New tank filtration

[jdizzle1000]

Hey, I am new to Aquaria Central, but not to fishkeeping. I've kept freshwater fish for a few years, but I'm looking to convert my 20 gal to a saltwater tank.

I won't be having any corals, it will be a FOWLR (fish only with live rock) setup.

My LFS told me I have enough lighting, but I'm not sure about filtration. I plan on getting a Bak Pak 2 skimmer for the tank, which also acts as a mechanical filter. I was wondering if this is enough filtration for the system, because I do not want to use chemical filtration, just mechanical and biological (I've heard that protein skimmers remove the stuff that carbon removed, so it's pointless to use carbon with a skimmer).

I'm not sure if the Bak Pak 2 will do any sort of mechanical filtration.

P.S. I'm looking for low budget here, not a fancy setup.

 

[wattsd]

I will tell you what people told me when I first started out:
Plan on having corals. As you get your fish in the tank you will soon realize that the tank doesn't look as good as your LFS. It IS a little more expensive to buy equipment for corals (lights/filtration) but it is still cheaper than having to buy all new stuff because you suddenly want corals. I went for the FOWLR because "thats all I wanted". A few months later I bought new lights. Then a skimmer. (AC HOB Remora).

All I am saying is: If you can spend just a little more you will have the option later on. (Its usually the lights that are $$$) GOOD LUCK!

 

[thekid55]

who ever told you that protien skimmer removes the same stuff as carbon dosnt know wat there talken about skimmers remove dissolved protiens in your water. but like the other post say u are gonna want coral. so u shouldnt use carbon any ways so id say get a 50 gal powerfilter and the bak pak and live rock only use a sponge in the filter and use the rest as a refuguim just put the sponge on bottom sand and plants on the sponge and put some kind of light on it and you will be in good shape. i have a bak pak 2R for sale only $75 for it if you want

 

[jdizzle1000]

Thanks for the suggestion. $75 seems like a reasonable deal, but what is the difference between a Bak Pak 2 and a Bak Pak 2R? Can you still use it as a biological filter?

 

[Gealcath]

Actually carbon is good as long as its not used long term, short periods of using carbon can be a good thing, as it removes toxins and traces of metals from the water.