Appropriate filter for 120g?

SkyJunkie · 09/17/2012, 12:21 PM

Upgrading from 55 to 120. Right now I have an emperor 350. Should I get another and have two on the 120 or move to something like a canister? On a bit of a budget but found a good deal on the tank and dont want to pass it up. Can I get away with a hang on for now and upgrade later?

No sump, and I have LS and LR with a CPR back Pak 2 skimmer

Palting · 09/17/2012, 01:22 PM

You're gonna hear this from several people, so I might as well be first.

Forget the HOB and cannisters. Convert your current 55 into a sump, put a refugium and skimmer in it, get enough liverock and flow in your 120, and you'll be far better off.

SkyJunkie · 09/17/2012, 01:23 PM

The 55 is too big to go under the 120 and I'd have nowhere to put it. Plus the tank and stand aren't drilled for a sump

Malign Reefer · 09/17/2012, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkyJunkie

The 55 is too big to go under the 120 and I'd have nowhere to put it. Plus the tank and stand aren't drilled for a sump

Drill it, its easy.

SkyJunkie · 09/17/2012, 01:36 PM

How and where do I drill?

Malign Reefer · 09/17/2012, 01:53 PM

www.bulkreefsupply.com

They sell the bits and they have a video on how to drill them.

CedzAquAddictio · 09/17/2012, 01:57 PM

Be careful drilling. First check to see what kind of tank you have in regards to brand, etc... Then check with the manufacturer to make sure it can be drilled (tempered or not). Some tanks can't be drilled, some can, some can't be drilled on the bottom but can be drilled on the backs...

If the manufacturer says it can be drilled, then go for it. First check around here and youtube. Allot of helpful information and videos on the actual drilling process. It's not that hard, but, you only have one shot to get it right sometimes...

If it can't be drilled, there are some options for HOB overflows. Some don't like it, but, if you have no choice, then it is better than nothing. I'm in the process of building a sump out of my old 55 gallon tank myself.

Some say a sump is worth it, some say it isn't with the new better technologies and efficiencies with better skimmers and such. I figure, it wouldn't hurt. I was told by a very experienced reefer that the solution to pollution is dilution... It also gives you an area to house hardware like heaters, probes, and skimmers as well as an opportunity for more and natural filtration...

One more thing, check here and youtube as well when you design your sump. Need to ensure you are covered in case of a power outage or clogged pipe. Wouldn't want a flood in your house.

I'm currently running a 120 with a reef octupus HOB bh 200, and it works very well. I am, however recovering from a tank crash, so take that with as much as it's worth.

Best of luck!!!

aandfsoccr04 · 09/17/2012, 03:47 PM

Ditch the hang on back filters and drill the new tank and get yourself a sump. You'll be much happier in the long run.

downbeach · 09/17/2012, 03:51 PM

http://www.glass-holes.com/1500-gph-...-gh1500kit.htm

SkyJunkie · 09/17/2012, 04:16 PM

Ok, so obviously a sump is optimal, but can I get by ok with a hang on or two?

CedzAquAddictio · 09/17/2012, 07:01 PM

If you can't drill your tank, then +1 to this...

http://www.glass-holes.com/1500-gph-...-gh1500kit.htm

aandfsoccr04 has a good point, but please make sure your tank can be drilled before doing so...

downbeach · 09/17/2012, 07:45 PM

http://www.salt-city.org/showthread....ss-is-tempered.

gone fishin · 09/17/2012, 07:46 PM

If you are looking for somebody to say HOB or cannister filters will be fine then sure it would be great best of luck to you.

dzfish17 · 09/17/2012, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkyJunkie

Ok, so obviously a sump is optimal, but can I get by ok with a hang on or two?

You dont need a sump, just use a good skimmer, alot of LR and flow and youll be fine. You can use a canister filter (remove media and sponges) for chemical filtration if needed. I would look at the reef octopus lx2000s for that size of tank.

SkyJunkie · 09/17/2012, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gone fishin

If you are looking for somebody to say HOB or cannister filters will be fine then sure it would be great best of luck to you.

Geez, what I'm looking for is if I can start with a HOB or canister and change later to a sump. I keep hearing a sump is best but no one is saying a hang on won't work.

rldcpa · 09/17/2012, 08:44 PM

30 years ago I had a 60 gallon tank, with a tang, spotted grouper, lionfish and eel and had a hang on back filter. Now that I think about it, I had 4" of crushed coral and an underground filter, used tap water (fresh out of the tap) and never once did water changes. I never tested my water and the tank was stable.

Now I will admit I could not keep sea anemonies and back then nobody I knew kept coral.

What I am saying is that you can start a salt water tank on the cheap and as long as you don't overstock it, and if you get easy to keep fish, you should be somewhat succesful.

However, with all the knowledge today, people are doing things with tanks that is truely incredible. Now you have RO/DI units to improve water, testing kits, protein skimmers, sumps, calcium reactors, bio pellet reactors, and high output lighting.

Its a different world than when I first started and this is a good thing, as reef aquarium owners have pushed the envelope from a simple tank like I had 30 years ago, to a full living reef.

So, to have a great tank with corals and fish, you need to do things right or risk losing alot of money. If all you want is a few easy to keep fish, then you can skimp a bit and still have fun with the hobby without geting thousands of dollars of equipment and dedicate many hours to your tank.

Decide what you want and then plan properly so you don't waste money. These forums are a good supply of information and feedback so do a bit of reading before pulling the trigger.

downbeach · 09/17/2012, 08:56 PM

The time to drill the tank is now, since it'll be easier to drill on its side. If you don't do it now, you could use an overflow box, which will work, but isn't the best method. If you have a great deal on the tank, why not get the tank now, and wait until you can do the rest of the work when you can afford it.

Clubbinaz · 09/17/2012, 10:49 PM

<~~~ Sump/ Fuge and Live Rock +1 here!!

Tinkanator2000 · 09/20/2012, 07:38 AM

Do a sump for sure, also I'm a huge fan of an ATS (algae scrubber) and it would really only work if you had a sump. You'll come to love the cleaner look it provides as well.

Don't get the idea that a canister filter CAN'T work though, I had a 55 with a Rena XP4 and a hang on skimmer for years. If you're looking to go FOWLR then a canister will work fine, with one side note. You MUST stay on top of the maintenance for that sucker.

Tinkanator2000 · 09/20/2012, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkyJunkie

Geez, what I'm looking for is if I can start with a HOB or canister and change later to a sump. I keep hearing a sump is best but no one is saying a hang on won't work.

A HOB filter will work for a FOWLR, it's been done a ton of times. I've seen plenty of saltwater tanks rockin a 400 biowheel type filter. You'd have to use plenty of power heads to supplement flow for sure, and coral wouldn't be in your future (maybe some shrooms), but it's not like everything is going to just up and die as a result. You just have to keep your expectations reasonable, and not over stock the tank. Also be sure to have plenty of LR for your bio. You don't need all the best new gadgets out there, but I promise that you will come to want them as time passes. The idea most people keep is to save money and go right to the good stuff, but it's not set in stone. It's your tank and your money, do what you want with it and learn as you go just like most of us have done.

09/17/2012, 12:21 PM	#1
SkyJunkie Registered Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Southern California Posts: 159	Appropriate filter for 120g? Upgrading from 55 to 120. Right now I have an emperor 350. Should I get another and have two on the 120 or move to something like a canister? On a bit of a budget but found a good deal on the tank and dont want to pass it up. Can I get away with a hang on for now and upgrade later? No sump, and I have LS and LR with a CPR back Pak 2 skimmer

09/17/2012, 01:22 PM	#2
Palting Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Ohio Posts: 6,912	You're gonna hear this from several people, so I might as well be first. Forget the HOB and cannisters. Convert your current 55 into a sump, put a refugium and skimmer in it, get enough liverock and flow in your 120, and you'll be far better off. __________________ Anything I post is just an opinion. One of many in this hobby. Believe and follow at your own risk of rapid and complete annihilation of all life in your tank :) Current Tank Info: Incept 3/2010, 150 RR, 50g sump, 20g fuge, 150w 15K MH x3, T5 actinics x8, moonlight LED x6, 1400gph return, Koralia 1400 x4, 300 g skimmer, 4 tangs, 2 mandarins, 2 perc, 6 line, 3 cardinals, 2 firefish, SPS, LPS, zoas, palys, shrooms, clam

09/17/2012, 01:53 PM	#6
Malign Reefer Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: U.S.A. Posts: 324	www.bulkreefsupply.com They sell the bits and they have a video on how to drill them. __________________ Barroom Hero

09/17/2012, 03:47 PM	#8
aandfsoccr04 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Virginia Beach, VA Posts: 3,561	Ditch the hang on back filters and drill the new tank and get yourself a sump. You'll be much happier in the long run. __________________ 120 gallon mixed reef

09/17/2012, 07:46 PM	#13
gone fishin Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Wyocena Wi Posts: 6,936	If you are looking for somebody to say HOB or cannister filters will be fine then sure it would be great best of luck to you. __________________ Tony Current Tank Info: 180gal DT, BM NAC77 skimmer,3 Maxspect razors, Maxspect Gyre 150, 30g QT

09/17/2012, 01:23 PM	#3
SkyJunkie Registered Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Southern California Posts: 159	The 55 is too big to go under the 120 and I'd have nowhere to put it. Plus the tank and stand aren't drilled for a sump

09/17/2012, 01:36 PM	#5
SkyJunkie Registered Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Southern California Posts: 159	How and where do I drill?

09/17/2012, 01:57 PM	#7
CedzAquAddictio Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 931	Be careful drilling. First check to see what kind of tank you have in regards to brand, etc... Then check with the manufacturer to make sure it can be drilled (tempered or not). Some tanks can't be drilled, some can, some can't be drilled on the bottom but can be drilled on the backs... If the manufacturer says it can be drilled, then go for it. First check around here and youtube. Allot of helpful information and videos on the actual drilling process. It's not that hard, but, you only have one shot to get it right sometimes... If it can't be drilled, there are some options for HOB overflows. Some don't like it, but, if you have no choice, then it is better than nothing. I'm in the process of building a sump out of my old 55 gallon tank myself. Some say a sump is worth it, some say it isn't with the new better technologies and efficiencies with better skimmers and such. I figure, it wouldn't hurt. I was told by a very experienced reefer that the solution to pollution is dilution... It also gives you an area to house hardware like heaters, probes, and skimmers as well as an opportunity for more and natural filtration... One more thing, check here and youtube as well when you design your sump. Need to ensure you are covered in case of a power outage or clogged pipe. Wouldn't want a flood in your house. I'm currently running a 120 with a reef octupus HOB bh 200, and it works very well. I am, however recovering from a tank crash, so take that with as much as it's worth. Best of luck!!!

09/17/2012, 03:51 PM	#9
downbeach Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Smyrna, Delaware Posts: 3,767	http://www.glass-holes.com/1500-gph-...-gh1500kit.htm

09/17/2012, 04:16 PM	#10
SkyJunkie Registered Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Southern California Posts: 159	Ok, so obviously a sump is optimal, but can I get by ok with a hang on or two?

09/17/2012, 07:01 PM	#11
CedzAquAddictio Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 931	If you can't drill your tank, then +1 to this... http://www.glass-holes.com/1500-gph-...-gh1500kit.htm aandfsoccr04 has a good point, but please make sure your tank can be drilled before doing so...

09/17/2012, 07:45 PM	#12
downbeach Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Smyrna, Delaware Posts: 3,767	http://www.salt-city.org/showthread....ss-is-tempered.

09/17/2012, 08:44 PM	#16
rldcpa Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 498	30 years ago I had a 60 gallon tank, with a tang, spotted grouper, lionfish and eel and had a hang on back filter. Now that I think about it, I had 4" of crushed coral and an underground filter, used tap water (fresh out of the tap) and never once did water changes. I never tested my water and the tank was stable. Now I will admit I could not keep sea anemonies and back then nobody I knew kept coral. What I am saying is that you can start a salt water tank on the cheap and as long as you don't overstock it, and if you get easy to keep fish, you should be somewhat succesful. However, with all the knowledge today, people are doing things with tanks that is truely incredible. Now you have RO/DI units to improve water, testing kits, protein skimmers, sumps, calcium reactors, bio pellet reactors, and high output lighting. Its a different world than when I first started and this is a good thing, as reef aquarium owners have pushed the envelope from a simple tank like I had 30 years ago, to a full living reef. So, to have a great tank with corals and fish, you need to do things right or risk losing alot of money. If all you want is a few easy to keep fish, then you can skimp a bit and still have fun with the hobby without geting thousands of dollars of equipment and dedicate many hours to your tank. Decide what you want and then plan properly so you don't waste money. These forums are a good supply of information and feedback so do a bit of reading before pulling the trigger.

09/17/2012, 08:56 PM	#17
downbeach Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Smyrna, Delaware Posts: 3,767	The time to drill the tank is now, since it'll be easier to drill on its side. If you don't do it now, you could use an overflow box, which will work, but isn't the best method. If you have a great deal on the tank, why not get the tank now, and wait until you can do the rest of the work when you can afford it.

09/17/2012, 10:49 PM	#18
Clubbinaz Registered Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 80	<~~~ Sump/ Fuge and Live Rock +1 here!! __________________ I Can See Your Brain CORALS!!! Current Tank Info: 150 Gallon Mixed Reef with 30 Gallon Custom Acrylic Sump, Vertex BioPellet and Calcium Reactor running off Apex Controller

09/20/2012, 07:38 AM	#19
Tinkanator2000 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Maryland Posts: 168	Do a sump for sure, also I'm a huge fan of an ATS (algae scrubber) and it would really only work if you had a sump. You'll come to love the cleaner look it provides as well. Don't get the idea that a canister filter CAN'T work though, I had a 55 with a Rena XP4 and a hang on skimmer for years. If you're looking to go FOWLR then a canister will work fine, with one side note. You MUST stay on top of the maintenance for that sucker.