Sand Filter

[reaume_23]

Im about to purchase a wet dry filter system that is used but is costing around $120. It comes with an in sump protein skimmer and a sand filter that is either in sump or hang on.
Is a sand filter helpful or necessary to have on the tank? Ive never heard of anyone using them before

 

[scsinet]

Sand filters work by forcing water through a bunch of sand, the sand acting as a filter that traps debris. THe big advantage of them is that the media can easily be cleaned and re-used.
They are not commonly used on tanks and are certainly not necessary, but I can't think of a reason that they'd be a problem as long as you maintain them.