65g fish-only filtration?

[DougC_117]

First attempt at saltwater and I'm keeping it simple with a fun fish-only setup. My main question is what type of filter to go with? Can I get away with a HOB power filter to start? I've read all the mixed opinions on canisters so I'm hesitant there? Right now I'm not sure I can budget a sump setup plus the HOB siphons make me nervous.

Advice?

[Drewl117]

First piece of equipment I would get is a good skimmer, then power heads.

[Tisbe]

What ever you do stay away from HOB Siphons. If you decide to install a sump get your tank drilled or get one reef ready. The canister and HOB filters do a couple things, trap detritus for removal and have a place to put media like carbon, GFO, etc. The canister can also have bio ball or other media that do some of the work that live rock does but usually end up becoming an area where detritus builds up and then decomposes releasing nutrients back into the water.

You need at least a HOB skimmer, powerheads, gravel siphon (if you have sand) and regular water changes. Water changes, light stocking and not overfeeding are important to make a setup like you talk about work. Best of luck.

[carrots]

Yes you can run a great marine tank with a HOB filter. I have a 125 mixed reef running for the past 4 years with only a aqua clear 300 on it. Corals are doing fine LPS & SPS. The only "problem" if you want to call it that, is you have to be diligent with filter sponge cleaning and water changes. I change 5 gallons a week and clean sponges 2x. My tank is bare bottom,which helps with debris removal. With my 90 gallon FOWLR & gravel bottom with a sump and skimmer I can go 2 weeks without changing filter socks and 1 month without doing a water change with no ill effects. IMO a sump and skimmer will make life easier, but you can always upgrade down the road. Good luck- John

[cloak]

Assuming you will be using either live rock or dead rock in the DT, this will be your primary biological filter. A HOB filter will help, but these are usually used to run GAC, GFO etc in if need be. You can use it as a mechanical filter if you want, but you'll need to clean the sponges every week or so. As long as you blast the rocks with a power head on a regular basis and either stir up or vacuum your substrate once every three or four weeks you should be good to go IMO. GL.

[DougC_117]

Is a protein skimmer like a reef octopus and some powerheads enough? I read you don't need a protein skimmer til the tank gets fully established?

[Pigpen17]

I ran a 65g tank for about 5 years with only live rock, skimmer, power heads, and a Magnum HOB filter for carbon. If I did it again, I would do the same, but use a hang on reactor in stead of the Magnum.

BTW. I loved the 65g. 55g size with an extra 6" front to back. Great tank.

And I would never run a saltwater tank without a skimmer. To me it's essential. Heat, bio filtration, water flow and skimmer.

[sde1500]

I run a 65, with a HOB overflow. Not sure why some people make a big deal of it, it runs perfectly, restarts perfectly, and with a small modification it's rather quiet. I have no worries about it failing. I run a sump with a Reef Octopus 110int and it works like a charm.

[heathlindner25]

One of my tanks is a 65. It has a tunze in tank skimmer ,live rock, and 2 power heads.....that's it.
[IMG][/IMG]

[heathlindner25]

Sorry for the bad phone video

[Pigpen17]

Cool tank. How is the Lemonpeal? I was looking at getting one possibly. I think my stocking is finished, but you never know...

[heathlindner25]

Use to be a mantis tank. He left me about a year ago so I could finally get my hands in there to clean it. No coral and run over with bryopsis. Started adding coral and angels as a experiment. ...lol , and it's been doing good.
Lemon peel is a model citizen

[DougC_117]

What's a good RO/DI Unit for someone on a budget?