Under Gravel Filtration

[divindad]

I have had several Aquariums over the last 20 years but have not set them up for the last 5. I am now going back and setting up my 100 gallon to be salt water. The thing is that everything has changed since I began 20 years ago and I have a delima.
It seems there are 2 thoughts about filtration and the under gravel filter. Altho I see both sides of the picture I just cant seem to decide which way to go. I will be getting live rock but I dont know if I want a canister filter or a filter hanging on the side with a bio wheel on it. Or do I go with a under gravel filter and a wet dry type?
No matter which way I go I will be using a skimmer with them.
I have the room to do which ever I want and since I am making my own stand I can configure it to hide all the devices.
So what is working bestfor fish Aquariums, outside the debate, and into the real world.
Any help is appreciated.
Jonathon

 

[SirReal63]

Undergravel is ok if reverse fed, but the conventional wisdom is a shallow sand bed, 1-1.5 lbs of rock per gallon and heavy skimming. There is less maintenance, less headache and less chance for error. I would suggest a sump/fuge with cheatomorpha in it on a reverse photoperiod. Don't skimp on the skimmer...it is your best source for keeping the tank healthy. For a 100 gallon tank, I would use an ASM G3, it will be more than adequate for that size tank.