[bri74]

Once a tank is well established does one really need a canister filter with a FOWLR? I have a 2-3 inch sand bed 80lbs LR and 55 gal I am using magnum filter now but would love to get that ugly plumbing outta there.

[Jeremy0322]

From what i have heard with a nice amount of live rock all you really need is a decent clean up crew and a good protein skimmer and you should be alright. Dont go by this, i am kinda new, but i wanna see if i am right so i will post what i think and leave it out there for criticism. What I am planning on doing is using a decent Mag for the return on my sump, e_baer gave me that idea and it seemed like a good one.

[bri74]

BTW I dont have a sump. I have a seaclone skimmer that I am planning on upgrading and what ever I seem to get for clean up my vicious critters seem to eat it, snails and such

[glampka]

You really don't need the canister filter provided you have ample LR
(1.5 - 2.0 lbs/gal) and a good protein skimmer. Definitely upgrade from the SeaClone. You could use the canister with carbon from time to time to polish the water.