Very New & Need Guidance

[Tangx!]

I just purchased a 47 gal acrylic tank the I would like to set up as my first saltwater home. I'm getting confused on what to use for filtration. I would like some advice, please, on UV canister filters: whether or not to use a canister, and would I still need a skimmer?. The particular model my LFS recommended was the Aquatop-UV CF400. My ultimate goal is to have a colorful community of coral and fish. I plan to use live rock and live sand as well.

 

[james30ct]

Welcome to R2R. The rock and sand will be your filter. I would recommend setting up a sump with a skimmer.

 

[justgotwet]

If you decide to go sumpless i would recommend a hang on back protein skimmer.





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[AlexG]

The first question I have is what do you plan to keep in this aquarium? Having an aquarium without a sump is possible but the equipment should selected based on what you plan to keep in this system.

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[Tangx!]

I would like to start with a clown and as the tank progresses, add cardinalfish basslets maybe a damsel, shrimp, snails, crabs. Staying with the less aggressive fish.

 

[Duffam3434]

Welcome to R2R!! I see you Live in MN as well!! Glad you found this site, Its a Great site to be on. Are you planning on ever going to a reef tank or are you sticking with Fish only?

 

[Tangx!]

I'm leaning towards to fowlr.

 

[pumarjr]

Firstly, welcome to R2R!, it's a great community, secondly, let's chat a little.
this tank you have purchased, was much consideration given as to what equipment would be used other than that skimmer? also, you said that you wanted a colorful and coral populated tank. this can be done by an experienced reef keeper, not sure as a beginner that you will have much sucess with your current setup to properly maintain that desired vision. Now, if you do your research, possibly drill the acrylic and add a sump, the correct lighting, pumps, setup in general, not only will you save lots of money by not needing to purchase additional equipment that's needed at a later date, but your experience gained and confidence will rise and give way to success.

 

[Tangx!]

I haven't purchased any equipment, just the tank. Between reading 2 different books, and joining R2R I'm hoping to gather info to help me decide which saltwater version to go with. I'm way open to suggestions, recommendations. I'm not afraid of the cost, but rather making sure have what is necessary, reliable, yet be clean and quiet.

 

[cmaxwell39]

There are a lot of different ways to set up a saltwater tank. As many have already mentioned, some of the setup will depend on what you desire to keep. A great way to get a vision for what you want is to spend some time in the members tank area and look at a bunch of different builds and see if you can find a tank you want yours to look like when it "grows up". Pay particular attention to tanks that are about the same size as what yours is and that will give you some great ideas on how to set yours up. If you find one you like, try and imitate it with similar equipment, etc.

You can use canister filters, but the problem is that you will need to do very regular maintenance to keep it from becoming a nitrate factory. If you don't clean the canister often it will trap detritus and actually pollute water quality rather than helping it.

Most are going to recommend a sump and a skimmer instead of a canister filter. I would agree with that recommendation, but that is not the only way to do it. Even if you don't do a sump, you could possibly just do a HOB skimmer and still go without the canister filter.

The good news is that you are starting out by asking questions and doing research. While it can be very confusing sometimes, gathering the information ahead of time will allow you to make better decisions in the long run and greatly increase your success and overall enjoyment of the hobby. Good luck with the new system, and have fun with the process.

 

[Tangx!]

Thank you, cmaxwell39 for the advice. I'm heading over to the tank area to gather more info!.

 

[Zero Nitrates]

Welcome! Take your time and everything will come out great.
Have fun reefing!

 

[james30ct]

If your going for non aggressive fish avoid damsels

 

[mike007]

Say no to the cannister. On a tank that size you might want to keep it simple. Add some good cured live rock and hob skimmer. Powerhead for circulation and your set.

 

[bct15]

I was able to keep an awesome 29 gallon acrylic tank for a couple years with a hob filter using reusable mesh bags with carbon and gfo, a hob protien skimmer, an in tank heater, a couple powerheads, 4 bulb t5 fixture, live rock and sand. This tank even grew sps. I also did weekly water changes and used reef crystals salt. My little brother had that tank now. You 47 could be setup similar to that and run great.

 

[Smnparish]

Welcome to R2R! Sump and Skimmer gets my vote, less ugly stuff in the tank is another perk of the sump

 

[glb]

Welcome! You're doing it right. Research before you buy. You'll learn a ton here and the advice you get is better than a from a store because all we want to do is help!

 

[Zero Nitrates]

On a tank that size you might want to keep it simple. Add some good cured live rock and hob skimmer. Powerhead for circulation and your set.

This is a great way too do it.

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

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