Starting a 55 gal tank

Discussion in 'New To The Hobby' started by shanehb, Oct 31, 2013.

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  1. shanehb

    shanehb Plankton

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    Oct 31, 2013
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    Hello everyone,
    Ok I am starting a 55 gal saltwater tank, I am so cunfused about what kind of filter I need to use if I need a skimmer powerheads and stuff like that can anyone help me figure this out?
    Thanks
    Shane
     
    shanehb, Oct 31, 2013
    shanehb, Oct 31, 2013
    #1

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  2. insanespain

    insanespain Ocellaris Clown

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    What are you planning? Fish only or reef? You need powerheads for flow, you need live rock for biological filtration, and a skimmer for removing dissolved organics. That's about it. Some people like to use carbon or a phosphate removal media, which could be ran in a hob filters or canister. Assuming you are going sumpless
     
    insanespain, Oct 31, 2013
    insanespain, Oct 31, 2013
    #2
  3. oldfishkeeper

    oldfishkeeper Giant Squid

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    there are some great articles on the forum in regards to setting up a saltwater tank. As insane said, what type of system are you considering?
     
    oldfishkeeper, Nov 1, 2013
    oldfishkeeper, Nov 1, 2013
    #3
  4. FishThumb

    FishThumb Astrea Snail

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    I run my 55g with a skimmer. You can run one without a skimmer, but you have to be more diligent with your maintenance like water changes. I am more on the lazy side so I let the skimmer help me out removing waste.

    What size of powerheads you need will vary greatly on what you plan to keep in the tank for livestock and types of corals.
     
    FishThumb, Nov 1, 2013
    FishThumb, Nov 1, 2013
    #4