[governor410]

I am confused on something here. With the research I have done I definetley am going to be using live rock in my new tank setup. With that acting as a biological filtration system along with live sand, what type of filter do I need? I have seen various ones, and am confused on what to get and if I need one still. In addition, I will probably be purchasing a protein skimmer.

[cplklegg]

With your live rock, it is more important to just get a good skimmer. If you also want a filter just get a HOB filter and use the mesh bag to keep carbon in. no bioballs or biowheels or sponges as they will boost unwanted nitrates. Get between 1-2 lbs of LR for every gallon and a good skimmer(NOT THE SEACLONE). Keep asking questions, keep researching and reading and welcome to the obsession.

[muttley000]

As stated above. I have seen very nice tanks with nothing more than LR and protien skimming. If you want to go further than that a refugium to grow macro algea is the next step in my opinion.

[Six-line Wrasse]

From experience, I have had tanks running with just live rock and mechanical filters. My mechanical filter typically is filter floss in the compartment of a HOB filter. Often times I rig the HOB filter with a surface skimmer just to keep those nasty oils and floating detritus from blocking my "Sun."

Protein skimmers are great, but not necessary unless you plan to keep a very heavily stocked fish only tank, heavily stocked LPS, or an SPS tank. Otherwise you can do without via simple 10% water changes weekly.

If you can afford it, go for it. If not, don't get bent out of shape. Also, if you're DIY handy you could put one together yourself. I was thinking about doing that myself, but I'm just trying to enjoy my summer while I can.

[200g+guy]

wet dry freedom filter fluval any hob filters and fluval are all great

[Six-line Wrasse]

For smaller tanks ≥50 gal AquaClear Power Filters are great. You can use them as it, minus the ceramic rings, or you can remove all of that and do a little DIY work and create yourself a nice little refugium setup.

Canister filters are okay. They usually require a bit of DIY work before being used on a reef. They are nitrate factories if you don't clean them regularly and change out the filtering media.

[governor410]

thank you for everyones response, I greatly appreciate it!