New to Saltwater Environment

[bosleysrn]

I have ordered an Oceanic 156 Gallon Reef Ready Tank. This is my first ever saltwater tank, but I have had 3 fresh water tanks at one time. I am planing to do a live rock and Predatory Fish Only tank. I just wanted to know what some of your thoughts when it comes to refugium vs. a wet dry filter. I have heard that the wet dry filter suffices for a fish only tank with live rock, but have also heard that a refugium is a better option even though I won't have any reefs. Any comments? Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[lando]

Welcome to AquariumAdvice.com!!!
It really depends on the wet/dry set-up. The biggest challenge in a predator tank is keeping water parameters acceptable, mainly NO3. With all of those messy easters in there NO3 can begin to climb. We/dry filters that rely on bioballs as filter media can sometimes compound this issue. The bioballs themselves can become a nitrate factory. This does not help you out. My recommendation is to go with lots of LR in the main (1.5lbs/gal) and replace the bioballs in the wet/dry with LR rubble. This will help in dealing with NO3. A fuge is also a great way to naturally deal with NO3. They also create a nice environment for pod cultivation and such. Either way, you would be just find. I guess if it were me I would do the set/dry with LR rubble for a FOWLR tanks.

 

[bosleysrn]

Thanks for your help lando. I am leaning toward the wet/dry system.

 

[dr_girlfriend]

if running a wet/dry, replacing bio balls with LR rubble is good for nitrate reduction?
Or did I read that wrong?

 

[lando]

if running a wet/dry, replacing bio balls with LR rubble is good for nitrate reduction?

 

[dr_girlfriend]

cool. What is the best wet/dry filter you guys recommend? And pump to go with it?

 

[Salttanker]

I would go with a large enough one that would house enough reef rubble for proper filtration. For instance, I currently have a 90 gal and bought a wet/dry for a 125 gal. I wish I would have gone larger. The more room the better, especially for extra equipment.

Mike

 

[Guest]

I know someone who has a 150G tank with only 300 lbs of live rocks and two protein skimmers. That's it. No other filtration. But, man, it was a thriving FOWLR setup.