New tank filtration

[Mmsetta]

Hello again everyone. Very excited to be part of this forum. I am learning g so much! The feedback I received for a question I posed about filtration for a 30g fowlr was to just use live rock and a skimmer. I have a ciue questions:

1. What exactly does a skimmer do. The guy at the fish store said I should just use a power filter and not to worry about the skimmer unless I am doing a reef set up. I trust this forum more.

2. Can anyone else verify that feedback? Recommend live rock and a skimmer for filtration and now power filter? What about large pieces of waste that need to be removed?

Thanks!

 

[robbrouse]

The larger waste, you can use a filter sock of some type of sponge in your baffles of your sump. You will read like your LFS said on a tank that small you don't need a skimmer.

It's up to you. A skimmer will remove a lot of gunk and proteins from your system. If you saw the stuff a lot of skimmers pull out of the water there is no way you would not run one.

I think you could get by with out on a 30 gallon. But if it were me and you had the money and room I'd get one. (A skimmer that is)

Are you running a sump, if so what size. Do you have room for a skimmer or do you want to go a HOB (hang on back)?

If you do go the HOB filter route just to rinse what ever filter media you use in tank water. Sometimes this might be more than weekly water changes this needs to be done.

 

[Mmsetta]

I was hoping to go with a hob filter. I don't feel like I have enough room in my cabinet for a sump. But, the more I read the more I think I should use one from the start. I will post a picture of the tank and stand tomorrow as it stands now with fresh water. Any suggestions for a brand or type of sump? Hob filter?

Thanks for the insight.

 

[stupidted]

You could make your own like a lot of us do. You could also buy one but a lot of knowledge and pride comes with diy. Check out melevsreef.com . It's a great resource for info.

 

[Mmsetta]

Funny, I was just looking on YouTube at some DIY sump projects. Also, saw a great DIY protein skimmer. Thanks for the website referral. I will check it out. I am "pumped". (Sorry for the lame pun, I couldn't resist).

 

[Mmsetta]

Do you think a 10 gallon sump would work for my 30 gallon tank?

 

[stupidted]

If you ask melev he will say equal volume. I'd go with a 20 min if you have the room.

 

[stupidted]

Look into ato or automatic top off as well. You have tons of options and resources here and on the webs. Keep asking questions. Pretty sure guys with more experience and wisdon will chime in.

 

[robbrouse]

Do you think a 10 gallon sump would work for my 30 gallon tank?

Yes a 10 gallon would work. Would still be hard to get a skimmer in there, but yes it will work.

I have a 10 gallon on my 56, all that would fit stand. I got a HOB skimmer and ran that tan that way for about 2 years.