new to reef-keeping-equipment questions

[johns]

Hi Folks. New to this site and relatively new to this topic.

I'm interested in starting a reef (or perhaps "semi-reef" may be more appropriate, due to my constraints discussed below) in a 75 gallon tank. I want to have some live rock for the look and for biological filtration, and a handful of fish (8-10 perhaps) in there as well - reef compatible of course. I might try some of the easier corals to maintain, but they aren't my main focus currently. How much live rock would be appropriate for good biological filtration? How about a combination of live rock and porous rock that can be cultured?

My main questions have to do with filtration units and protein skimmers. And my main constraint is they must allow for the whole system to be AS QUIET AS POSSIBLE. I've read many sources claiming the sump system is the best way to go, but I'm reluctant to go that route due to the added noise (and partly expense). So I'm thinking about a canister filter for mechanical and possibly chemical filtration. Probably an Eheim, as I hear they are one of the best, and one of the quietest. What do you think of this and which model would you choose based on my goals?

For the protein skimmer, I dont really know where to begin. Are there some which work very well and do so quietly? How about Hang-on-back vs. In-Tank? Will these even work in combination with a canister filter? Since I'm going without the sump, I'll pay a little extra for a better skimmer, provided it is still quiet.

Any information people can provide will be greatly appreciated. The ultimate goal is not absolute silence in the system. I know there might be some residual noise. But to reduce the level of noise from the system as much as possible. Unfortunately, I have to work with this constraint, and I may have to cut a corner here and there to make it work for me. Am I doomed to failure or can this be done?

John

 

[Carpentersreef]

johns,

Welcome to RDO!
The best and quietest piece of equipment that you can buy first is a good book on reefkeeping... :wink: . Have a look through our FAQ's near the top of this forum for a list and brief discussion.

Mechanical filtration isn't generally recommended for a reef tank, as there are very small critters floating around in the water column that make up plankton, which is an important source of food for all filter feeders. Trapped debris in a mechanical filter set up will also tend to cause water quality issues.

You will probably have the quietest skimmer set-up with an in-sump unit, and a sump is a place that you can run submerged equipment (which helps with noise). Sumps don't have to be elaborate or expensive. Simple rubbermaid containers can work well. Keep in mind, though, that along with the noise of splashing water comes gas exchange, which is important to good water quality. Perhaps the best way to have a quiet reef set up is to sound proof your cabinet enclosure as much as possible, instead.

Mitch

 

[timclark27]

Hi,
I'm new here and new to reef keeping. In fact new to aquariums full stop, never had so much as a goldfish. Nothing like jumping in the deep end(I did spend several months checking the depth of the water first). I have a 30 gallon tank with a 10 gallon sump as I thought a sump would be quiet. It wasn't as quiet as I liked so I bought some acoustic sound proofing foam and lined the whole compartment with it including pieces to slot in the door frames. I also have an overflow which then drains to the sump which gurgled a lot. To fix that that I cut a piece of filter sponge(not sure its right name at the moment) and placed it so that just a corner of it sat over the middle of the drain and that stopped the gurgling. Have to be careful that it only partially covers the hole and check to make sure debris isn't building up on it so that it doesn't overflow. The system is now very quiet and I've had people sleep in the same room as the tank without complaints.

 

[johns]

I can accept some amount of noise. I realize it will not be a silent system. But I'm just trying to minimize.

How about using a canister filter, and then turning it off for an hour or so during feeding time to give the fish ample time to feed. Is this a viable option?

Or...how about skipping both the canister filter and the sump and investing the money into more live rock and a better protein skimmer? Is that a viable alternative?

Concerning the skimmer - I can see which brands are generally accepted as good - CPR, Red Sea, Precision, AquaC, Aqua Medic. But I dont see any info on which ones are QUIET. Does anyone have any experience with some of these. If any are particularly good (or bad, for that matter), I'd like to know.

How about In-Tank skimmers?

Thanks
John

 

[pr0teus]

concerning quiet protein skimmers:

i've got an AquaC Remora and a CPR BakPak. the BakPak seems to be a bit quieter. having said that, the Remora does a better job at cleaning even if it is noiser. btw, the Remora can be bought with either a RIO pump or a Maxi Jet. i have a Remora with the maxi jet and its a little louder than the BakPak.

 

[Carpentersreef]

Or...how about skipping both the canister filter and the sump and investing the money into more live rock and a better protein skimmer? Is that a viable alternative?

I would go that route, then.

I don't know of any good in-tank skimmers.

My skimmer is an Aquamedic, and I'm very happy with it, but it's the kind that is plumbed into another room. It's one of the larger models, and would be overkill for your set-up. Maybe some other folks could give their opinion on some other skimmers for your system.

A lot of people are having success with a skimmerless system, but I would only recommend that for an advanced aquarist that knows what a low bio load is for his/her system.

Mitch

 

[johns]

Low bio-load?? I've been researching tanks/fish for so long now...These decisions have been taking me so long to make...by the time I finally get a reef established I'm going to have to indulge just a little bit! :twisted:

I'm just kidding. I'm thoroughly addicted at this point. I'll probably go to a couple LPS tomorrow and and try to find the CPR and Remora units. With any luck, maybe I'll see (and hear!) some in action. Then maybe I can make a good decision and get this rolling.

johns

 

[Carpentersreef]

...These decisions have been taking me so long to make...by the time I finally get a reef established I'm going to have to indulge just a little bit! :twisted:

8O
If by that you mean that you're looking forward to over-stocking up your tank...then I've got 2 words for you....

hair algae

or wait... a third word:

ich


i'm joking too.......


but on the other hand, I'm not. :evil:

Those 2 things in a reef tank can make reefkeeping a very frustrating experience. Set it up right the first time.

Something else:
Surface skimming and/or agitation
Make sure you have it, and understand why it is very important.

Mitch