Filter Advice

TangLove · 02/14/2007, 08:37 PM

I am going to buy me a new filter and just needed some advice as what to buy. Can anyone give me some suggestions as which ones will be best for my 55 gallon tank. I plan on it being a reef tank and need something that will work for all areas.

jer77 · 02/14/2007, 09:00 PM

Most reefs do not incorporate mechanical filters on their reef tanks. I would suggest maybe saving up for a sump and a new protein skimmer.

TangLove · 02/14/2007, 09:05 PM

I just had bought the skimmer I have. I would like to keep this skimmer and find out my own results from it. Was just wondering if I should buy a better filter than what came with my aquarium.

davocean · 02/14/2007, 09:24 PM

I agree, no need for a "filter" for salt, just water movement, live rock, and good skimming.
Prizm's usually don't work well.
Sumps are nice, and allow for other good toys.

drummereef · 02/14/2007, 10:23 PM

You can get away with hang-on filters if it's a FOWLR, but I'd stay away if its a reef. They can be handy for carbon, but I'd take the mechanical media out. 1-2lb/gallon of live rock, a good protein skimmer, and at least 20x flow is all you really need.

TangLove · 02/15/2007, 04:23 PM

Kinda stupid question I guess, but what all will get me that amount of flow?

davocean · 02/15/2007, 05:14 PM

Not a stupid question, just alot of options, and kinda depends on what you plan to keep, and what you want to spend.
Do you have a sump?
That makes a difference.
My 90 has ran sumpless for years, so I just used powerheads.
My new tank has a sump and a closed loop, which hides equipment, runs more efficient, and gives me more options on equipment.
A good skimmer is one of your most important things to have.
My prizm caused me lots of frustration and didn't do much.
Really, need more specs on your tank to give good advice on circulation and stuff.
Glass or acrylic
sump
livestock you wish to keep.

02/14/2007, 08:37 PM	#1
TangLove Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Kentucky Posts: 58	Filter Advice I am going to buy me a new filter and just needed some advice as what to buy. Can anyone give me some suggestions as which ones will be best for my 55 gallon tank. I plan on it being a reef tank and need something that will work for all areas.

02/14/2007, 09:00 PM	#2
jer77 Phish Lover Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 2,642	Most reefs do not incorporate mechanical filters on their reef tanks. I would suggest maybe saving up for a sump and a new protein skimmer. __________________ - Jonny -, 120g 5 Year Old Reef w/ SPS, BTA, Zoos & some Softies. 40g Frag Tank. 40g Sump. Super Reef Octopus XP 3000 External Cone Skimmer. 250W Radiums. TaoTronics LED. PanWorld 200PS w/SQWD

02/14/2007, 09:05 PM	#3
TangLove Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Kentucky Posts: 58	I just had bought the skimmer I have. I would like to keep this skimmer and find out my own results from it. Was just wondering if I should buy a better filter than what came with my aquarium. __________________ I dont judge you, and all I ask is for you not to judge me! Current Tank Info: 55 Gallon, 1200 maxijet, prizm skimmer, 50lbs. live rock, small cleaner crew,

02/14/2007, 09:24 PM	#4
davocean Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 14,655	I agree, no need for a "filter" for salt, just water movement, live rock, and good skimming. Prizm's usually don't work well. Sumps are nice, and allow for other good toys. __________________ There's a fine line between owning your tank and your tank owning you! Current Tank Info: SCA 120g RR Starfire, Tunze silence 1073.02 return, 40g sump w/ fuge, SWC Extreme 160 cone skimmer,Geismann reflexx 4xT5, 2x Panorama Pro LED strips, Vortech MP40QD

02/14/2007, 10:23 PM	#5
drummereef Team RC Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: STL Posts: 14,754	You can get away with hang-on filters if it's a FOWLR, but I'd stay away if its a reef. They can be handy for carbon, but I'd take the mechanical media out. 1-2lb/gallon of live rock, a good protein skimmer, and at least 20x flow is all you really need. __________________ -Brett 180g Marineland Starfire In-Wall 278 gallon system

02/15/2007, 04:23 PM	#6
TangLove Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Kentucky Posts: 58	Kinda stupid question I guess, but what all will get me that amount of flow? __________________ I dont judge you, and all I ask is for you not to judge me! Current Tank Info: 55 Gallon, 1200 maxijet, prizm skimmer, 50lbs. live rock, small cleaner crew,

02/15/2007, 05:14 PM	#7
davocean Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 14,655	Not a stupid question, just alot of options, and kinda depends on what you plan to keep, and what you want to spend. Do you have a sump? That makes a difference. My 90 has ran sumpless for years, so I just used powerheads. My new tank has a sump and a closed loop, which hides equipment, runs more efficient, and gives me more options on equipment. A good skimmer is one of your most important things to have. My prizm caused me lots of frustration and didn't do much. Really, need more specs on your tank to give good advice on circulation and stuff. Glass or acrylic sump livestock you wish to keep. __________________ There's a fine line between owning your tank and your tank owning you! Current Tank Info: SCA 120g RR Starfire, Tunze silence 1073.02 return, 40g sump w/ fuge, SWC Extreme 160 cone skimmer,Geismann reflexx 4xT5, 2x Panorama Pro LED strips, Vortech MP40QD