New to the salt worldq

My name is steve. I just joined this site because after reading other posts, there are very knowledgeable people on here. I have a 46g bow front tank that I want to turn into a reef eventually. I am running a canister filter on it at the moment. For a simple(even though salt isnt simple) reef setup, what should I get as far as filters go. I have read a lot about protein skimmers and sumps and this and that. Whats easy and good. A guy today told me a filter that gives good current is all I need. WHat is the truth!! and is 46g a good size? Thanks for your help and I know any information will help;D

 

welcome, and yes a 46g bow is a good size, not to big, but not to small can't wait to see pics

 

46 gal is a great size to start with. As far as a filter, have you considered doing a sump/fuge. I personally think they are better than a canister filter. You can't go wrong with mother nature's natural filtration. He is right about current. Your tank needs to have good flow. It helps keep algae down and improves gas exchange.

 

Thanks I have pictures of my FW tanks now I just have to put them on here. I see you have a 46g. Is it salt? and do you have any pictures of it!

 

Oh, and with a sump/fuge, you can place the protein skimmer inside of it. Sumps are also a lot easier to see what's going on. They can also double as pod farms too.

 

Cool, Sorry what is a pod farm. Also, I know a friend who drilled a small tank and has a filtration system through it with sponge, bio balls and protein skimmer. Is that just like a sump?

 

yes, it is salt. i have pics in my thread here http://www.3reef.com/forums/show-of...fer-chicks-46-gallon-bowfront-reef-68869.html it's still in it's beginning stages and this is my first salt tank

 

Sounds like it. A sump is basically a tank set up underneath your display tank. The water is channeled to it via an overflow and from there, depending on the design, goes through various stages of filtration. bio balls and sponges can be used. Most I have seen utilize live rock rubble, chaeto, sand, etc.

A pod farm is a place where you raise copepods. Little tiny "bugs" that help clean your tank. Many fish also dine on them, the mandarin dragonette is one whose diet is solely copepods, unless you're lucky enough to find one that will eat frozen food.

 

for filtration, most people are now using natural stuff rather than what you are used to in the freshwater world for filters. live rock, deep sand beds, refugiums are now generally considered the best filtration. Protein skimmers are considered by most to be an essential piece of equipment. Establishing a balance in the tank is the important thing. Balancing not only the water params but also the amount of nutrients being added to the tank with what you are taking out is critical to long term success.

canister filters and other types of man made filters have a tendency to trap things and require constant maintenance or process nutrients too quickly and throw things off balance.

The best thing you can possibly do to ensure success is to research as much as you can before you do anything. I'd recommend that you read The New Marine Aquarium by Michael Paletta. It's got a good explanation of the different kinds of setups, the equipment needed, and the steps to get started.

 

also since this tank is currently freshwater, make sure you didn't use any copper in the tank