Help With Marine Reef Filtration And Lighting

[snaza]

hi everyone,

first time here but i'm just wanting some help with filtration and lighting. everyone a talk to gives me different answers so just wanting some first hand advice.

i have a 4x18x18 tank. what sort of filtration should i use if i want corals and fish. some say cuz its only 4ft external canister and a protein skimmer is ok. but other say i need a sump trickle filter? help please. any good brands and prices too please.

ok lighting, some say 4 fluoros'(2 white,2blue) will be ok because its only 18inchs deep. other says i need halides. help please. are the 55w T5 fluoros ok?

what elso do need to concider setting up a reef tank? live rock, crushed coral, heater.

thanks
aaron

 

[Amphiprion]

A trickle or wet/dry filter is redundancy at best in a properly stocked tank. A canister filter is not necessary either. I would plan on putting close to a pound per gallon of live rock--give or take some depending upon your tastes. A good quality protein skimmer will help quite a bit. Looks into ASM (cheap, good performers), Euroreef (more expensive, better performers), and Deltec (very expensive, excellent performers). Also, the new Coralife Super Skimmers are worthwhile, not being too expensive either. You will need good lighting as well. The new T5 HO (please be sure they are High Output) seem worthwhile as well--just be sure to get a unit with individual reflectors for each bulb. You will also need good circulation. I would look into the seio pumps for this. As far as sand, crushed coral, etc, you may want to look around, as there are many threads with much info/debating. YOu will have to decide for yourself.

 

[snaza]

thanks for your quick reply. so what are you recommending for filtration? live rock and a protein skimmer?

 

[Amphiprion]

Yes. Coupled with adequate water circulation, relatively light stocking, that is all you really need.