Best Filter for a 55???

[cuttingras]

mine has the maxi jet but I think either will work...... anyone else? I'm not sure about the difference between the two.. sorry I couldn't be more help!

[JamieC77]

Ok, thanks! Is this what I want or not I found it on ebay but it scares me cause the bids are only up to $10 and I feel like it's not the real thing?

AquaFuge Pro Refugium & Protein Skimmer Combo

• Measures 11-7/8" x 30-1/2" X 14-1/4"
• Includes External Filter/Refugium
• 3/4" slip PVC bulkhead with plug outlet
• Multiple filtration options are available due to multiple refugium compartments
• Light not included

[cuttingras]

the skimmer I wouldn't be so sure about..I'd have to see it actually working but for 10 bucks to have a fuge, looks good to me!

[JamieC77]

Well never mind I got outbid...freaking ebay!

[coral reefer]

There has been much debate of the past few years regarding filtration and the best type, how much yadedadeda...!
Yes, filtration IS a very important component in the overall symmetry and health of a tank, however, these various forms of filtration can become a crutch and work against you.
The reason for this is if one stocks to much into a tank with the thoughts that "I have enough filtration"! or "One more fish won't hurt". Moreover, many times we find ourselves doing more injustice by overfeeding, overdosing, or adding various liquid drops that are not necessary depleting our pocketbook/wallets and undermining our waters unique and delicate balance ultimately effecting our livestock.
It is possible to house a thriving and vibrant reef tank without the aid of anything more than some liverock and sand If the right precautions are met such as monitoring feeding, as well as population of livestock. Underfeeding is better than overfeeding and a weekly water change of 5-10% of total water volume is essential and ideal in my opinion for numerous reasons not limited to the reduction of contaminants, and pollutants and the restoration of essential traces and vitamins!

[Z-Ice]

Space is a large consideration. For me I did not want anything hanging off the top of my aquarium. I have a hood. Therefore a sump is the best route. I recommend a sump. Ease of getting to your equipment. Inside your sump you can do whatever you want. I did not use live rock but I do not want to supply extra power(lighting) for my sump. One thing no one really hit was UV sterilization. My bulb went out about a week and a half ago and now algae is amuck. Do not forget about UVing the water. With saltwater your biggest fight will be with the ####ing algae. The only thing you can do is water changes and UV zapping.

I do not recommend using a canister filter. Once you begin and start adding invertebrates, etc you will, like me, realized a canister cannot do everything you want.

P.S. Drill your tank before you begin! H.O.T. sucks

Thanks,
Zak

----
55 Gallon Glass Aquarium; 20L Sump; 1-UV Sterilizer-(sump); Coralife Super Skimmer 65(sump); 260 W Compact Fluorescent Lighting; 2-Power heads; 20 lbs live rock; 2-Ocellaris Anemonefish; 1-Fire Goby; 1-Pacific Blue Tang; 2-Banggai Cardinalfish; 1-Green Mandarin; 20 Blue Hermit Crabs; 8-Turbo Snails ; 2-Bubble Anemones; 1-Seabay Anemone; 1-Yellow Hand Coral; 1- Polyp; 8-Green Strip Mushroom; 2-Sandsifting Starfish;

[JamieC77]

Thanks! I have a UV on my freshwater tank and I can really tell a difference so I know it will do wonders for saltwater. I am leaning towards a sump but I think I will find a way to hook it up without drilling the tank. I have never drilled a tank b4 and they are too expensive for me to screw it up.