Diveintoapool
Aquarium Advice Apprentice
So, I want to spend about $200 to upgrade my filtration on my 20g saltwater tank. I have a credit on Amazon, so whatever I get I need to get from that site. Here is my current setup:
Home made coke bottle skimmer (wet skim and works for now)
Tetra Whisper EX70 Power Filter
Koralia Evolution Aquarium Pump (425 gph)
20 Lbs live sand
15 - 20 lbs live rock
2 nemos
1 emerald crab
6 hermits
Various Snails.
My Ammonia is 0, but my nitrates and nitrites are a little higher than I would like. I think this may be due to the HOB Power Filter.
I want to eventually turn my 20 gallon into a sump and use my 55 gallon as a saltwater tank. I also want to eventually add some corals and such, so I want to make sure I will not have to buy larger skimmers, filters, etc. to accommodate a larger system if possible.
On all of these I plan to remove the Power Filter and Ghetto Rigged skimmer.
Option 1:
Add an Aquatop PSE1 Hang-On Protein Skimmer w/ UV + Power Filter. ($90)
Amazon.com: Aquatop PSE1 Hang-On Protein Skimmer w/ UV + Power Filter: Pet Supplies
It's rated up to 60 gallons, includes a skimmer and some power filtration. It also contains a UV light.
The only problem is that it does not allow me to include that much additional water to the tank. I also do not know if the skimmer will really be able to handle 55+ gallons. I can buy another skimmer in the future if necessary.
Option 2:
Only purchase a
Coralife Super Skimmer Needle Wheel - up to 220 gal. ($180)
Or
Coralife 05272 Super Skimmer with Pump, 125-Gallon ($150)
Maybe another small powerhead to move some more water.
Option 3:
CPR Aquatics AquaFuge 2 Medium Hang-on Back Refugium w/ Pump (New Outlet Design) ($145)
Coralife 05271 Super Skimmer with Pump, 65-Gallon ($100)
This one is the most expensive, but I like that it adds more water to my tank. The Skimmer also is still rated up to 65 gallons.
If anyone else has any other option ideas, I am open to them.
Thank you!
Home made coke bottle skimmer (wet skim and works for now)
Tetra Whisper EX70 Power Filter
Koralia Evolution Aquarium Pump (425 gph)
20 Lbs live sand
15 - 20 lbs live rock
2 nemos
1 emerald crab
6 hermits
Various Snails.
My Ammonia is 0, but my nitrates and nitrites are a little higher than I would like. I think this may be due to the HOB Power Filter.
I want to eventually turn my 20 gallon into a sump and use my 55 gallon as a saltwater tank. I also want to eventually add some corals and such, so I want to make sure I will not have to buy larger skimmers, filters, etc. to accommodate a larger system if possible.
On all of these I plan to remove the Power Filter and Ghetto Rigged skimmer.
Option 1:
Add an Aquatop PSE1 Hang-On Protein Skimmer w/ UV + Power Filter. ($90)
Amazon.com: Aquatop PSE1 Hang-On Protein Skimmer w/ UV + Power Filter: Pet Supplies
It's rated up to 60 gallons, includes a skimmer and some power filtration. It also contains a UV light.
The only problem is that it does not allow me to include that much additional water to the tank. I also do not know if the skimmer will really be able to handle 55+ gallons. I can buy another skimmer in the future if necessary.
Option 2:
Only purchase a
Coralife Super Skimmer Needle Wheel - up to 220 gal. ($180)
Or
Coralife 05272 Super Skimmer with Pump, 125-Gallon ($150)
Maybe another small powerhead to move some more water.
Option 3:
CPR Aquatics AquaFuge 2 Medium Hang-on Back Refugium w/ Pump (New Outlet Design) ($145)
Coralife 05271 Super Skimmer with Pump, 65-Gallon ($100)
This one is the most expensive, but I like that it adds more water to my tank. The Skimmer also is still rated up to 65 gallons.
If anyone else has any other option ideas, I am open to them.
Thank you!