skimmer and other filtration for 20 gallon long

[amylynnfloyd]

I am in the process of setting up my first reef tank. I would like suggestions on what kind of skimmer would be a good choice.

Also, what other types of filtration should I have? I have a small aquarium I could use as a sump. I also have a large power filter on the back right now acting as a small refugium. Right now I have 30 lbs of live rock in the aquarium, and some rubble in the power filter. It has been set up an running for about 6 weeks. Is this enough rock to filter the tank properly? I have not added my live sand yet. I plan to add 30 lbs of live sand after the rock has completely cured. Does this sound like a good amount?

Any suggestions would be helpful

Thanks

 

[McCrary]

If you can setup a sump it will make the tank work much better. A in-sump skimmer will be much more effective and you can hide your equipment down below the stand.

In-sump- Octopus NW skimmer http://www.aquacave.com/searchresult.aspx?CategoryID=222

Hang-on- Typhoon skimmer http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=13910&N=2004+113771

 

[amylynnfloyd]

Thank you for the reply. I will look into the skimmers you listed. Thank you for the links. I think that I will use a sump. Would a ten gallon sump be fine on a twenty gallon long tank? I also have another twenty gallon long I could use. Thanks

 

[kodyboy]

the bigger the sump the better

 

[GSMguy]

no skimmer needed on a 20l 5 gal water changes weekly would be much better i have a 20l that has been up for 9 months using a Hang on Refugium and it is fine no sump needed

its best to keep it simple and use a couple small powerheads for flow, and be picky about the lighting there are not allot of options for 30 inch tanks.

 

[amylynnfloyd]

Thanks for all the information. I do want to keep the aquarium simple, but I also want to make sure I set it up right the first time. Is anyone else having success without a skimmer. Right now I have a 175 watt halide. Is this enough light for my system. I do not want any limitations on the type of coral I can keep. I think I will go with a sump for the added water volume. From what I have read this is a big help in keeping the water quality in good shape. I have been doing about 5 gallon water changes every week for the last three weeks. I wanted it to cycle through before I started doing water changes. Again thank you for all the comments. I appreciate the input.