New SW Aquarium Tank Setup

[willsk]

Hey guys,

I have a 45 gallon aquarium that I want to turn into a SW aquarium. I want to do a fish only aquarium. Keeping it simple, but something cool for my son. When it comes to filtering a 45 gallon, fish only, SW aquarium, what do you recommend for filtering? I see so many different ways to go about it. Also, is a protein skimmer needed? I have no issue using one, just curious what is actually required vs what is nice to have.

Thanks everyone.

 

[lmforbis]

For fish only a hang on the back skimmer is all you need.

 

[florida joe]

IMO you need a filter and a power head for water movement

 

[jay0705]

Agreed. Water movement is needed. Also live rock. It makes keeping sw soooo much easier.

 

[lmforbis]

Crap I wrote that wrong don't know where my head was. Must have been the 3 hour team building exercise we had to do at work today. I meant hang on the bAck filter. You shouldn't need a skimmer not that it will hurt to have.

 

[jay0705]

I was wondering myself lol. Hob filters i 2nd

 

[willsk]

ok, thanks guys. Something like this will be sufficient? 75 gallon enough? Or should I go with the 100 gallon?

I also planned on powerheads for water flow.

 

[willsk]

Forgot the link

https://www.petsmart.com/fish/supplies/filters-and-filter-media/filters/aqua-clear-fluval-power-filter-1832668.html?gclid=CjwKEAjwh9PGBRCfso2n3ODgvUcSJAAhpW5oR5cAXB7YwYkkAj39wCLVUNL8PiVB0LQ3qpLXOF-BEBoCk0bw_wcB&lsft=utm_source:google,utm_term:1832668,utm_medium:PLA,utm_content:GSC - Online Pricing Initiative - Specialty - PLA | Fluval,utm_campaign:GSC - Online Pricing Initiative - Specialty - PLA

 

[jay0705]

For a 45 thats fine

 

[willsk]

Recommendations for lighting?

 

[beaslbob]

I recommend you start the tank with macro algae right from the start. You could use a partition to separate the fish from the macros.

my .02

 

[jay0705]

Recommendations for lighting?

Any quality led. I like current marine

 

[one-fish]

I have a Fish invert tank I would not do it again w/out a sump. It makes all to much sense, heaters skimmers pumps all can be installed there and not the DT I would at least entertain the idea.. but thats just my .02...and I like the Current Orbit LED also