filtration dilemma

[R_Hudson]

currently I am using 2 marineland 150gph powerfilters on my 30g Cube. I was wanting to change this up as i am not happy with their performance. I dont have room nor the knowledge to do a sump, so my question is what is the best and most cost effective solution to my problem...I was thinking maybe a canister filter with a tunze nano reefpack which consists of a filter and protein skimmer all in one...I need some help here what are you all using as a means of filtration?

 

[sjames]

need some details on your tank, what do you have in it?

 

[R_Hudson]

30G oceanic cube...30lbs live rock 40lbs live sand and a hydor koralia 1 for added flow, livestock as of now consists of 2 fire clowns and a peppermint shrimp, but the tank has only been running for a little over a month. however when i am finished i will have 3 more fish and another shrimp as well as an extensive collection of LPS and SPS coral. I hope thats what you were looking for

 

[sjames]

In that case I dont think id run any filtration on your system, at least not full time. A protien skimmer should be all you really need.

You can have the canister filter around to run activated carbon every once in a while if your water gets yellow.

The live rock and sand should provide sufficient biological filtration for your setup.

 

[R_Hudson]

it seems like i have to clean my glass at least twice a day i cant even see in the tank due to the green algae on the glass and the power filters are adding lots and lots of little air bubbles. it looks like its snowing in my tank.

 

[sjames]

Yes, id definatly take them offline then. Algae is from excessive nutrients in your water. Canister filters can make that problem worse if they are not cleaned constantly.

youll probably also want to do some larger water changes to try and get your nutrient levels down.

do you have a skimmer on the system now?

 

[R_Hudson]

i do not...I was wanting to know what would be my best option for the money.

 

[R_Hudson]

I also do a 30% water change every other weekend.

 

[daleKW]

A hang on style fuge and a skimmer..

 

[R_Hudson]

so something like a cpr bak pak, or aqua c remora...I need a little help here i am new to this type of filtration ive always kept all inclosed units where i havnt had this problem...thanks

 

[R_Hudson]

anyone