tpasche

Hello, First post here!

I am new to saltwater aquariums and still have not set up my tank. I believe I am doing good so far because i'm not going to think about putting water in until i have researched.

I'm currently stuck and cant figure out what to do with my filter setup.
I have a 46 gallon tank (given to me by a relative) it was used for a FO setup, but i plan on starting a FOWLR aquarium. I plan to by 1.5 pounds of rock per gallon.

The tank came with an Emperor 400 power filter (400 gal/hr) and i want to know if this would be enough to run a FOWLR tank - or do I need to get a canister filter. I dont mind paying, but if i can avoid it - i'd like to put that money for live rock.

Also i do need to get a protein skimmer - i don't want to have a sump so would a HOB skimmer be OK?

Thanks for any response, i appreciate it.

cerianthus

I think 1.5lbs/gal maybe bit too much for FOWLR. You gotta leave rooms for fish to roam in fowlr. If and when possible consider sump for any s/w. I would not use to many of Mechanical filters such as HOB/Canister for S/W. Definitely Protein Skimmer wehter with HOB or Sump and optional UV Sterilizer.

I guess if already have Eperor 400, use it with Protein Skimmer. May want to add extra pH just create currents if desired.

tpasche

Hey thanks for your reply. I stopped by a LFS on my way home from work and he suggested a sump as well. Prices are a little high for me right now but i do have one power head (it swivels). Do you think i need more?

Thanks again!

agsansoo

How many GPH is the powerhead rated for ?
Also you can use a $10 rubbermaid plastic container for a sump. Just get an overflow and a return pump and your set.

agsansoo

I used one for a while, when my first acrylic sump cracked.

aquarist48

Welcome to Fish Lore!