20 Gallon filtration

[TECKSPEED]

Hi all, new to reef tanks but not fish keeping. I would like to know about filtration for a 20 gallon reef tank.

Here is my situation: My old man and I are trying to set up a reef tank to take on together. I have an empty 20 gallon tank ready for setup with marine supplies. However, I would like to know the best simple filtration setup for a 20 gallon.

So far I was thinking about buying some "dead rock" and some "live rock" that will eventually turn the dead rock into live rock. Also, I was thinking of using power-heads for moving water around. I was thinking 2 of them in my 20 gallon and then letting the beneficial bacteria take over and filter the tank.

I would like to know your thought on this situation and if you can recommend me some possible solutions for this. I am limited on space, I may have room for a protein skimmer and maybe an aqua-clear 30 that I used from freshwater that I still need to clean.

So my plan for now is to clean the AC30 as best I can and clean with a minor bleach solution and let it dry really well. Then get two power-heads (please recommend good brands) to use in my tank for added flow. I would rely on the beneficial bacteria to do most of the filtering but i am not against getting a protein skimmer or something to help out. However, i feel my knowledge isn't sufficient enough for a refugium or wet-dry filter etc. so i would rather stay out of that kind of thing.

Also, coming from freshwater I have a 24" finnex planted plus fixture, what is a good beginning fixture for the possibility of growing corals? Any recommendation is great!

If you could recommend solutions or what you know from your experience that would be great.

Thanks,

TECK

[thenewguy997]

For that small of a tank im not sure you would need a skimmer then again im not that wxpwrienced so others can help better

[TECKSPEED]

Thanks I am not sure if 2 power heads and a hob filter will be adequate enough

[Xavibear]

Originally Posted by TECKSPEED

Thanks I am not sure if 2 power heads and a hob filter will be adequate enough

That will be enough.

[thegrun]

For a good inexpensive powerhead I would recommend two Hydor Koralia Nano 240 GPH powerheads. There are some great variable speed powerheads on the market, but they will cost you a lot more money and the Koralias will be fine to start with. You don't need a skimmer on your tank as long as you are willing to make weekly 2-3 gallon water changes. The skimmer will improve water quality but is not absolutely necessary.

[zgg01]

i would go with a boyu wg 308 or 310 (both cheap) and very effective skimmers i have the wg308 in my 10 gallon works like magic (and pulls out all kinds of nasty stuff)

[TECKSPEED]

How exactly do you hook up the protein skimmer into the filtration if I use 2 power heads and a hang on back filter?