meagan1823

What kind/type/brand of filter is good but something that won't break my budget?
I am wanting to set up around a 20-30 gallon saltwater tank. I want to have live rock, coral, inverts, and maybe a couple of fish down the road.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

travie

30 to 60 pounds of Live Rock will be all the biological filtration you need along with a power head for water circulation.

meagan1823

thanks

sgould

I agree that no additional biofiltration is needed, but would urge you to considere a protein skimmer in place of a standard filter. They are a little pricey (figure around $100), but since you are wanting to keep corals in inverts, you really need one.

meagan1823

what brand of protein skimmer would you recommend?
Does this one look like its worth anything
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-PROTEIN-SKIM...3A1%7C294%3A50

sgould

I'm not familiar with that one, though it looks reminiscent of a SeaClone. From what I have seen, SeaClone skimmers get mixed reviews at best. I personally would not go for one. I have had good luck with Coralife Super Skimmers. I have also used red sea prizm, but those are not as good...lots of people (myself included) end up buying a replacement a few months down the road. Of the two, I would definately recommend the CSS. http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...4&pcatid=13924

meagan1823

well, let me ask you this.
This filter also has a protein skimmer built in. I can get it for $175. So would it be better to just get a protein skimmer or this one that has both?
http://www.freedomaquarium.com/site/...t-features.cfm

cerianthus

&175 for this internal box, would get separate HOB skimmer and 2-4 pH in the tank for circulation. Aq. systems may still make Power strip where 3/6 outlets are used as Wavemaker(aternating power to 3 pH) to create Swaying action in the tank (Imagine coral swaying in the current). Check CL, e-bay, etc. Might as well check for used RedSea Wavemaker too if wants more sophisticated wavemaker.
Invest in LR. That's the ticket to successful reefing. Well, almost. LOL

Good Luck!!

meagan1823

wow, i only understood about half of what you said lol
could you explain this sentence a little better, like you were talking to a 5 yr old lol I'm not familar with all the abreviations and stuff.
"would get separate HOB skimmer and 2-4 PH in the tank for circulation. Aq. systems may still make Power strip where 3/6 outlets are used as Wavemaker"

I plan on getting Live Rock. I guess I just thought it would be smart to go ahead and get the one with the filter for $72 more.

Thanks

meagan1823

is this what your talking about when you say Redsea wavemaker?
http://cgi.ebay.com/Wavemaster-Pro-b...3A1%7C294%3A50

cerianthus

Yup. If can get it for $25 shipped, its a STEAL. Ask more questions, how old, more pics, etc.

Sorry about Abbreviation.
HOB: Hang on Back
PH: powerhead (small internal pump)
LR: Lve Rock

Google for DIY sump/refugium.
Glad to see someone doing research before starting which usually means YOU are gonna do well in reefing.

meagan1823

ok thanks for all the information and explaining the abbreviations

meagan1823

Oh and I went back to petco today and picked up a 55 gallon aquarium (little bigger than I what I was planning to get but oh well) and I looekd at the price and its $145 not $175.
Shoudl I get it and see how it works?
How would I know if the protein skimmer was working correctly?

WETTRIGGER

LOVE THE HOB MARINELAND WITH BIO WHEEL
Great filter if your price concerned.