filter decision

[chrisinbahamas]

Yo
Im wondering which filter would be better for my new 20g saltwater.

105 fluval
aquaclear 50
aquaclear 70
205 fluval
404 fluval

 

[sandollar]

Live rock if it is biological filtration you are after.

 

[burning2nd]

explain what you plan on doing... with the tank first..

IMO i wouldn't use any
get your self a Remora nano with a overflow box (maybe DIY)

and 2 strong powerheads....

steer away from mechanical filtration?

 

[chrisinbahamas]

Its for a fish tanks with some live rock(nothing too serious)
I dont want an overflow box just an external canister or a hang on the back! Im just trying to find out something to keep the tank clean and wont corrode in saltwater. I want sponges, bio max and carbon thats what media ill use

thanks

 

[sandollar]

I want sponges, bio max

And if you don't mind it, probably algae. There is no need for bio-max if you use live rock. Live rock will do alot more for you than bio-max could. Sponges are debateable on how helpful they are.

 

[chrisinbahamas]

id still like to have bio max incase i can find any live rock (i have to get it from the sea). which filter would be the best?

 

[sandollar]

Bio-max will not offer you any denitrification, but will help with aerobic bacteria. I'd try and find some rock though. It doesn't have to be live rock. Base rock will become live rock in time.

 

[Skimmy]

my money is on a pound per gallon live rock and a hang on the back skimmer.
check out the new Warner Marine h1 skimmer, rated for tanks up to 40g.

also, i would suggest 3-4 of the koralia nano pumps

 

[chrisinbahamas]

Will a protein skimmer take the place of a canister filter with carbon, sponges etc.

 

[deezn7]

major algae problems with the sponges i found that out the hard way!!!

 

[Sascha D]

I would go with a HOB skimmer and a refug full of LR. If you buy something like those hanging refugiums, you can add something like LS or LR for extra bio filtration. Your main mechanical filtration is the skimmer.

 

[burning2nd]

i would do some more reading... sounds to me like your hot seated to get things going...

hope you dont have to do things the hard way first... like so meny b4 you

 

[Krish]

If you must choose one of the filters above, I'd go with the model that gives you the most added flow to your tank and just run some carbon in it (you can buy black diamond at Modernistic here) then let your live rock do the rest of your work for you. I wouldn't necessarily use any sponges unless you are prepared to clean/change them every few days. If you don't, the trapped waste will rott and begin to degrade water quality so if you don't think you will be able to stay on top of things, I'd skip the sponges. Also, maybe look into a nice skimmer. You'll be surprised at how much they will benefit your system

 

[chrisinbahamas]

Krish, Would this set up be okay for my filtration for a 20g long


Aqua clear 50 H.O.B
AquaC Nano Remora Protein Skimmer with Maxi-Jet 900 Pump

 

[BBurrows13]

if you plan on getting a HOB...at least get a decent one...

 

[BBurrows13]

Speaking of filters...
Krish do you know if they sell any decent skimmers down here... or are they all outrageously priced???