Newbie overwhelmed with filtration info

[dmarq]

Hey everyone!

So, I'm planning on converting my 20 gal FW to a reef tank and I've got a few questions...
1) Is it possible to have a sumpless and skimmerless nano reef?
2) What are your thoughts on canister filters? The guy at my LFS suggested a Eheim 250 or a sump (which I'm trying to avoid) when I asked him if I should have a mechanical filter, but people say they're "nitrate factories," is that still true or an overgeneralized statement?
3) Can you cycle a tank without a filter? My current filter is FW only and so I'm trying to figure out what kinds of filtration I should have (other than LR and LS)
4) Do reef tanks need mechanical filtration? Chemical?
5) Thoughts on grabbing water from a nearby beach? I live on Oahu if that makes a difference.
6) You think I could grab a cup of sand from the ocean to seed my tank? I'd go maybe 50-75 yds out in water 25-30 ft deep.

Essentially, I'm looking to set up my tank as simple (and affordable!) as possible... no fancy add-ons and whatnot. At the same time, I don't want to jeopardize the health of my tank. Sooo... Can you all please help me find the perfect balance? (:

I'm not too sure if there are other threads answering my questions but if there are, feel free to send me a link to them and I'll be on my merry way (:

[Azedenkae]

1.) Yes.
2.) Overgeneralized statement. A sump can be a nitrate factory too. With that said I wouldn't go for a canister filter. Regular maintenance is a pain imo.
3.) Yes you can cycle with just LR and LS. A filter is just housing for filter media that isn't already in your display is all.
4.) Nope. But they do need a combination of filter media to filter the water, which depending on the specific setup may include mechanical/chemical filter media.
5.) go ahead. Should be fine. Should.
6.) Yes.

See my aquarium for an example of a nano that is skimmerless and relies mainly on biological filtration. Heck, I don't really even have live rock.

http://sosofishy.blogspot.com.au/201...-mini-sea.html

[CuzzA]

Originally Posted by Azedenkae

See my aquarium for an example of a nano that is skimmerless and relies mainly on biological filtration. Heck, I don't really even have live rock.

http://sosofishy.blogspot.com.au/201...-mini-sea.html

Im curious Azedenkae, why do you have a hippo tang in a 12" cube?

[Azedenkae]

Originally Posted by CuzzA

Im curious Azedenkae, why do you have a hippo tang in a 12" cube?

Resident until it gets larger, which is either when I have a bigger tank, or move it on.

[Big_Boss_77]

1. Yes, but water volume is king. More volume means you've got a little bit more time to catch problems before they become catastrophic.
2. I use a sump and refugium with 2lbs LR per gallon so I can't comment from experience. As with anything else though, do you due diligence and you should be fine.
3. My tank water and LR cycled in a Tupperware tub with a power head and a light, so yeah.
4. Need? No, not as long as you've got enough biological to do the job.
5&6. The only draw back to this is you MIGHT snag some unwelcome guests that could be detrimental to the overall health, wellbeing, and "ease" of your system.
P.S. I'd be careful using your FW tank. Just make sure that you or any previous owners haven't dosed any copper or anything in it. Copper is hazardous for a lot of marine livestock. Any doubts, spring for a new tank and use that one as QT.
Good luck with your new tank and keep us posted!