Help with filter choice

[Bernie Dankman]

Have a brand new 75 gallon tank that I really want to set up for saltwater. Don't want to drill into the tank.

I have a 20g long empty tank underneath. Not sure how to proceed. I want to get the tank at least beginning to cycle but can't decide on a filter set up.

HOB....

Canister....

External overflow into baffleless sump( don't really understand this)...

Live rock and water circulation...


Help me decide, smart peeps

Sent From The Cloud
Happy Growing

 

[GimpyFin]

You can buy a hang-on overflow box (Eshopps makes decent ones) that will allow you to utilize your 20g as a sump without drilling. You can even add baffles if you want pretty easily. Just take measurements and go to a glass shop and have a few pieces cut and then silicone them in place. The sump will give you room for equipment like a protein skimmer, filter sock, etc. and add a little extra water volume to your tank.

 

[SnoopyDaPimp]

Here is my opinion, get the tank drilled. I have one tank that is drilled and the other that is not. The one that is not drilled has complications that I wish I didn't have to deal with. This is not a cheap hobby and saving a few dollars in the beginning is a bad start IMO.

As far as a filter you don't need one. Just have the proper amount of sand, rock and good flow in the tank. That will be your filter following the cycle.

I agree with Gimpy in regards to the sump. Ebay has precut pieces of acrylic that are made for a 20g long. Those pieces will hold a sock and make the baffles for equipment.

 

[cougareyes]

My tanks now are drill with sumps, I've used hobs and canisters and both were successful. Are you going fish only or a reef: you could start simple with live rock and powerheads for circulation, a hob protein skimmer(eshopps makes a very good one), and a brs reactor you could put your choice of media(I use purigen, carbon, and gfo).