Newbie with 20 gallon tall

[Kulay Wolf]

I am a Newbie with a 20 gallon tall aquarium. I have a filter Marineland BioWheel Penguin 150 Power filter and some aquarium sand that is meant for fresh water and salt water. I was wondering if my filter can be used for a salt water aquarium?

I got the filter in mind for a goldfish tank but I really want a salt water aquarium.

I have had fresh water tanks for years but I want to get a salt water aquarium. Sorry if this is the wrong spot to ask?

 

[luxauterna]

Welcome! It all depends on what you plan on doing with your saltwater aquarium. I will always recommend sumps rather than HOB (hang on the back) filters for saltwater aquaria, but if you keep up with maintenance, you can definitely achieve success with the penguin filters. I would get rid of the biowheel though. Use live rock in the tank for your beneficial bacteria population.

 

[Tahoe61]

Welcome.

Yes it can be used but knowing the limitations on what you can house is important.

What do you want to keep?

 

[Shep]

I would have a look at the guide we have for starting a new saltwater tank. That will tell you everything you need to know.
http://reef2reef.com/threads/the-supreme-guide-to-setting-up-a-saltwater-reef-aquarium.138750/

 

[KJ]

Welcome to R2R

 

[Reefing Madness]

 

[kschweer]

Welcome to R2R!!!

 

[SeahorseKeeper]

Welcome to R2R!!

 

[mike wilson]

welcome to R2R. That filter will work to help keep the water clear and clean but you will also need to get a skimmer for the tank after it has cycled.

 

[fishboy15]

Skimmer not needed if your not having corals. I run mine, just have that filters going for food that the fish don't eat with a powerhead to keep everything floating in the tank until the fish eat it or the filter sucks it up. I clean mine every 2-3 week, maybe even longer. Nitrates don't go passed 30 which is fine for fowlr tanks but still a little high others would say but could be worse that's for sure. Weekly 5 gallon water changes.