Newbie setting up tank and needing some filtering advice

[RyanRay]

I'm in the research, read, and research more stage of setting up a reef tank. I really don't have much experience other than visiting the real thing every chance I get (boy am I due !) but this is something I've wanted to do for as long as I can remember.

I think I'm starting to get a better handle on my plan including tank, lighting, species compatibility, substrate, etc. but, after all the research I've done, I'm not that clear on the best filtering methods.

I planning on a 65 gl, primarily invertebrite tank, with substrate mix of a coral sand/crushed coral/aragonite mix with plenty of live rock. I was planning on making some "dead spots" or anaerobic regions underneath one or two pieces of the live rock by layering 2" of fine sand. I've heard conflicting reports about this, so I'm not sure if I should avoid this or not. Thoughts?

For the other filtering methods, I'm kind of at a loss. My buddy, who's done this for some time, is recommending a wet/dry filter and sump. From what I've heard, this is not necessarily the best option. What I do know is I'm spending the money to the best protein skimmer as I can get. Can anyone share experience on what they've done for filtering this type of setups and advantages/disadvantages?

Thanks in advance!

RR

 

[Anonymous]

Welcome to Reefs.org Wet/dry filters have been known to store up nitrates and the release them all at once which is why most people don't recomend them. DSB(deep sand bed) have different opinions as to what is best, I don't have an opinion on them one way or the other.

 

[Anonymous]

And you don't have to "I was planning on making some "dead spots" or anaerobic regions underneath one or two pieces of the live rock by layering 2" of fine sand." That will happen on it's own.

I do agree with njord, wet/drys are out, unless you take all the filter media out and just use it for circulation or the occassional running of carbon.

A good skimmer with plenty of live rock and sand will be all you need for filtration. Having said that, sometimes it's a good idea to have a hang on filter just to grab solids out of the water for short periods of time.

 

[Anonymous]

in my opinion, wet/drys are a waste of money.
they only nitrify. some people feel that this will lead to high nitrate levels.
i see no need for tham as you liverock will perform your nitrification needs.

if you are going to use a sandbed do not leave "dead spots".
you need every bit as much flow as you can have blowing in and around that sandbed. you also need seed it with some life. in last couple years i have been a fan of nassarius snails, i load the bed with them.

 

[Anonymous]

There are as many different filtering system and tank setups as there are hobbiests. So it is no wonder you are confused.

My recommendation for what its worth it to establish a refugium and get plant life (macro algaes or true marine plants like turtle grass) thriving right from the start.

That way you will have a balanced setup that is much easier to maintain and forgiving of whatever else is in the setup. For instance, a lot of filtration methods are bad mouthed as being nitrate traps or generators. But regardless, nitrates will still be 0-5 ppm with the added plant life. Just that there will be faster growing plant life is all. And by insuring the plant life is there right from the start, the uglies like slime or hair algae never get a foothold.

JMHO

 

[Anonymous]

Ryan a good place to get ideas will be in the build off when it's up and running. That is of course, if your not in a big rush to get started.

I have a small 2.5 pico tank that uses a skilter filter 250. There is no filter media in it, just a pound or two of rock rubble. Skilters have a built in skimmer, that pretty much suck, but it does give great circulation. This little tank has been up and running now for two years, with little to no algea problems. When first set up, I did weekly water changes and topped off as needed. I left it alone for 6 months rock and water and that was it. After that I started to add live stock and quit doing water changes, just topped off ro/di water with a little kalk and some trace minerals and some vita chem mixed in. It's the only tank that I have had that's had no problems what so ever. Oh, and no macro algea either.

My point being, there are tons of ways of doing things, you just need to decide what is going to work best in your situation and/or decide just how much maintance your willing to do. If you want to change out the filter media in a wet/dry bi-weekly, by all means go for it. If you want to just do water changes weekly, bi-weekly or monthly that works too. Or you can do any combination.

 

[Anonymous]

What I do know is I'm spending the money to the best protein skimmer as I can get

IMO that is a good start. I like to keep things simple. Lots of flow in the main tank, a good skimmer and water changes.

 

[dark_stranger]

What I do know is I'm spending the money to the best protein skimmer as I can get

IMO that is a good start. I like to keep things simple. Lots of flow in the main tank, a good skimmer and water changes.

What would you guys class as a "good" skimmer? and is it sump compatible?

Thanks

 

[Anonymous]

Their are so many good skimmers out there it would be hard to narrow it down. For sump compatable and a 65 g tank. The euroreef E series, PM bullet, Myreefcreations MR-1, lifereef, deltec, etc, etc. I have used a larger Myreefcreations on a larger tank and was happy. On my current tank (60) I have a euroreef ES5-2 I have been happy with it also.

 

[dark_stranger]

Thanks, I knew I shouldnt have asked & now even more confused. I am starting to think the only way of learning is by trial & error/learn by doing. So many options for setups. :?

Cheers anyway,

 

[Anonymous]

I know what you mean. On my 110 I first had an air stone skimmer. It was a piece of crap. After many months of looking around I finally decided on the myreefcreations MR-2. It worked well for the 3 years I ran it. When I decided to down size my tank I spent months again looking at all of the new skimmers and the old ones. I went with the euroreef es5-3. I figured on a 60 it would be nice. It did not use a massive pump like a becket. The venture is quiet. It does have a high price, but once you figure in the extra cost of a pump for a becket and the extra electricity it come out to be better for my application.

 

[dark_stranger]

Also, how big is the avg. skimmer. Just trying to gage how big a sump would need to be.

 

[Anonymous]

if it helps narrow things down for ya, i got the same skimmer as Wazzel on my 90 and think it's great.

i would fit as big of a sump as i could under your tank (if thatis where you are putting it)

 

[dark_stranger]

Originally I was looking at a canister setup as the canister could hold all media, but act as a heater, but then people mentioned sumps & now back to stage one Ideally i want to hide much of the gubbings in the cabinet as possible, but then the cabinet design comes into question.

Why is life so complicated.

 

[Anonymous]

Originally I was looking at a canister setup as the canister could hold all media, but act as a heater, but then people mentioned sumps & now back to stage one Why is life so complicated.

i got news for you... you will regret something.

 

[Anonymous]

Also, how big is the avg. skimmer. Just trying to gage how big a sump would need to be.

For a 65 somthing in the range of 10-20 gallons should be good. I have a 10 on my 60. It is just enough room for the drain, skimmer and return. It will be half full when running and has enough room to handle the water from a power failure condition with a little to spare. I would lean to the 20 if you can make it work. For a ball park the skimmer should have a foot print of roughly 7 in x 7 in. Some a little more some a little less

 

[dark_stranger]

Cheers. For some reason I thought a skimmer was going to a beast of a monster, towering out of the sump.

 

[Anonymous]

Most small skimmers are 20"-24" tall with a 5" or 6" dia riser. Some have a mixing box that is just bigger than the riser.