is the protein skimmer the only filter you need?

[miogpsrocks]

Hello.

I was wondering if I should get like a canister filter, hang on back filter, etc.. of if the Protein skimmer is the only filter needed for a 29 soft reef tank with fish?

Thanks

 

[shifty51008]

I would maybe get something to hold carbon in. The skimmer removes protien but wont really polish the water, this is where alot of people like to use filter socks.

 

[miogpsrocks]

I would maybe get something to hold carbon in. The skimmer removes protien but wont really polish the water, this is where alot of people like to use filter socks.

The filter sock in the Protein skimmer?????


So the live rock is biological filtration, the sock is chemical filtration, what about mechanical filtration? Is Protein skimmer considered mechanical filtration?

Thanks.

 

[Billy1205]

filter sock is consider as a mechanical filtration. You just have to make sure the water drain from DT to sump must pass through the filter sock then only flow into the skimmer. by doing this way, it can trap all the dirts. Do make sure clean your filter sock on weekly basis.

 

[miogpsrocks]

filter sock is consider as a mechanical filtration. You just have to make sure the water drain from DT to sump must pass through the filter sock then only flow into the skimmer. by doing this way, it can trap all the dirts. Do make sure clean your filter sock on weekly basis.

I was not planning on doing a sump. I was going to get a Hang on back skimmer. Can I still use the sock?

Thanks.

 

[iluvmyfishes]

There is a hang on mechanical filter with a protein skimmer in one unit

 

[miogpsrocks]

There is a hang on mechanical filter with a protein skimmer in one unit

Prizm skimmer ? I heard those had bad reviews.

I was considering a either a HOB filter or canister filter to go along with a skimmer.

Thanks.

 

[gone fishin]

When I first started I was running a 29g. I had my live rock, a HOB filter for some carbon and did weekly WC's. It was mostly softies and a couple easy LPS. Eventually I added a sump on and moved the filter and heater to the sump. Ran like this for a couple of years and was a nice tank. Good luck

 

[platypusklr]

I ran a fluval fx5 with carbon, pads and the ceramic rings for almost 5 years on a fowlr 29. 10 percent WC a week and ran great. Prizm are junk, just dont clean/change all your media at once in a cannister and you should be fine with a light bioload. Your rock and WC do most of the work. Canister is great for clarity. Just for clarification FX5 ran my 180 freshwater with 30 cichlids for two years on its own. Overkill for a 29, but it was what i had.

 

[iluvmyfishes]

I have a reef octopus HOB and I love it. I also have a Magnum 250 filter and I would recommend that. I think you will be happier running both a filter and a skimmer than running only one of them.

 

[CStrickland]

If I was going to set up a 29 softie tank I'd probably copy this one http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1611708 but with better lights and the dosing wouldn't be needed.

The thing with canisters vs. skimmers is when people talk about them they say "I wouldn't run a tank without a skimmer. Period." And "yeah, a canister doesn't hurt if you clean it enough, makes the water a little clearer"

Myself, I think a 29 is small enough to get away without either if you have good husbandry and aren't trying to grow sps. But I'm cheap Anyway, you can always add equipment if you're having algae probs or whatev, but you never get back what you spent on Craigslist if you decide it was overkill. I'd hold off on the canister for now and put that money into quality priority equipment like decent rodi filtration, skimmer, and lights.

 

[nuxx]

Filter is a tough term...

Skimmer will pull out organics in the water and provide more oxygen to the tank.
A GFO reactor will help if your rock leeches phosphates.
Dosing pump/Calcium Reactor will help keep important parameters for coral in check.

Basically all I run.

 

[Sk8r]

Your live rock and sand serves as a filter.

 

[nuxx]

Your live rock and sand serves as a filter.

Oh yeah, don't even think about that anymore :lolspin:

 

[platypusklr]

+1 to all comments! How you run it is to each is own.
Keep an eye on csstricklands comment above concerning a good RODI. Do not underestimate how important this is. If i had to start a tank and only got two major component's to start it with......quality LR, and a great RODI. Sk8r is 100% correct, your rock and SB properly cycled, is the biggest driving force concerning filtration. Just remember that dilution is the solution to polution!

 

[JammyBirch]

All you need is a skimmer, I'd stay away from socks. They can lead to problems and require additional maintenance. You don't need carbon either, a tank that small water changes is all that is needed, carbon is a waste of time and money IMO.

Rock and sand are your best filters, the bacteria and small animals they hold will do the most work for you.

Good luck the nano game can be difficult in the beginning but is very fun.