Ditch bio wheel but keep the rest?

Hi--I'm new here but not new to keeping saltwater. I recently started a small 30 gallon tank. Right now it only contains live sand and 30 lbs of live rock. I picked up a small skimmer today and started a Penguin 200 biowheel filter a couple days ago.

My problem is--the bio wheel flow (which is not adjustable) is so fast that it makes water splash onto the hood and back of lighting unit. My solution was to ditch the biowheel but keep the carbon filter insert.

With a new tank like this, is the live sand and rock going to do the trick for the cycling and stability? I'd rather not use the actual biowheel if I don't have to. Thanks!

 

Just ditch it, the rock and sand will provide area for more than enough bacteria.

 

I would ditch it. I think the skimmer, sand and rock will be enough. If you wanted to go crazy I'm sure you could think up or find a DIY fuge for your tank.

 

Thanks guys--that's what I was thinking too; it's just nice to get confirmation!

Do you mean I could use the filter box to hold other things? If my heater was smaller I could throw that in there. I still planning on using one carbon filter slot for now until the tank gets settled more.

 

There are a few options for filtration. I am assuming the tank is not drilled, so everything you do will probably have to be HOB(hang on the back). They sell HOB refugiums, and if you get one large enough you can store your heater there, as well as a mesh bag with carbon.