picking out equipment

[deedee_207]

:help:
I am planning on setting up a marine tank 55g glass mostly reef with a couple fish i will not have a sump........yet
1. what exactly is a refugium
2. what would be a good filter i like the fluval 304 but its a bit pricey
3. a good skimmer what do i need to look for in a skimmer
4 pwerheads- would one for a 75 g be enough along with the filter
sorry so many ?'s and thanks in advance for your help

 

[cigar101]

I ran a very effective 55 gal.setup for over 1 year using a fluval 304 with Remora aqua pro HOB skimmer. Ran two maxi-jet powerheads.
I have now upgraded to a new pre-drilled tank with a 3o gallon sump, there is no comparing the two set-ups. The sump/fuge system is great, if you have a choice at this point I would say go with a sump/fuge set-up at the start...

 

[reefraff]

I'd stick to a good skimmer and forget the filter.
A refugium is a place where you can grow macro algae and pods (great natural food for fish) can breed and multiply. The macro algae will export nutrients from the water to help keep your water quality up. You can get hang ong back refugiums from CPR, aquafuge is the name. an 18" one would probably be enough for a 55.

 

[deedee_207]

thanks everyone i dont know what i would do without these forums