Proper Filtration

[highcountrybuck]

Hi all, I'm new to the forum and things have changed quite a bit since I last housed any salt tanks. I currently have a 40 gallon fish and softie tank, but I'm looking to upgrade. I am looking at a 115 gallon with overflows and I'm in need of a sump which leads to my question: should I go with a refugium or stick with what I know which is wet/dry? Any thoughts and concerns are greatly appreciated and I would really like input on where to find good used equipment as I'm trying to upgrade on a budget. Craigslist has been helpful, but it seems rather sparse for equipment. I have lights (old school as well... metal halides) but am looking for sump/filter, return pump, skimmer, heater, etc. The tank I have now started out as a gift for the kids, but I've become addicted and need more room. I want to make it a reef tank for sps, lps, and fish. Again, any help and input is greatly appreciated.

 

[mfinn]

Welcome.
Go with a sump/refugium, and a good protein skimmer.

 

[highcountrybuck]

Thanks, so are wet/drys a thing of the past or what do you think of a wet/dry/fuge sump combo?

 

[mfinn]

Planning on using live rock in the display?

 

[mfinn]

With live rock in the display, there is no need for a wet/dry as the bacteria in the live rock does the filtration.
Free up the space that the wet/dry occupies and use it for a skimmer and a refugium.

 

[1guydude]

Yes IMHO wet dry is thing of the past like under gravel filter. Dosent mean don't work or ppl don't use em today. I'd go with a simple sump set up and a good in sump skimmer. U won't go back.
Ull advance from there. Or make it work as u see fit.
Hths
D

 

[1guydude]

I think wet drys and bio balls r being used by fw guys. Now -a - days.
Edit: almost forgot. Sry. Welcome to rfs!
D

 

[highcountrybuck]

Thanks for all of the input. It is greatly appreciated.

 

[Aquanaut]

Bioballs became nitrate factories. Visit Mike at Oceans By Design. It is worth having a custom sump that has upgradable compartments. Look for fuge settlement section for greens and pods to grow, a skimmer baffle section. carbon, kalk reactor section or dossing section and Auto top off section (helpful for maintaining salinity from evaporation). OBD's sumps are enclosed to keep moisture contained.

 

[mnewby]

Go with a sump/refugium, and a good protein skimmer you cant go wrong with it

 

[lovefishtank]

Go with a sump/refugium, and a good protein skimmer.

 

[lovefishtank]

With live rock in the display, there is no need for a wet/dry filter as the bacteria in the live rock does the filtration. There are many types you can choose.