what type of filter is best without a sump?

[saltwaternewbie12]

I have a 38 gallon tank set up and currently has 2 HOB filters. One is a aqueon50 and the other is a marineland bio wheel 30. I am using them now to clean some of the cloudyness out of the water since my hubby dumped in unrinsed argonite sand. I am not wanting a sump so I was wondering if i could just use a HOB skimmer and the live rock in the tank to filter? (i was told to do this by someone else). or do I need to use another type of filter? I was told the kinds I have would kill the fish by causing nitrates....The tank currently has 40 lbs of sand and 25 pounds of live rock..... anything else i need to know would also be helpful!

 

[Closetcanibal]

Honestly I have had a single emperor 400 on my 20 tall FOWLR for about 8 months. Pair that with a hob skimmer and you should be good. Just remember your turnover rate should be at least 5x per hour

 

[saltwaternewbie12]

Do you use the regular filter media?

 

[Closetcanibal]

Do you use the regular filter media?

Yeah I use the regular carbon filters and run the bio wheels.

 

[dwint]

i have a 400 in a 75 gal and it is always crystal clear,the 400is good for 80or 90 gal great filters

 

[madsalt]

I use a bio 150 on the back of my tank, no skimmer, very simple setup. My tank has been running rock solid, my nitrates are about 15ppm and the tank is clear.

 

[BinxBolling]

I have a 220 with no sump. I have 5 HOB skimmers, an FX5 canister, and about 300lbs of live rock

 

[saltwaternewbie12]

thanks so much everyone!

 

[sanchezkk]

I'm cycling a 55g with a Penguin Bio-Wheel 350 and a Aquaeon hob filter myself. I'm also running a bubble wand for extra oxygen.

Today I bought some more lr with some little white worms, and I guess they are feather dusters or maybe bristle worms. Also on the rocks I have some baby purple or pink coraline and a small pink sponge.

Right now my tank is consuming 4ppm of ammonia in approximately 4 hours. My Nitrites are at 5.0 and Nitrates are at 20ppm.

I'm really dying from patience. I've been cycling since February 18th.

Can anyone advise as to my situation?