what filter system should we use?

[muffins]

We have what I believe is a 50-55gallon tank. put h2o in it last night so far no leaks. We want it to eventually become a reef & fish tank. what is the best filter system ( needs to ne the kind that hangs on the back of the tank?)& lighting to buy? And oh yea, what chemicals do we need for the H2O?

 

[curryfishman]

I have an emperior 400 that works great. Mine is an fish and reef tank but if you can afford it go ahead and get an in sump wet and dry filter that does about 400 gph. This make it were you can have more fish because it will filter more nitrates,nitrites,ect.

 

[bang guy]

For a reef system the best filtration is live sand in my opinion. Live rock is a very close second.
Don't skimp on your skimmer.
I would recommend that you not dose any chemicals at all until you fully understand what elements your reef consumes and the rate of consumption. Large water changes will provide everything your reef requires for a long time.

 

[seannmelly]

yea id say get a sump and overflow box will be better for you

 

[muffins]

we definaetly plan on getting live sand & live rock. So that I am understanding this correctly. These are the steps I need to take.
check salinity of H2O
place LR THEN LS
adda couple starter fish
allow the tank to cycle ( may take a couple months)
slowly add to the tank
So do I need a filter system AND a protien skimmer or are they together in one piece of equipment? Can they be purchased on the site?

 

[seannmelly]

lr and live sand are a plus,make sure salinity is good add sand and lr but no starfish. you can throw a dead raw shrimp in to cycle it. make sure your cycle is done then slowly add to the tank. if you go with a sump they usaully come with skimmer but they are pricey. you can make 1 out of a fish tank.

 

[bang guy]

Originally Posted by muffins
we definaetly plan on getting live sand & live rock. So that I am understanding this correctly. These are the steps I need to take.
check salinity of H2O
place LR THEN LS
adda couple starter fish
allow the tank to cycle ( may take a couple months)
slowly add to the tank
So do I need a filter system AND a protien skimmer or are they together in one piece of equipment? Can they be purchased on the site?
Don't add fish until the tank is cycle and stable IMO.
I usually don't add live sand or premium live rock until after the tank has cycled. Use dead sand (cheaper) and the cheaper live rock to cycle the tank with.
Make sure you have LOTS of waterflow, at least 1000 gallons per hour.
If you have live sand and live rock then you don't need any other filtration. A Protein Skimmer will aid a LOT in maintaining water quality.
Some people have found this helpful ---> Bang Guy's Cycle Method

 

[nwalsh]

I would say hold off on a filter. In my opinion your protein skimmer is the best filter for saltwater. Filters are not as efficeint in saltwater as opposed to fresh. Things break down much faster in saltwater become smaller allowing particulate matter to slip thru filter and right back into your tank. This is not possible with a protein skimmer. You should not have to worry abot chemicals for quite some time, just make sure you keep salinity constant. In other words replace all evaporated water daily otherwise salinity will rise. RO/DI units are just as important as a protein skimmer if your going to use tap water your asking for trouble. Good luck, Nigel.

 

[nwalsh]

If you want to get started with some serious lighting I could sell you my old hood. It is an eclipse with 150 double ended Metal halide two 60 Watt PC's and moonlights all in one. It is only 32"
so it is not the whole length of your aquarium, But would definatly be enough to get started. I paid $350.00 - $400.00 brand new I'd take $200.00 for it at this point. I think that would be a fair price what do some of the people on here think. I upgraded to a 125 RR and 250 watt MH"s so hence no need for the eclipse hood.

 

[muffins]

So ..... Empty my tank of tap water
refill with RO water
attach protein skimmer ( what about a RO unit)--can you find these combined into one? how much $$$ are we talkin
Add dead sand & cheap LR & a dead raw shrimp
monitor chemical changes daily
once tank cycles add LS & more LS & starter fish

 

[seannmelly]

you dont have to empty it just make sure you use ro water in the future. dead sand and base rock will turn to live eventually. i would get a skimmer rated for 2x your tank size and a decent sized ro/di. they are expensive check the auction site for a deal. so add sand cheap rock and dead shrimp and you will be cycling. once it cycles i might add just a couple cups of live sand not too much. i wouldnt add a starfish first id try something cheaper.

 

[nwalsh]

Yea you don't need to drain it. Just get a unit asap. an ro unit is used to filter tap water so you cannot combine with protein skimmer. You will need something to put the water in I use a 35 gallon garbage can with lid. You don't need to check salinity daily just add as much water is evaporated.