of different answers and so ill list what i was told to do
-a wet/dry filter or sump would be best if you have the room underneath the tank.
-a refugium is also good for a deep sand bed and growing algae for nutrient export
-a skimmer is a must if you dont have one. if you could put one in your sump that would be best. if not then get a HOB one like the aquac remora or octopus.
-live rock is always the best for filtration
what im gonna do from all the info gathered from people and the internet is make a diy sump that has a filtration chamber for media (carbon, bioballs), a natural filtration chamber (fuge), and a good skimmer. and of course live rock in the tank. this is alot of money for all of this stuff but i have found good deals on used stuff around the internet and diy always saves money as well.
people say they run their tanks with a good skimmer and LR and thats all you need.
 
andrew1113

andrew1113

Member
yeah and also another one of my problems is my stand ..i have no room for a sump or refugium so maybe what ill do is just upgrade my filter and find a skimmer . and ill fill one side of the filter with lr rubble and some cheato maybe and the other side just the normal filter pads that go in there
maybe that will work
 
mkroher

mkroher

Member
your filter is fine. make sure your water level is high enough to not allow the filter to create bubbles.
do you have live rock?
do you plan having a fish only tank?
 
mkroher

mkroher

Member
for a budget tank.. your filter is fine.
i would get a "hang on the back" skimmer as an addition to your setup
 
mkroher

mkroher

Member
if you get a skimmer, you won't need that filter anymore.
unless you want to turn it into a refugium
 
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