What filtration?

[watertight]

Hi, I have a question. I currently have a 10 gal nano, it's got around 8 lbs of liverock, a bta, a very small peice of coral (Torchlight, I think it's called), and a yellow tail blue damsel. I want to upgrade the size of the tank.
I have a 30 gal tank that I want to eventually move everything to. It's about 1/4 full at the moment, with sand substrate and a small internal powerhead running. No heater yet or any other filters, but I am planning on running a 2 stage cannister, along with the small powerhead (Pre-filtered). What type of media should I use in the cannister? Is the sponge filter in the powerhead a good idea? Should I use a skimmer? If so, could I get one that I can hook up in series with the cannister and mount inside the cabinet under the tank? I really want to have an uncluttered look in the tank. I'm not running a skimmer in my nano, and don't seem to be having any problems, can I do without one? How much liverock should I put in the new tank, and when is the best time? Once it's completely cycled or should I put some in a bit earlier to help it cycle?
Thanks in advance....

 

[thomas712]

What type of media should I use in the cannister?
Is the sponge filter in the powerhead a good idea?
Should I use a skimmer?
If so, could I get one that I can hook up in series with the cannister and mount inside the cabinet under the tank?
I really want to have an uncluttered look in the tank. I'm not running a skimmer in my nano, and don't seem to be having any problems, can I do without one?
How much liverock should I put in the new tank, and when is the best time?
Once it's completely cycled or should I put some in a bit earlier to help it cycle?
Thanks in advance....
So many questions:
1. I would use filter floss, carbon when necessary, phosphate remover when necessary, a few bio balls or other bio media can also be used.
2. Yes a sponge filter over a power head with a BTA in the tank is a very good idea.
3. Skimmer is also a good idea
4. I don't know if it is possible to hood a canister and a skimmer together.
5. It is possible to do without a skimmer, but its still a good idea.
6. Any amount of live rock can go in when starting a tank, base rock is cheaper! You would need to be careful about adding some live rock after it is cycled as you could start a spike in ammonia and nitrites.
7. You want to help cycle a new tank, place a cocktail shirmp in the new tank to be cycled and it will kick start it with a bang.
Thomas