New here few questions about future setup

[akvino]

Hi all, vibrant community you have here....
I have a few questions - I am planning to move up from 25gal to 55-75 maybe even 90gal aquarium. I don't plan on having a big fish just a lot of 6-11cm small fish, where my next few questions come to mind - what inverts reduce nitrate, ammonia the best?
Cucumbers?
Clams?
Sponge?
What water plants reduce nitrate - must be 2-6 inches tops?
And now my crucial filtration question - if your budget for filter setup was 180-220$, and you could use the mix of different filters what would you chose and why - nitrates reduction is primary concern.

 

[db]

There are no inverts that are going to reduce nitrates for you. They can keep your reef healthy by cleaning up extra food, detrius, etc. Your going to reduce nitrates by having a good amount of live rock, water changes with r/o water, and a high quality skimmer. I would say that all of the inverts you listed are good ones to have in your system. The best is to have a mix of inverts that perform different functions in the tank. The only filter you are going to need to buy with your budget is a high quality skimmer. This is going to be one of your most important purchases for your reef tank. If you have a sump I suggest buying an ASM skimmer if you don't Aqua C Remora's are good hob skimmers.

 

[akvino]

Thanks DB - no I do not have a skimer so I'll make that my priority numer uno. Is there a trick to having sand vs. crushed coral?