Which hang on skimmer for a 56 gallon

Kiteboarder85 · Apr 10, 2014

I have a 30 wide, 24 tall and 18 depth aquarium- 56 gallons.

I cycled the tank with 2 Marineland 280 hang on filters (400 filter was too wide for my middle tank bracket). My initial thought was to use this setup as a FOWLR. However, with weeks of thought while cycling I want to do coral as well. What skimmer should I get? I want a hang on as I don't have a sump. I have no experience with protein skimmers so this is a learning experience for me. I do plan on going with an apex control unit to control everything.

Thanks!

Reefing Madness · Apr 10, 2014

Reef Octopus BH2000 Hang-on-the-Back Protein Skimmer - Bulk Reef Supply

Kiteboarder85 · Apr 10, 2014

Also- by adding a good skimmer, Spode you think I could get away with one of my Marineland 280 filters?

Reefing Madness · Apr 10, 2014

Do away with any filter and just use powerheads

Kiteboarder85 · Apr 10, 2014

Reefing Madness said:
Do away with any filter and just use powerheads

Seriously? The Reef Octopus BH2000 will be all I need along with the power heads? I already have 2 in proper place.

I have great lighting which will be controlled with an Apex. Just lighting and a skimmer seems too little. Is there anything else I should be setting up for corals?

I only have experience with FOWLR setups and I've had healthy fish for years with just Biowheels in other larger tanks. I feel lost with corals!

Blitheran · Apr 10, 2014

in a 55 I have bh-1000

Reefing Madness · Apr 10, 2014

At least 1-2lbs of rock per gallon and your skimmer is all you need to get it up and reef worthy.

rjcranor · Apr 10, 2014

I have a Reef octopus BH 1000 on my 50 gallon. I have one wp25 for circulation. Also run a fluval filter

Kiteboarder85 · Apr 10, 2014

rjcranor said:
I have a Reef octopus BH 1000 on my 50 gallon. I have one wp25 for circulation. Also run a fluval filter

Is your fluval a biowheel hang on or a canister? Any photos of your tank with the corals with this setup?

Kiteboarder85 · Apr 10, 2014

Reefing Madness said:
At least 1-2lbs of rock per gallon and your skimmer is all you need to get it up and reef worthy.

Thanks Madness. I would need to add more rock. I only cycled with 45#'s with the fish only in mind in the beginning.

Kiteboarder85 · Apr 10, 2014

coltons reef said:
in a 55 I have bh-1000

Anything running in your tank other than power heads? I would go for the 2000 for my 56. It's 24 inches deep.

NanaReefer · Apr 10, 2014

I run the BH-1000 on my 26g....super skimming boo ya!!!

Kiteboarder85 · Apr 12, 2014

scott3569 · Apr 12, 2014

You have said you have no room for a sump..you have the same tank as I do..do you have a stand for it?? or what are you putting it on? Even if you only have room for a 20gal or a 15 gal sump..would be better than no sump..I am not say you have to have a sump..I am new here also But when I was told the main reason for having a sump it really made since to me..and any extra water volume will help, it hides things such as your heater, you could go with an in tank skimmer and you could add cheato or an algae scrubber which will really help keep your levels at check, you still may have to do more water changes that some but At least you would have something to help..I have been doing a lot of research the past 3 weeks. I really think you should try to think outside the box and try to do even a small sump

Kiteboarder85 · Apr 12, 2014

scott3569 said:
You have said you have no room for a sump..you have the same tank as I do..do you have a stand for it?? or what are you putting it on? Even if you only have room for a 20gal or a 15 gal sump..would be better than no sump..I am not say you have to have a sump..I am new here also But when I was told the main reason for having a sump it really made since to me..and any extra water volume will help, it hides things such as your heater, you could go with an in tank skimmer and you could add cheato or an algae scrubber which will really help keep your levels at check, you still may have to do more water changes that some but At least you would have something to help..I have been doing a lot of research the past 3 weeks. I really think you should try to think outside the box and try to do even a small sump

Here's my stand below. My tank has been cycled for about 3 weeks now and just have 2 caramel clowns and the cleanup crew so far. If I switched to a sump, will my tank recycle?

My main worry about a sump is coming home and seeing the extra water flood if the power went out or something. I don't want to drill this tank either and it's pretty much too late to drill it. I'm not going to start all over and wait for another cycle lol.

Kiteboarder85 · Apr 12, 2014

scott3569 · Apr 12, 2014

Kiteboarder85 said:
Here's my stand below. My tank has been cycled for about 3 weeks now and just have 2 caramel clowns and the cleanup crew so far. If I switched to a sump, will my tank recycle?

My main worry about a sump is coming home and seeing the extra water flood if the power went out or something. I don't want to drill this tank either and it's pretty much too late to drill it. I'm not going to start all over and wait for another cycle lol.

I don't see you tank. send me a PM