returning to the hobby / filter

[n2deeps]

i read lately that i could use a good protein hob skimmer for a fiter system in a 55 gal tank. will this work with live rock, live sand, and few powerheads? i will be doing a reef/fish tank.
thanks

[James404]

Yes that will definitely work, I would do a lot of research on what HOB skimmer to get though. Some HOB's can be very finicky and may cause microbubble issues etc.

Your live rock and sand will be your biological filtration and your skimmer will remove organics from the water column.

[Misled]

You can look into a hang on back overflow and a small tank under the tank for a sump with a return pump. If you need to use carbon or other media's they can go in the sump also.

[n2deeps]

so if i use sump do i use wet/dry or berlin? when using live rock and sand
thanks

[Misled]

No wet/ dry. Lots of ways you can do it. Baffles are useful, but not really mandatory. They can help cut down on bubbles from the skimmer, but there are other ways. You can add a fuge to help with nutrient export, but really just a place to keep the skimmer is what you're getting at right now. You can end up with a better skimmer and not have to worry about the common problems of HOB skimmers.

[n2deeps]

Aqua C PRO HOT Skimmer ??

[TeePee]

I use an Aqua C EV Series skimmer, set down in my sump. I couldn't be happier. Although I've never used their hang on skimmers, I'd think they would work comparably well.

[Ohponies]

Mine started as a hang on, it's in the sump now, worked great as a hang on especially in week two when i figured out to open the air line so it can actually do it's job. Mine is a Instant Ocean SeaClone Protein Skimmer up to 100g.