| Reef Builders Forums » Saltwater Aquariums » New to the Hobby (Getting Started/Setting Up) » More and more confusion |
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| New to the Hobby (Getting Started/Setting Up) Think you can upgrade to saltwater? Your probably very confused, but remember ask questions and you'll get your answers on here! |
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07-27-2007, 07:07 AM
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 More and more confusion I am still in the planning stages of my marine tank and the more I read the more I am confused. One book I have been reading states that a cannister filter is recommended for a reef tank even if you have a skimmer and live rock/sand. After reading some posts on here it sounds like I really do not need a filter at all if there is sufficient live rock/sand and a skimmer. I was not planning to do a refugium but after reading many posts it sounds like a great idea. Can someone explain the equipment needs for a marine tank. First I am going to set up FOWLR then later on go with some corals and such. Thanks in advance. 50 gal tank (bow front) and nothing else....so far!  |
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07-27-2007, 08:15 AM
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| Re: More and more confusion If you have a 4 inch sand bed and the recomended 1.5 pounds of live rock in your tank that is all the biological filter you need.A skimmer that is operating correctly is all the mechanical filter you need.If you are going the fowlr route a canister may be all you need but often times the only difference between a fowlr and a full blown reef tank is a few pounds of live rock. I suggest you go all the way and do the reef thing first off.Adding live rock at a later time is a doable thing but a bit problematic.some canister filters may even be more expensive than a skimmer.Why wait? lol. |
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07-27-2007, 08:26 AM
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| Re: More and more confusion Hey, what happened to my earlier post??? Since you ultimately plan on having a reef tank I would not bother with the canister filter. Canisters CAN be a problem since MOST people do not clean them as often as they should be. If not cleaned regularly they will generate nitrates- big time. As Native said the rock & skimmer are really all you need. A sump/refugium is nice since it 1. increases your water volume so changes happen slower 2. gives you someplace to grow macroalgae & pods & 3. gives you someplace to hide equipment like heaters, skimmer, etc... Your most important equipment will be your skimmer & your lights. Buy the best you can upfront. Don't buy cheap since you'll ultimately upgrade & end up spending more money.
__________________ Gone to greener pastures! |
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07-27-2007, 01:53 PM
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| Re: More and more confusion Thanks so much for clearing this up. |
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