PLEASE HELP - New 35 Gal Hex Reef

[Cbmaddixrn]

Hey fellow reefers --- I need your help! Please!

Several years ago I had a 120 gal reef tank setup, it has been 12 years however. This week, just out of the blue, a friend of mine (with a 29 gal biocube reef tank) called me up said he was moving to Philly, sold his house, and needs to be out next week. So I immediately go check it out. Here is the catch: he wanted to keep the biocube. I am currently in nurse practitioner school and really do not have a huge amount of time. Given my affinity to reef tanks I have always wanted one on a much smaller scale, so I will figure out how to make it work.
So I head to the local fish aquaria store and low and behold, one of the employees was moving (her husband is military) and she sold me her 35 gal hex (18 inches from side to side, all angles 120 degrees) along with a Marineland canister C220 canister filter for 100 bucks. She had already disassembled her tank.

My buddy needed to get everything out, so yesterday I transferred everything to the 35 gal hex (using his substrate and about 15 gallons of water) and purchased a 150 MH, 2xT5, with moonlight LED. So here is what I transferred, and overall everyone seems to be doing well - for now - not a fan of canister filters, that is why I need you guys!

2 inches sand/crushed coral substrate
base rock
live rock with great coraline algae - 2 huge pieces (about the size of a basketball diameter wise) - this fit nicely in the 35 gal hex and looks great.
3 polyps
2 zoanthids
1 green flowerpot
2 chromis
1 small clownfish
1 Flame shrimp
Yellow blennie
4 or 5 snails
dozen or so blue legs
another pink fish i'm not sure of (resembles royal gramma but is solid in color)

I am concerned the canister filter is not going to handle this setup. So here are my questions:
What protein skimmer would you recommend? Appears I will have to go with the hang on the back skimmer? I have never used those, can you recommend a good one?
What size/style refugium would you recommend as I only have about 13" (lengthwise) of space to work with in the stand?
I really want a refugium but i'm not sure it is feasible in this small space, has anyone ever seen one work, successfully?

So many things have changed over the past decade, it is actually amazing. And while I have taken the past 3 or 4 days to research all of this and learned a great deal - my studying for school has fallen behind and I cannot spend anymore time on this. I appreciate any feedback or advice you guys may be able to provide. It is important to me that I keep these little guys alive. I tested the water last night, and as expected, it is fine for now.

I have to get to studying my study partners await. I will truly utilize any and all advice you may have. I posted a few pics as well, if anyone would like additional info, please ask I will be happy to provide. My apologies if I left something out, it has been over a decade for me!
Thanks!!!

 

[takt]

Whats the canister rated for?

Alot of people dont like canister filters but if your looking for less headache canister filters are a good way to go I had one on a 55 for 3 years(it was a back up when my pump died) and basically no maintenance. nitrates will build up after awhile(mine took 3 years for detectable levels) change out 1/2 the media when levels go up check parameters keep up water changes and you're good. I really like canister filters for the fact if the power goes out no overflow but its personal preference and what you want to keep on a smaller tank like yours id use it.

 

[Cbmaddixrn]

See, this is why I have you guys!!! Everything I have read over the past couple of days is rather conflicting. I will definitely keep an eye on the nitrates. I used a canister filter years ago on a freshwater and it was fine. I've read a dozen times over the past few days, "They are nitrate factories, get rid of them". However, you must also take into consideration, did these individuals actually have a canister filter, or did they read this somewhere the same way I did. So I appreciate the feedback.

Any recommendations for protein skimmer?

 

[Cbmaddixrn]

Oh, the canister is rated for a 55.

 

[takt]

Most would say Protein skimmer= double your tank size.

 

[takt]

Good luck btw

 

[SeahorseKeeper]

Welcome to R2R!!

I agree that the canister filter is very doable. I have a canister on my 55 and my tank is doing well. It is important to keep up with the maintenance to avoid issues. I also have a good protein skimmer to help out my parameters.

 

[Cbmaddixrn]

Thanks for all the feedback! I will be making a decision on a skimmer soon. If anyone would make a recommendation that word be great. I would prefer an in sump skimmer but we don't always get what we want. Is the Tunze 9002 a good model? I read mixed reviews of course.


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[Ranger NRK]

your tank looks awesome. I'm starting up a hex tank too and was wondering if you could pass on some advice? Like I know hex tanks get bad rep for having dead spots due to their nack of being taller than most tanks in their volume class, which mine is. how did you solve this one your tank?

 

[bucksfan1976]

I run the 75 gallon version of this on my sons 29 biocube its very quiet and is great

Reef Aquarium Filtration & Protein Skimmers: Eshopps Hang-On Protein Skimmers

 

[Ranger NRK]

hey I just semi set up my canister filter its a fluval 206 and im wondering about how far down the intake and out take should go. I have a 30 gal hex tank tall (26in) and right now I have the intake about 3ins off the bottom so when I add substrate it'll be an inch above it. is this good? also i'm not sure if I should place the outtake about an inch below the expected water line or if I should place it somewhere in-between the top and bottom, any advice?