Skimmer, Aquaclear, or a Powerhead?

[goblue_04]

Hello everybody, I will soon be setting up a nano tank. It is the fluval ebi 7.9 gallon. I am relatively new to this side of the water, but I know a good deal about freshwater. I know starting with a small tank is just begging for problems, but I am willing to take the challenge.

Now for filtering this goofy tank, I have narrowed it down to 3 choices.

1) A small protein skimmer-these intimidate me the most and I honestly don't know what people are constantly talking about with these. I will try and learn more at my job, but if somebody could do a "explain like I'm 5" for protein skimmers it would be highly appreciated.

2) An Aquaclear 20- I'm pretty familiar with Aquaclears as they are relatively simple. I don't know what I would use as filter media other than purigen (which kicks *** on the freshwater side, I imagine it does the same for saltwater).

3) The 240 GPH model Korlia- Simple and won't provide any actual filtration, but will work well flow wise.

4) Live Rock only- My worry here is flow, plus I don't care for the idea of not having a filter on a tank even though it sounds like live rock provides a good deal of filtration.

The stock will be a good clean up crew and one MAYBE two small fish. Was hoping for one or two clowns, but that is all pretty far out.

Thanks for the help!

 

[Robb in Austin]

A protein skimmer makes air bubbles in the water (inside the body of the skimmer).
The air bubbles grab a hold of proteins and move them to the cup so you can get them out of the tank. Too much protein leads to too much ammonia/nitrites/nitrates which is bad.

An Aquaclear with a carbon block and some gfo would be the best IMO. It will also provide some flow.

The best thing would be weekly water changes.

 

[NavyBlueSea]

I think an aquaclear as described by Robb would be your best bet. If you could get a surface skimmer attachment or box that would be perfect, of course with weekly water changes.

 

[moondoggy4]

Aqua Clear, there is a company that makes some really nice inserts to make the Aqua Clears even better,

 

[goblue_04]

I think I am just going with the koralia and live rock. I'm not gonna put any fish in it I don't think, just inverts and such.