kj06al

I am new to this and would love some advice.
I set up my 300 litre tank as marine 5 days ago, there is no fish in it as yet. I have a protein skimmer, powerhead, external filter and an internal canister filter.
I've been advised by my local aqarist shop to take the media out of the internal filter and use it as a second powerhead as there would be too much filtertration in the tank. Is this correct?

If so, the internal filter is quite large and takes up too much space so I was thinking to take it out altogether. What is the best thing to replace it with bearing in mind that the powerhead I have is a standard one with no additional features?

Also when I set up my tank I was advised in my local garden centre aquarium shop that tap water would be fine to use and it is what they use for theirs, so I filled my tank and added the salt. I have later discovered the existance of RO water and am now in a difficult situation. I will use RO water for future water changes but is the water in my tank sufficient to use in the beginning or do I have to change it all to RO water i.e. will it kill the fish? (it's testing 0 for ammonia, nitrate, and nitrite and the pH is 8.2). In case it makes a difference I am planning on having a fish only tank for the first 6 months of so.

And finally is there any equipment that I am missing beside a UV steriliser which is on its way? I do also have a permanent quarantine tank set up.

I'm sorry this was such a long thread so to make it easier here are the questions in short:
Should I remove my internal filter?
What should I replace it with?
Is it safe to introduce marine fish to tap water if ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and ph levels are correct?
Any other equipment that would be useful or essential? (besides a uv steriliser).

Looking forward to a response

Many thanks

Kirstie

sgould

I'd put another powerhead in there for added current. Tap water is safe for fish, though you will find if you switch to RO that you will have greatly reduced issues with nuisance algae. I didn't see mention in your post about lighting or live rock, but if your aquarium info is accurate it looks like you have addressed both. I'd say you have the bases covered. What fish are you planning on?

kj06al

Thanks for the reply.

Sorry I forgot to mention I have live sand and 30 kg of live rock. The lighting are T5 bulbs one is marine blue and the other is sunlight.

I was going to start with hermit crabs and then some chromis moving onto Tangs later on.

I shall replace the internal filter with a powerhead, would a standard one be alright or is it better to have a wave one?

In light of the equipment i have and live rock etc. how will I know when it is ready for fish? I have been testing it each day but the levels haven't altered.

Kirstie