yet another filter question..

Discussion in 'New To The Hobby' started by mattb, Feb 14, 2010.

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  1. mattb

    mattb Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Aug 11, 2009
    Messages:
    35
    Location:
    Southeastern PA
    Hello folks,
    Well, I'm in the process of getting my 46 gal bow front up and running and have a quick question. I have decided to use all dry rock from BRS and aragamax sand in the tank..I know it will take longer but will be worth it. When I bought this tank from a buddy it came with an Emperor 400 filter but from what I'm reading this is not the best choice. I would love to hear some suggestions for my tanks since its my first saltwater. :)
    Thanks for the help..
    Matt
     
    mattb, Feb 14, 2010
    mattb, Feb 14, 2010
    #1

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  2. Jason McKenzie

    Jason McKenzie Super Moderator

    Joined:
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    5,538
    Location:
    Vancouver, BC,Canada
    I would get some Live rock even if it is a small piece. Also ask your LFS for a small scoop of sand (or from a friend) this will help seed your tank. Turning dry rock into Live rock will take a lot longer but you don't risk the unwanted hitchhikers.

    I would ditch the filter all together and have the Rock be the filtration source + a Skimmer of course

    J
     
    Jason McKenzie, Feb 14, 2010
    Jason McKenzie, Feb 14, 2010
    #2
  3. mattb

    mattb Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Aug 11, 2009
    Messages:
    35
    Location:
    Southeastern PA
    So, go with a sump under the tank instead?
     
    mattb, Feb 14, 2010
    mattb, Feb 14, 2010
    #3
  4. fischkid2

    fischkid2 Dirty Filter Sock

    Joined:
    Feb 2, 2010
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    670
    Location:
    Chicago
    +1 for skimmer. SW really needs to have a skimmer. a few years back when i first started I think i had the biggest emperor HOB filter the store sold, the filter said it was capable of filtering a much bigger size tank than i had but within 5 months i lost nearly all my fish only 2 chroms lived. tank was well cycled, had some LR, ect.. but HOB for the most part wont cut it. for one thing everything rises to the top of the DT but the HOB filter form the bottom. if you opt for HOB plan for small % WC every 5-7ish days and the use of a fuge would help greatly. but if you get a fuge just get a sump:p. at minimum id say look at a HOB skimmer to assist you filter and be sure to have a tunze or something near the surface to get some surface movement. but i have seen HOB tanks do fine with proper care.
     
    fischkid2, Feb 14, 2010
    fischkid2, Feb 14, 2010
    #4
  5. mattb

    mattb Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Aug 11, 2009
    Messages:
    35
    Location:
    Southeastern PA
    Ok, thanks for all the good input! I thik I'm gonna go with a sump/ skimmer. So, then which overflow is the least noisy? I don't mind a little noise but don't want Niagra Falls in the livingroom..lol
     
    mattb, Feb 14, 2010
    mattb, Feb 14, 2010
    #5
  6. fish-aholic 94

    fish-aholic 94 Gigas Clam

    Joined:
    Aug 27, 2009
    Messages:
    880
    Location:
    treasure coast Fl.
    I don’t have one, but I’ve read a lot of good things about it. And I’m going to get one when I set up my 55 gal. Aquarium Filters: Continuous Siphon Overflow
    ps. make sure you get the aqualifter
     
    fish-aholic 94, Feb 14, 2010
    fish-aholic 94, Feb 14, 2010
    #6