need help with my 55

[tnips]

ive had freshwater tanks for 3 years now and i want to try out the saltwater world

this is what i have so far
55gallon tank
heater
2 power heads
a fluval fx5 filter

i will be getting a hang on protein skimmer

im planning a FOWLR

i was wondering if i even need the filter if i get a hang on protein skimmer.
if the fx5 is actually useful what should i use in the filter?

 

[mr_X]

it depends on the hang on skimmer. which one were you considering?
are you going to be using live rock as surface area for bacteria?

 

[tnips]

i was thinking the coralife super skimmer rated for a 125g
i was gonna be putting about 25 to 30 lbs of live rock in the tank
would that be enough?
i was thinking of putting bio balls a few filter pads and some carbon in the fx5

 

[mr_X]

what kind of bio load are you expecting to have in this tank? for a medium bio load, i would suggest at least a pound per gallon of live rock.
the super skimmer 125 would be ok.
this one might be better though-
Reef Octopus BH 300 Dual Hang on Back Protein Skimmer - AquaCave

if you have enough live rock in the display, you won't need the bio balls in the cannister. i would just put filter media and carbon in it.

 

[tnips]

i like the look of a small amount of LR and a more open bed of sand
it will have a small bio load i dont want that many fish in this tank

in the next year i will be moving to a bigger house and will build a new tank around 180 gallon