HOB filter for 55 GL

[enrigonz]

Hello everyone,

I recently setup a 55 gallon mix reef system, fish, 50 LBS live rock, soft & LPS corals, HOB protein skimmer rated for 75 gallons, Aquaclear 50, 4 circulation pumps.

My fish load is not at max, water parameters are close to perfect. 10 % water changes every week. RODI top off and for mixing Reef Crystals salt.

I don't think I left anything out but my main concern is my mechanical filtration. My HOB skimmer has a large enough chamber to hold chemical media and even an extra bag of bio rings. I know the Aquaclear is not enough for this tank and was thinking of either an AC 70 or 110 for better mechanical filtration.

I don't have room for a sump system so my only option is either HOB filter or canister. Any ideas???

TIA for any help,

Rick

 

[GimpyFin]

Your setup actually sounds ok the way it is. The AC 70/110 give you a little bigger sponge/media and a slightly larger pump, but it's not really necessary, IMO. Between the live rock/substrate (Bio filter), power heads, and a decent skimmer, you're filtration is fairly well covered. No real reason to use a canister either, IMO. Anyway, just my $.02.

 

[AlSimmons]

I would just stick with what you have now too. When you really stir things up during a water change though you might want to replace whatever media your running in that HOB filter with two or three sponges instead. Use these until the water clears up and then go ahead and take them out and put the other media back in.