Filter question for 30 gallon tank

Hey everyone. I just bought a 30gallon aquarium and i am letting the tank cycle. Im using a HOB powerfilter with 200gph flow rate, it states on the box that it okay for fresh and salt aquariums. I recently went to an aquarium specialty store and the guy says that i need a canister filter instead for saltwater, but i am not ready to spend $100 on another filter especially when i just bought the powerfilter.

Im planning only to have 25-30 pounds of live rock and a fuzzy dwarf lionfish or maybe a few clownfish.

What do you guys recommend i should do? Do i need anything else...I only have a powerfilter, lights, and a heater for now...and do i really need the canister filter or i can get by with that for now until the powerfilter stops working?

Thanks

 

A dwarf lionfish may outgrow that tank eventually. Also, a dwarf lionfish would eat the clownfish. Clowns are viscous so just a pair would do it. Otherwise they will weed themselves down to a pair in that tank. Your HOB will be fine as long as long as you have enough LR and LS. I personally hate canisters. I use mine essentially as a HOB with just a filter pad.

 

Alright thanks..but what does the "LR and LS" stand for....and do i need to get a protien skimmer and or a powerhead

 

Oh okay i get it live rock and live sand

 

at least a power head or two , you want some flow in your tank . Lion fish eat what ever fits in there mouth .

 

Also...do i need to get RO water or can i use tap water and declorinate it with stress coat instead...i heard RO water is important if you have live coral but i just plan to have the live rock and fish.

 

Using RO or RODI (better) will cut down on algae and keep contaminents out of your system.

Not required, but highly recommended.

 

I would go with the ro if you can afford it .