Filters/Filter media, Protein skimmers

[seafan]

Im starting a new tank and plan on using a canister filter. Which canister filters do you suggest, and what type of media.

What type and company of protein skimmer do you suggest.

P.S it will be a 55 gallon tank, preferably reef w/invertebrates.
P.P.S preferably it collectively should be less than $700 for filter and skimmer.

 

[malkore]

I'd skip a filter...use the money towards ample amounts of live rock...60-100lbs is ideal.

Do you have a sump? sump skimmers are more efficient, but there are good hang on models like the Aqua C. Remora's, and CPR Bak-Pak's.

 

[phases99]

You would only need a canister to run GAC. Most folks rely on LR and LS for their biological filtration. Instead spend your money on a great skimmer. The Aqua C Remora seems to get the highest rating. I have a CPR Bakpak which does a pretty good job.

 

[seafan]

Thank you alot. I still thik i would need some type of chemical filtration any suggestions?

 

[Atari]

I believe you can put carbon in the optional attachment for the Remora.. someone correct me if I'm mistaken.

 

[seafan]

Awsome! Thanks again.

 

[jddias67]

I have 2 Fluval 404s and both of them suck air/spit micro bubbles. I also have 3 CPR BackPacks that I really like. HTH ---john

 

[Interested]

Good morning all. Just joined the site today after lurking for a while. Hope you don't mind me piggy backing on seafan's topic but I'm starting out as well and really confused on this filtration thing. I am setting up a 135 gal FO tank and currenty have 1 Fluval 404. Was going to get another one today and some LR. The local store tells me that I need at least 2 Fluval 404 and between 70 and 100 lbs of LR. Am I reading here correctly that if I get the LR I don't need the second Fluval? I've just started the cycling process.

Thanks for any replies.

 

[steve-s]

Welcome to AA.com

You actually don't really need either Fulval or any other canister for that matter. The LR is definately a plus and the more the better. Since you are starting the tank as primarily FO (now an FOWLR), you most likely have standard lights? If that's the case I would not spend alot of money on LR. Instead, dry base rock that is not in need of any kind of proper lighting would be a much cheaper route. Starting the tank off with dry base rock and the "seeding" it with a few small pieces of LR would be much less costly and accomplish the same filtration goals as all LR would. On a 135 though, I would move your intended amount a bit closer to 150-200 lbs. Check E-bay or >>Hirocks.com<<

Be sure that if you are not going to be using a sump with a strong return for water flow, you spend some money of a few good powerheads for proper circulation. On a 135 gal tank your total GPH should be about 1400 at the low end.


Cheers
Steve

 

[Interested]

Thanks a bunch. Not having to get a second canister leaves more money for rocks and powerheads.