HOB Filter & Protein Skimmer for Fish Only Tank?

KDG730 · Feb 19, 2019

Hello,

Is it possible to run a Saltwater Fish Only tank with a HOB filter and HOB Protein Skimmer as opposed to a sump? Has anyone had success doing this tips/advice? Id like to get a 50-75 gal tank

Ive been wanting to start a tank for a while now but keep holding myself back due to the cost for a predrilled reef ready tank, cabinet, sump, etc. If could just buy a non drilled tank and use the HOB options successfully It would be much easier for me financially. I know this isn't a cheap hobby but Im just seeing if this is a viable option

PDR · Feb 19, 2019

KDG730 said:
Hello,

Is it possible to run a Saltwater Fish Only tank with a HOB filter and HOB Protein Skimmer as opposed to a sump? Has anyone had success doing this tips/advice? Id like to get a 50-75 gal tank

Ive been wanting to start a tank for a while now but keep holding myself back due to the cost for a predrilled reef ready tank, cabinet, sump, etc. If could just buy a non drilled tank and use the HOB options successfully It would be much easier for me financially. I know this isn't a cheap hobby but Im just seeing if this is a viable option

Yes it is possible. Some even run a full-blown reef with hob equipment. That being said, in my experience having both, you will thank yourself for saving up for a sump, or at a minimum a AIO tank.

KDG730 · Feb 19, 2019

PDR said:
Yes it is possible. Some even run a full-blown reef with hob equipment. That being said, in my experience having both, you will thank yourself for saving up for a sump, or at a minimum a AIO tank.

Thanks. Any tips if I do go the HOB route? Can I put anything extra in them to filter it better? Good brands?

PDR · Feb 19, 2019

I have always liked the aquaclear hob filters. I would go with the 110 on that size tank and I personally would run some carbon and mechanical filtration in them and that's all. The intank media basket is also a nice addition but not necessary. A hob skimmer (if a decent quality and well-reviewed model) can be beneficial, but regular water changes will be your best bet for maintaining this type of setup.

Jon Fishman · Feb 19, 2019

I run a 46g tank with the Aqua Clear 110 filter and it's a great filter....very quiet.

I don't know the type of skimmer I have, Reef Octopus or something? It hangs on the back, and it works, but for the life of me I doubt I truly "need" it right now, but it's nice knowing I already have it for when I toss other stuff in the tank.

I have some big pump thing under the tank, but it hangs over the back, not sure what it is, and I am even getting a Refugium that hangs on the back..... so many options are there.

I would say, the aquarium is getting pretty "busy" on the back, and pumps etc. make it kinda noisy..... I would love my next tank to be fully outfitted for sump etc. etc.... but honestly, I am eyeing 90-125 gallon tanks because I can set up next to my current tank..... and pretty much just "transfer" everything over...... that's why I am leaning towards over-kill on filtration etc, so if I do a 125, I have 'most' of what I need to get it up and running immediately.

I have zero idea of what I am doing, and this is my first tank of any kind that didn't have a reptile in it, so take my opinion with a grain of sea-salt.

VSVP bet · Feb 19, 2019

KDG730 said:
Hello,

Is it possible to run a Saltwater Fish Only tank with a HOB filter and HOB Protein Skimmer as opposed to a sump? Has anyone had success doing this tips/advice? Id like to get a 50-75 gal tank

Ive been wanting to start a tank for a while now but keep holding myself back due to the cost for a predrilled reef ready tank, cabinet, sump, etc. If could just buy a non drilled tank and use the HOB options successfully It would be much easier for me financially. I know this isn't a cheap hobby but Im just seeing if this is a viable option

Aqua clear is the best HOB filter in my opinion. Idk what size tank you have, but an aqua clear 110 is a good filter. I run HOB skimmers on my 125 and i have a sump as well. My sump consists of a rock chamber and a large refugium, and since there is slow water flow for my fuge, I use the HOB skimmers for better water quality, they run directly in the tank, meaning they are cleaning the display water, not the sump. If they ran in the sump, my poor turnover rate would cause my whole system to have reduced skimming efficiency.