Filtration help

So the new tank is up and running, 46gallon bowfront. I have about 40 lbs of dry pukani rock and about 8 lbs of dry tonga branch. Being my first SW setup I have some concerns with my filtration. Right now I only have a Fluval C4 HOB filter. I have always used way more than needed, for example my 26gal fw has a 350gph biowheel filter, and this fluval only does 260gph for 46gal. I have never relied on my rockwork to be my filter before but from everything I have read in a SW tank it is more about how much LR you have and how much flow you have. I have 2 425gph Koralia nanos and they seem to move everything around pretty good, this is going to be an LPS and softies tank no SPS, and the sand is not accumulating any debris. I have the rockwork very open no big piles or anything but think I may need to upgrade once of the powerheads to a larger size like a 1040 or 1400gph( would 1400 be too much for a 46bow? ). Should I add another HOB filter or a biowheel filter?? I know everyone says use a protein skimmer and I plan on adding one in a month or so9 still cycling anyhow, but wasnt sure if I should do anything else.

 

You my friend have the basics. LR is the best filter followed by skimmer, and a properly maintained fuge with macro algae. HOB filters if larger enough can be a fuge. and a deep sand bed will also benefit you. I think you may want to add perhaps a 750 koralia in there i have the 425 and its not that powerful. it may seem like it visually to you, but to corals it might not be.

Look at runnning a carbon source as well to help clearify your water of impurities. and GFO if you run into p04 problems later.

 

I know I have the basics right now, first SW tank turned out to be much more expensive then I thought. I wanted to start small and get basic equipment but decided it would be a big waste of money and to jsut buy good stuff from the begining so instead of having everything at once, its going to take a few months. Still on my list is a protein skimmer and a good light since I have the crap stock single T5 fixture right now. The Fluval HOB filter seems to be really good and I have a Fluval Heater E200 which rated really well. I also bought the pukani for twice the price I would have paid for very dense dry rock and am hoping pods will reproduce in safety from fish in the million nooks and crannies. My sand bed is about 2inches deep so I am hoping that helps some.

Not sure where to go from here? Whats next? The protein skimmer, another HOB like an aquaclear 70 or a penguin 350, some sort of simple reactoer like a phosban 150? I do not want to set myself up for failure in the longrun and ratehr prevent a problem rather then have one and try and solve it later with fish in the tank lol.

 

I read an article on advancedaquarist about protein skimmers saying that even the best models onyl remove at msot 20% of the organics. Makes me wonder if $200 for a HOB skimmer is even worth it since they probably do not do anything in the way of what the insump skimmers can remove. WHat are everyones thoughts on chemical removal instead such as purigen, chemipure, phosguard, etc?

 

bump

 

Anybody have any suggestions on what my next purchase should be?

 

If possible I would go for a sump make sure it has enough room for a skimmer, fuge and return pump. Once set up (which u can make one urself) u could put chaeto and a dsb in the fuge area, then later put in a decent in sump skimeer plus run carbon and or gfo through a reactorbon the side. Thats my opinion at least.

 

I am unable to set up a sump at this time because of how the stand is, any other suggestions?

 

sounds like lighting may be your next issue after a skimmer. I got a lot of things for my first (and current) tank off of Craigs List, including my lights. Saved a ton of cash, however you need to be careful that you are getting quality stuff, particularly when it comes to skimmers. Also, if you get used T5 lights, keep in mind that you will probably need to replace all the bulbs, which is an expense. Start with the basics and learn how to keep your tank stable with what you have! That and ask lots of questions!! Good luck!

 

Def look into a HOB skimmer.
Check out an AquaC Remora, a Remora Pro would be even better.

Since you can't do a sump, you may also want to look at a hang on refugium. Check out the something like the CPR Aquafuge series.

With a good HOB skimmer and Fuge, you won't need a HOB filter.

You can also check out mods that people do to an Aquaclear hob filter to make it a refugium on the cheap.

Since you tank is a decent size, it would serve you well to have something larger than a Aquaclear that is modified.

Food for thought, good luck and keep us updated.