Reef Builders - The Source for Reef Keeping Information

mltmtascp · #1 (**permalink**) 07-08-2007, 08:44 AM

I am new to the hobby however my Husband and son has been keeping a 35 gal aquarium for about a year. Recently we purchase a 120 gal tank and intend to keep a reef and fish aquarium. I would welcome any advice on a filtration system. We are looking at the Fluval FX5 and the Ehiem cansister filters.

Thanks,
M

ACE · #2 (**permalink**) 07-08-2007, 11:08 AM

WELCOME My advice is to have at least 1.5 pounds of live rock per gallon of water.

Live rock is the main filtration of a reef tank.

As for the canister filter if you don't clean clean it regularly it will tern into a nitrate factory.

What type of light do you have???

CyberJester · #3 (**permalink**) 07-08-2007, 11:14 AM

Welcome to RB

mltmtascp · #4 (**permalink**) 07-08-2007, 11:37 AM

Ace,

We just have the tank. We have been doing our homework for about of week. We need everything.

msbdiving · #5 (**permalink**) 07-08-2007, 02:27 PM

Probably be better to go with a sump and protein skimmer. Take your time building the stuff up. Don't rush it.

kh6sat · #6 (**permalink**) 07-10-2007, 01:49 AM

welcome to RB

ncdiablo · #7 (**permalink**) 07-10-2007, 06:11 AM

Welcome and I am going through similar decisions on my new Tank and just getting back into the SW end of aquariums. If I run across things I will try to keep you informed.

lynnvangsnes · #8 (**permalink**) 07-10-2007, 06:21 PM

They're right. Forget the cannister filter. Just get yoursefl 120 lbs of live rock and it will be your bio filter. A sump is the best way to go as it can house all your mechanicals like your heater, chiller, skimmer, main pump, etc. Take your time, do your research, ask questions...there is a lot of knowledge on this forum. Good luck!