Filtration Help

[Hermes3223]

Hello,
So I currently have a 55 gl. tank with only one fish, a Huma Huma. I decided to purchase the fluval 306 canister filter today changing from a HOB filter. I also have a HOB protein skimmer as well. My question is I really have no idea what to use in the canister filter and was wondering if anyone could help with what to use. Since I only have the one fish do I really need to be concerned with the ammonia reducer? Any input would be much appreciated. Thanks!!

 

[Wags]

Could just run carbon, or some other filter media that is fine or porous to encourage bacterial growth.

 

[Hermes3223]

My plan was to use pelleted carbon in a fine mesh media bag. Does that sound right?

 

[NobleSun27]

You should probably just run mechanical filtration thru the canister filter like different size filter pads that will help with the bio filtration. I personally wouldn't use a canister filter on a salt tank but since you have it might as well keep it. You should read up on building a sump or refugium. And I would stay away from any chemicals additives to reduce anything, go get some bottled bacteria like micro bacter and some base rock or live rock before you add anymore fish, this will help with furthering your bio filtration so can support a higher bio load (more fish). Also get some test kits and check your ammonia and nitrates.

 

[Hermes3223]

I guess i should have said I do have around 55 lbs. of rock. I have had the tank for roughly a year and half. I went to Paramedic school and then a Fire Academy following that so the tank was extremely neglected due to having other obvious priorities and I had a bad outbreak of algae. I am trying to get the tank back to what it should be and I am actually going to replace my sand bed in the next week due to loss of sand from water changes and dealing with the algae. My water parameters are all within good limits now. I was just sick of having the HOB filter and wanted it gone. My brother who had a few freshwater convinced me to get a canister filter but I will look into a sump or refugium. Any other advice is much appreciated. Thanks

 

[Wiz]

I agree withe the sump/refuge. I have done salt for about 8years now. All I run is carbon in a sock and some phosphate sponge. (Which is really a home for my pods. They love it) there's some filter sponge and thick black sponge seperating areas of sump/refuge. And the skimmer. That's it. The rest is only useful for targeted response if that. I have a good amount of lr.but if you didn't, maybe some matrix or something for bacteria surface. Hope that helps.

 

[Wags]

Definitely agree with the sump. I just buildpt a 10 gallon last week total cost was 40 bucks (skimmer and return pump wil cost more) I have also heard of a lot of people who run stable systems on a canister. If your planning a larger. Bio load or corals I would save up for the sump.