Advice On Filtration Please

[mike_danger]

Hey all,

I’m a newbie and have been posting in the Nano section, but decided to post here to get some opinions...

I have got a ViaAqua 418 and it is currently set up with the undergravel filter, maxi-jet mp600, crushed coral, and quite a bit of live rock. After reading LOADS and LOADS I am planning on taking the under gravel filter and crushed coral out and replacing with sand (not sure which type yet?)

My main question is do you think I need another powerhead or should I add a skimmer or filter, or even all of the above?

Thanks in advance, Michael

 

[crazyelece]

I would add a protien skimmer over another powerhead as it is a great filtration advantage and it also is the best tool to oxygenate the water. Often overlooked, but very important is the oxygen amount in saltwater. Saltwater doesn't like to absorb oxygen very well and everything you can do to help in the matter is a great advantage.

 

[mike_danger]

Thanks for info.

So another powerhead would be better to go with my 600, maybe another 600? Or would you advise having just one more powerful. With regards to skimming what to think about the red sea prism?

Ive been given alot of advise about getting an external and filling it up with LR, so thtas the way im swinging.

Michael

 

[crazyelece]

There are a ton of ways to provide filtration in a marine tank and most of what you decide to use is going to be personal prefference. I have never used maxijets as I don't like their pinpoint flow so I can't help you there. I have not heard much good about the prism line of skimmers so I'd advise against that brand. For a good skimmer I'd suggest coralife, I have also heard good things on the deltecs. As far as a canister filled with live rock, I'd only go this route if you already own the canister filter. For the price of the filter you could add other filtration that works much better IMO.

 

[mike_danger]

Hi,

Ive just bought a canister today

I decided to go down this route after a lot of reading and different opinions. As it will give me an extra 10l of water mass. I bought a tetratec ex700, as they are ment to be the nextt best thing to Eheim. I have filled it with live rock, and also going to put things like purigen in.

Michael

 

[crazyelece]

canisters work well for adding chemical media. They also work well to instal a UV sterilizer inline with the return if you want to add one in the future.