More filtration questions..

[jess.irene]

Hi everyone,

Okay, so I was informed last time I asked, that live rock is supposed to be your main filtration in a FOWLR tank, and that flow/circulation aid the filtration. So do I need an extra filter as well, or is live rock and a wave maker enough??

Looking at a 200L capacity after the addition of sand. With approx. 25kg of live rock plus the live sand after cycling. Will have a skimmer and a wave maker, is this enough filtration for that sized tank? No sump as I don't yet understand the workings or setup.

Do I NEED a skimmer with a tank that size?

Thanks.

 

[BigRedsReefs10]

Here's a good article on sumps, with a great 3 part write up linked at the bottom.
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2008-01/newbie/index.php
As far as filtration question goes, a hob filter (aqua clears make great options for this) to run some chemical media wouldn't be a bad idea.

 

[Bectan01]

I ran a 55g with just live sand, rock, a skimmer and a couple of power heads. Research the Berlin method, it worked for me for many years until I upgraded tanks. Weekly water changes are must, I used to do 10% weekly.

 

[PB_Smith]

I ran a 55g with just live sand, rock, a skimmer and a couple of power heads. Research the Berlin method, it worked for me for many years until I upgraded tanks. Weekly water changes are must, I used to do 10% weekly.

and therein lies the caveat.
Yes you can run a system utilizing only live rock/sand/skimmer, BUT you do need to do more frequent water changes than you most likely would if utilizing additional filtration methods.
six of one/half dozen of the other.

personally I would go with as much as you can afford/manage, at least as far as biological filtration goes.
rather have more than is needed than borderline.