Filtration and Flow

[johnsonbrianh]

I was just wanting opinions on what kind of filtration and how much flow to have in a 55 gal..and im really not quite sure i understand what the refugium tanks are for?? would appreciate any input since i am just starting and learning

 

[Michael]

id suggest 70 pounds in weight of live figi rock for filteration and 2 decent powerheads for flow, perhaps 2 tunze nanos would be a good start, refugiums are tanks under the aquarium which is full of macro algaes like cheato, these aid nutrient removal and will benefit the system

 

[PRDubois]

Also need a protien skimmer that is rated for 90gal or more.

 

[Michael]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14716614#post14716614 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by PRDubois
Also need a protien skimmer that is rated for 90gal or more.

oh-yes and that, thanks paul, +1

 

[johnsonbrianh]

i got about 60 lbs of rock in there right now and about 1.5-2" of aragonite sand..i just started the tank a week ago..i have a 70 gal power filter in there right now and am going to get a skimmer..where would you put the powerheads at??

 

[Michael]

power filter?

1 each side pointing at each other and slightly to the front

 

[johnsonbrianh]

ok cool..not sure why u put power filter?

 

[Michael]

you said 70 gallon power filter, im unfamilliar with power filters, what are they

 

[johnsonbrianh]

its just a normal hang on the back filter..sucks up water from the tank and has a filter sponge in it and pumps water back in the tank..ive been told that i can keep that on there for now with a skimmer..whats everyone think about that???

 

[johnsonbrianh]

oh and the powerheads..should they be pointed down towards the rock, up toward the surface???

 

[woogy]

I just run a power filter with some filter floss and change it out every few days. Sometimes I throw a carbon bag in it as well. You have to clean the sponge often or replace them or they become a nitrate trap.

 

[johnsonbrianh]

ok cool..so ill just leave the power filter for now but i do want a skimmer..and the powerheads, where does everyone point the flow? i know on each side toward the middle but up or down?? im not sure if it will mess with the rock or any corals on the rock once i get them in there if the head is pointed on the rock

 

[Michael]

well its trial and error, point them slightly up so the surface gets some movement to start, you then will have to decide if they need re-positioning, its not really anything to be concerned about, ive moved my phs about dozens of times, all part of the fun

 

[johnsonbrianh]

oh ok i just didnt want to mess anything up