View Full Version : New to SW Filtration ?
seahorse
11-03-2003, 8:46 PM
I'm thinking about starting a saltwater tank. My plan was for a 29G. I live on the second floor of an older house and figure this size tank would be ok for the floor. Is it big enough to start with?
Also, I've been doing some reading on starting a tank. Which would you recommend: a canister filter or an external hang-on-tank type that is usually used for freshwater?
jhrivera
11-21-2003, 10:17 AM
Are you going to have live sand and rock? If so, you don't really need a filter because the live sand and rock are your filter. But if you have the filter already, you could run it empty for more water movement. You should do a search on this stuff. There's some really good advice on this site. I've been on this site for a long time and the only reason that I have a low post count is because almost every question that I have had has been asked by someone in this forum. Good luck :D
frazin78
11-21-2003, 10:36 AM
I would recommend getting a good protein skimmer before going with a hang on the back filter or even a canister filter. I made the mistake of taking my LFS advice and I bought a canister and a cheap skimmer. I should of spent all my money on a good skimmer instead.
You can never have neough LR as this will act as a good filter and a great place to have the good bacteria grow in. I just recently changed my substrate from crushed coral to sand. #1 it looks alot better and #2 I am having alot less trouble with the water quality and my fish seem to be happier. You can also buy some Live Sand which is another natural filter.
Jc
Yeah, get the live rock and then you use powerheads inside the tank to create a flow of water over the rocks. If you want a full little reef setup then you add snails and hermit crabs etc... which do a lot of the cleanup for you. The canister could be okay to have as well. As mentioned it will also create some water flow, add a touch extra volumn to the tank (not that much) but more important if you ever need to run activated carbon then you have a place to put it.
seahorse
11-21-2003, 6:39 PM
If I use live sand do I have to do anything special with it? Do you just put it in and that's it? I will put in live rock. So, my understanding is that I only need powerheads and a protien skimmer? One minute I think I know what to do then I get confused. Any suggestions on skimmers?