Brand new - filters?

[schnebbles]

Hi -

Brand new still trying to figure this out. Probably going to convert my freshwater planted 40b to salt.

Question is on my canister filter. Is this bad for salt? I was told nitrates can accumulate in them?

Would a HOB protein skimmer (Reef octopus) be good? Is it necessary? I don't have a setup for a sump. Unless I made a new stand which I really would prefer not to do.

Is it ok to have a glass top on a reef tank? My cats would be in it so it has to be covered.

I'm going to try and keep my questions to a minimum so I'm not annoying. It's an hour to the closest saltwater stores so I can't easily go visit a few. I hate where I live!! Ohio

Thanks for any help!
Kathy

 

[Jeff4777]

While the canister filter could be used. I would highly suggest against it however. Nitrates build up way too fast in canisters. HOB skimmers will work if you don't have a sump as could an HOB filter like an aqua clear. Make sure your buying the right equipment for your needs the first time round and you will save money. Glass tops is fine but it may cut out a bit of gas exchange. Just make sure you got a bit of surface agitation or a skimmer running, it will be fine. I'd suggest don't keep your questions to a minimum and ask anyways. Mistakes in this hobby = $$$ lost.

 

[schnebbles]

I just don't want to be a nuisance. Ok, so I will not use my canister since you've reinforced that one.

I need to understand the difference between a protein skimmer and a filter I guess. Does the skimmer take the place of a filter? I was going to get 2 power head pumps to keep the agitation - one per side.

Do I need a skimmer? or a filter? or both? - I may not have asked all the right questions yesterday since I'm so new.

I'm definitely buying what I need the first time! I'm looking at a light that will be good for the corals should I decide to get them at some point.

 

[Jeff4777]

I just don't want to be a nuisance. Ok, so I will not use my canister since you've reinforced that one.

I need to understand the difference between a protein skimmer and a filter I guess. Does the skimmer take the place of a filter? I was going to get 2 power head pumps to keep the agitation - one per side.

Do I need a skimmer? or a filter? or both? - I may not have asked all the right questions yesterday since I'm so new.

I'm definitely buying what I need the first time! I'm looking at a light that will be good for the corals should I decide to get them at some point.

A protein skimmer will help pull organic waste out of the water column. These broken down wastes otherwise build up nitrate and can make your tank pretty nasty. The skimmer also oxygenates the water. Skimmers are considered the heart of marine setup to most. The skimmer doesn't replace the filter. A filter will still use mechanical filtration (sponges, filter floss, filter socks, ect) to physically pull larger waste out of the water. You can also have chemical filtration in a filter, like a media bag. Most commonly GFO and carbon but there are many types of media. Additionally you can house biological filtration in the filter. (bio media, live rock, rock rubble, ect) that has bacteria established in it that can help break down waste to complete the nitrogen cycle. Of course there's more to it but hey.

So both are good.

Yeah lights can be pretty expensive, that is something you don't wanna have to get twice! I prefer LEDs but of course many people still use metal halides or T5's with amazing results. The power savings / no heat produced / control-ability / no bulb replacement makes it the choice for me.

 

[schnebbles]

thank you!

I like LED as well. I have a finnex LED now and have been happy with it for my planted tank.

 

[mcgyvr]

While finnex makes a decent LED when you decide you want to move into corals you probably want to think about something a bit more powerful..
A 165W galaxyhydro or marsaqua from amazon/ebay is a great low cost choice..
At right around $100 or less they are a great deal for the price (compared to the "name brand" lights in this industry) and they grow corals just fine..

 

[Betaktical]

I use 2 1000 cascade filters and a coralife skimmer on my 55. Everything does well in my tank. I haven't put any corals in but all my fish thrive. Just make sure to clean it and it works fine


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[schnebbles]

While finnex makes a decent LED when you decide you want to move into corals you probably want to think about something a bit more powerful..
A 165W galaxyhydro or marsaqua from amazon/ebay is a great low cost choice..
At right around $100 or less they are a great deal for the price (compared to the "name brand" lights in this industry) and they grow corals just fine..

oh great, thanks!! I've been wondering about the light. I'm going for the light to grow coral right away because I'll want to be able to have it.

 

[schnebbles]

are there any lights that sit on the tank like my finnex does? That's what I'm looking for if possible. Idk if 1 of those others would be adequate for a 36" wide tank? Plus I'd have to make a way to hang it. = husband realizing I'm spending even more money, lol!