Newbie question about filters for 55 gallon salt

[crshnbrn]

I recently decided to switch from fresh 2 salt. Can I use an Aquaclear 500 in a 55 gal salt tank? Any advice would be appreciated. tia shawn

 

[Guest]

Yes you can. It can make a good HOB refugium in the future..

Question is, what do you plan on having in the tank? FO, FOWLR, or full blown REEF?
This will greatly impact the way you implement filtration on your tank...

 

[steve-s]

You could use it but keep in mind with full media they are only rated at 160 GPH. In a SW environment you are looking for closer to 10x GPH of the tank volume so it will definately need supplimenting with PH.

You should also check into the possibilities of LR/LS as a main biological filter and skip the power filter altogether. As well as the possibility of a sump. There are many types of filtration and each should be researched properly, prior to beginning. >>Here<< is a link that will give a brief rundown on the various types.

While researching, also try to determine the "direction" the tank will eventually follow. FO FOWLR or reef. Some types of filtration work better/worse with diferent tank types.

Cheers
Steve

 

[crshnbrn]

What is an hob? It is going to be a fish and live rock tank Also do i need a powerhead and if so what type.? thank you for your quick response shawn

 

[reefrunner69]

HOB = Hang On Back which should now be indicated by our abbreviation script

 

[steve-s]

Also do i need a powerhead and if so what type.?

Ideally you want to bring the GPH of the tank up to 400-500GPH for a FOWLR. I would not get one powerhead to accomplish that as you would end up with too much water flow from one direction as well as possible dead spots. Divide it between 2 PH at opposite ends of the tank with possibley the HOB in the middle.

Surface aggitation is very important for gas exchange so placement of the PH should be determined by that as well. What type you get is up for grabs. Everyone has their favorites based on personal experience. MY preference is ZooMed powersweeps. They have self rotating heads that vary the direction of the flow. The only complaint many have about them is cleaning the prefilter sponges, but that is another choice you will need to make.

Cheers
Steve