filter for 50g tank

[toshi-chan]

Just been down to my lfs and talked about start up costs for a sw tank. I am looking to put together a reef aquarium with a few fish, and will be using live rock.

The tank I think I will go for measures 100cmx 40cm x 45cm, so is approx 50 gallons. I've been told that I will need an external filter for the tank, and was surprised to find that the one they recommend costs nearly as much as the tank! Even with live rock they suggest the Hagan Fluval 405 - please see link to one I've seen on Ebay...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/FLUVAL-405-EX...ryZ20758QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Do I need such a powerful filter for a tank this size? Also, is there an internal filter that could be used instead (limited space next to tank)? What do you think?

Thanks for your help!!

 

[tecwzrd]

An external filter isn’t really necessary at all for biological filtration since the lr will handle that for you. I use the Marineland Magnum 350 Deluxe Filter System for water circulation and for dropping in carbon, Chemi Pure, & Seachem Phosguard

That along with a couple of Maxi-Jet 1200 power heads on each end of the tank should give you plenty of water circulation.

 

[jaiden]

Save your money and get more LR.