Soooo Confused

stamina29 · 08/29/2012, 11:04 AM

I have been researching an inexpensive filtration system for my 55 gallon flat back hex tank. I understand that a simple skimmer and chiller would be enough to get started with a coral tank. I have been to several pet shops and received several different answers. Could ANYONE give me some advise on this. I want to go slowly and I haven't had a salt water tank in over 10 years. This is all new to me (again). Thanks

Sugar Magnolia · 08/29/2012, 11:14 AM

You probably won't need a chiller unless you don't have air conditioning.

As far as the skimmer goes, that's entirely up to you. You could get away without one and just do weekly 20% water changes to export nutrients. Are you planning to use a sump?

Blayz77 · 08/29/2012, 11:14 AM

well a good starting point would be to think about what you want to keep in terms of fish and coral. also more info about your setup would be nice are you going to have a sump? and you may not need a chiller i am able to keep my 50g tank temp at 76.5 - 77.5 rock solid all day long with a fan that cost me like 20 bucks.

gone fishin · 08/29/2012, 11:15 AM

I use a coralife super skimmer 65 in my 30 gallon and live rock in my system and knock on wood do not have any issues. as far as skimmers go I think alot of it is personal preference and budget. I would skip the very cheap ones but I also skip the other end of the spectrum as well. For the 180 i am putting together I got the bubble magus NAC77 I read some good reviews about it and the price was in my comfort zone. I do not have any experience with chillers I have never needed one. Good luck to you

greech · 08/29/2012, 11:17 AM

The best thing to do would be to use a sump below/next to/behind the main tank. This would require a tank (one you have laying around will do but the bigger the better), some sort of a drain/overflowbox, PVC or tubing for the drain and return line and a return pump. If you're just starting the tank, a skimmer in the sump would not be required right away and you could just use some carbon and GFO (grannualr ferric oxide) filter bags until you start adding sensitive livestock until you save up for a skimmer. Media such as Chemipure Elite would be an option as well.

If that isn't doable, a HOB skimmer would be a good option and possibly consider a HOB power filter (like an aquaclear) to run carbon/GFO and additional mechanical filtration if needed.

If you were going with fish only, or will only have "easy" corals, a cansister filter or HOB filter alone could be done.

The most important "filter" you will have will be water changes.

Live rock and sand will handle your bilogical filtration so don't feel compelled to use additional filter media or bioballs for bio. Not saying those can't be used, just that they are not likely to be of any benefit over live rock/sand.

+1 to probably not needing a chiller.

dunc101 · 08/29/2012, 11:20 AM

To Reef Central

In a reef, your filtration is usually done by the live rock. If you do not have a sump, you can get a HOB skimmer. A chiller is probably not necessary as you can keep your temps down by using LED lighting, T5 lighting or even Metal Halides with a fan or two.

Edit: Wow, 4 other posts before I posted this one... Sorry if I just reiterated much of what the others said.

stamina29 · 08/29/2012, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sugar Magnolia

You probably won't need a chiller unless you don't have air conditioning.

As far as the skimmer goes, that's entirely up to you. You could get away without one and just do weekly 20% water changes to export nutrients. Are you planning to use a sump?

I would love to use a sump (price permitting). I was thinking of starting with an Octopus 8 BH-800s skimmer to start. Do I need a sump if I plan to do 20% a water change?

Blayz77 · 08/29/2012, 11:29 AM

you dont need a sump at all, but it does make a nice place to tuck away all the equiptment nice and tidy. otherwise your display tank will have heaters and skimmers and whatever else hanging off it or inside it.

not to mention that with a sump your options for said equiptment increase

stamina29 · 08/29/2012, 11:30 AM

Wow, so much info in so little time........ Love this place already and you will be hearing from me soon. I will also send some pis of my progress. Wish me luck!!!!

Lateralus · 08/29/2012, 03:44 PM

First purchase you should make assuming you havent is an rodi unit. It will help you avoid multiple problems later on down the road when using "conditioned" tap water. Unless you were planning on buying rodi water then it knocks out trips to the LFS for high priced H2O. It will pay for itself in no time and save you a ton of cash in the long to put towards other fun stuff... Like skimmers and lights and pumps and ....

08/29/2012, 11:04 AM	#1
stamina29 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Palmdale, CA Posts: 3	Soooo Confused I have been researching an inexpensive filtration system for my 55 gallon flat back hex tank. I understand that a simple skimmer and chiller would be enough to get started with a coral tank. I have been to several pet shops and received several different answers. Could ANYONE give me some advise on this. I want to go slowly and I haven't had a salt water tank in over 10 years. This is all new to me (again). Thanks

08/29/2012, 11:14 AM	#2
Sugar Magnolia Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Northern VA Posts: 17,691	You probably won't need a chiller unless you don't have air conditioning. As far as the skimmer goes, that's entirely up to you. You could get away without one and just do weekly 20% water changes to export nutrients. Are you planning to use a sump? __________________ Adrienne The only thing to fear is fear itself....and spiders.

08/29/2012, 11:15 AM	#4
gone fishin Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Wyocena Wi Posts: 6,936	I use a coralife super skimmer 65 in my 30 gallon and live rock in my system and knock on wood do not have any issues. as far as skimmers go I think alot of it is personal preference and budget. I would skip the very cheap ones but I also skip the other end of the spectrum as well. For the 180 i am putting together I got the bubble magus NAC77 I read some good reviews about it and the price was in my comfort zone. I do not have any experience with chillers I have never needed one. Good luck to you __________________ Tony Current Tank Info: 180gal DT, BM NAC77 skimmer,3 Maxspect razors, Maxspect Gyre 150, 30g QT

08/29/2012, 11:17 AM	#5
greech Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Tallahassee, FL Posts: 3,133	The best thing to do would be to use a sump below/next to/behind the main tank. This would require a tank (one you have laying around will do but the bigger the better), some sort of a drain/overflowbox, PVC or tubing for the drain and return line and a return pump. If you're just starting the tank, a skimmer in the sump would not be required right away and you could just use some carbon and GFO (grannualr ferric oxide) filter bags until you start adding sensitive livestock until you save up for a skimmer. Media such as Chemipure Elite would be an option as well. If that isn't doable, a HOB skimmer would be a good option and possibly consider a HOB power filter (like an aquaclear) to run carbon/GFO and additional mechanical filtration if needed. If you were going with fish only, or will only have "easy" corals, a cansister filter or HOB filter alone could be done. The most important "filter" you will have will be water changes. Live rock and sand will handle your bilogical filtration so don't feel compelled to use additional filter media or bioballs for bio. Not saying those can't be used, just that they are not likely to be of any benefit over live rock/sand. +1 to probably not needing a chiller. __________________ ~Graham Current Tank Info: Tank: 40 breeder; 20H sump w/SWC 120; Sicce 3.0 return; Vortech MP-10; Sundial T5, DIY Actinic LED (3W Cree). Livestock: Pair of Black & Whites; Midas Blenny; Firefish; Yasha/pistol; Black Leopard Wrasse; LPS and SPS

08/29/2012, 11:20 AM	#6
dunc101 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 758	*To Reef Central* In a reef, your filtration is usually done by the live rock. If you do not have a sump, you can get a HOB skimmer. A chiller is probably not necessary as you can keep your temps down by using LED lighting, T5 lighting or even Metal Halides with a fan or two. Edit: Wow, 4 other posts before I posted this one... Sorry if I just reiterated much of what the others said. __________________ Duncan

08/29/2012, 11:14 AM	#3
Blayz77 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: ca Posts: 436	well a good starting point would be to think about what you want to keep in terms of fish and coral. also more info about your setup would be nice are you going to have a sump? and you may not need a chiller i am able to keep my 50g tank temp at 76.5 - 77.5 rock solid all day long with a fan that cost me like 20 bucks.

08/29/2012, 11:29 AM	#8
Blayz77 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: ca Posts: 436	you dont need a sump at all, but it does make a nice place to tuck away all the equiptment nice and tidy. otherwise your display tank will have heaters and skimmers and whatever else hanging off it or inside it. not to mention that with a sump your options for said equiptment increase

08/29/2012, 11:30 AM	#9
stamina29 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Palmdale, CA Posts: 3	Wow, so much info in so little time........ Love this place already and you will be hearing from me soon. I will also send some pis of my progress. Wish me luck!!!!

08/29/2012, 03:44 PM	#10
Lateralus Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: St. Charles mo. Posts: 756	First purchase you should make assuming you havent is an rodi unit. It will help you avoid multiple problems later on down the road when using "conditioned" tap water. Unless you were planning on buying rodi water then it knocks out trips to the LFS for high priced H2O. It will pay for itself in no time and save you a ton of cash in the long to put towards other fun stuff... Like skimmers and lights and pumps and .... __________________ Mike Current Tank Info: 120 gallon reef/ 40 gal sump. Born on 5/30/13.