Wet/dry Filter

[bg7003]

Hey,
I'm upgrading from my 20 gallon reef tank up to a 55 gallon reef tank. I couldn't pass up a wet/dry filter for $70 for a 150 gallon tank with over flow box. So i bought that for the 55. This is like three times the filtration the tank needs. With all that do I still need a protein skimmer rated for the 55 gallon or can i just get bye with the protein skimmer for my 20 gallon or even none at all? I'm also planning on adding like 100 pounds of live rock to the 55 gallon. what are your opinions? Also, I'm looking for really fine sand for th tank, what kind would that be?

 

[lyotim88]

you dont really need a skimmer in a reef tank, definitely not for the first couple of months at least. You may want to eventually skim(have you ever seen the stuff it takes out?) IMO 100lbs of LR is too much for a 55gal. It's 1.8lbs/gal and it's reccommended to get between 1.25-1.75lbs/gal. Even though that's only a little over the max, your tank would be really full of rock.

 

[reefplayground]

What filters and skimmers are rated for, and the reality of what should be put on your system are two completely different things.

Example: your wet/dry filter is rated for a 150g right? well, unless that pump on that wet/dry is pumping a min of 3,000 gph at 4ft (x20 turn over rate), and it most likely isnt, its not exactly rated for a 150g system. the ratings on wet/dry's are based on the amount of bacteria the wet/dry media can support. Which isn't the best way to rate a filtration system, especially for a reef system.

As far as the live rock, that's really all up to you. Design the systems rock structures to what is pleasing for you. If you like the more packed full look, than go for it. With the amount of rock you were originally planning to put into your 55g, your bio-needs will be met, and it gives you a safety cushion if you ever want to do things like mandarins and need a whole lot of natural live food in your system to support them long term. Just make sure there is adequate water flow running behind and underneath the rock and you'll be good.

Skimmer, Yes, upgrade it. And again, use a larger rated skimmer than for a 55. It's not going to hurt, and it ensures protection for things like dieing fish trapped behind rock that you cannot get to.