Filters

So I think my last post was too complicated and long because I did not get many replies so I decided to consolidate.

For a 36gal bowfront or a 46gallon bowfront what you you use for filtration (no sump or wetdry). I am sold on using about 10lbs of liverock with 30-40lbs of baserock depending on the size tank. In addition I am thinking for sure a Marineland Emporer 400 or a Penguin 350 biowheel filter.

After that I am open to suggestions! I know many will say Protein skimmer which I am considering, but I want to try to keep it to 100bucks or so, I know they say you get what you pay for so if a $100 Skimmer is a waste of money I will increase my budget.

 

A skimmer is really the only thing you need for now unless you want to get into a Hang-On Refugium, but they are close to $200. Your best bet is to look for a used high quality Hang-On skimmer. Skimmer don't really wear out and you can get a good one for close to $100. I would recommend an Aqua C Remora

 

Man Astrick you seem to be a fan of my post here! lol. What exactly is a hang on refugium? Would it replace the skimmer or be in addition to? As far as skimmers I looked at a Red Sea Prizm Skimmer but thsoe seem kind of cheap. I am leaning torwards a Hydor Slim Skim but it looks like it takes up a lot of room in the tank. Do you hjave any personal opinion on either of these?

 

Another possibility would be a Reef Octopus HOB skimmer. I see a lot of people like them and I could get a Octopus BH-2000 Protein Skimmer for under 200. I see they also make a 100 and a 1000 model can you overdo it on a skimmer or is it the bigger the better?

 

You can check craigslist as well, they may have a skimmer. I am doing a build right now on a 36gal bow but I had mine drilled at my LFS and will be running a 20gal sump/fuge with skimmer there.
I still really believe in running a skimmer, and later, adding a refugium when you can ge the funds. Live rock and protein skimming is a great filtering system.

 

So do I even need a HOB filter? If I invest in a good Protein skimmer does it cut back on WC everything thats promsied to keep my nitrates down in FW never worked and I always ended up doing many WC instead.

 

Live rock/skimmer is all you should need. The refugium will help with keeping the nitrates down in the DT by feeding the macro algae in the refugium.
WC's are still very important for keeping the nutrient levels up for the live rock and critters. Always maintain a regular WC schedule.

Are you having a FOWLR tank?

 

Yea I plan on setting up a 36gal with 20-30lbs of baserock and 10-15lbs of fully cured aquacultured live rock from a lfs that is covered in purple corraline algae. after that fish only for now down the road maybe some easier to care for corals