filter finally arrived-need help

[kdwal]

The filter & Skimmer for my 30g finally arrived. I have more than a few questions.....want to get it going tonight.
I have 30g w/30#LR, sand & CC substrate, tank has cycled.
Filter is Amiracle SL-5 with protien skimmer. 1st, instructions are a little vague on setting it up. 2nd, I have heard that filter w/bio balls may not even be necessary if I have the skimmer going. SO, Can someone or many please let me know which way to go on this,to use the filter or not use the filter, then I can ask the question about rigging it. Thanks a bunch
Kathy:

 

[clownnrnd]

Not familiar w/ the filter but I would not use the bio-balls.
The rock has far more surface area for the bacteria to colonize.
See Ya,
Chad

 

[kdwal]

sorry, it is a W/D filter
Kathy

 

[clownnrnd]

Kathy,
I still would'nt use the bio balls. The rock should be fine.Also keep the skimmer clean to keep it running at it's peak efficiency.
See Ya,
Chad
One other thing I dont know how this is configured but maybe there could be a chance of useing the area where the bio-balls would placed to put some phosphate remover and occasionaly ( maybe a week out of the month) run some carbon. I think this would be far more beneficial.

 

[kdwal]

O.K.
Thanks,
I will see if I can get this thing cookin (without the bio-balls)
Very little set-up instruction came with.
Wish me luck
Kathy

 

[kdwal]

Chad;
thanks, got it going. I will keep that in mind, about the carbon,
there are so many different ways to make a tank "right". I
appreciate the help.
Kathy