Saltwater aquarium
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,191
Likes: 10
From: Saint Augustine, FL
My turn....
I worked at a local fish shop for 7 years, and have seen alot.
I currently have my collection down to three tanks: 2 African Cichlid (20 & 30) and 1 Saltwater (60 gal).
With any tank FILTRATION is crucial. Many times the difference between someone saying that saltwater is difficult or not all depends on the filters they have. Invest now in some quality so you won't be constantly re-investing in new fish!
You are doing a reef, so the bio-wheel/balls are not necessary. You are trying to create surface area for beneficial bacteria to cling to and spread. When you use live rock to cycle the tank, there is an incredible amount of surface area AND bacteria already on the rock. Bio wheels/balls will actually serve to unbalance the system. Use that external filter as a mechanical filtration system - layered with coarse to fine filter media, and let the live rock do the bio work.
As for the skimmer - get it for sure. I love my CPR Backpack 2R skimmer. You will be amazed at how much this type of filter can pull out of a tank. The concept is the same as you see at the beach sometimes when the waves crash on shore and create a foam. Ever wonder what that was? Well it is a collection of super-oxygenated water and proteins. The proteins cling to the whipped up water and form the foam. In a closed environment like a tank, there is the bio bacteria in the rock/gravel to help break down proteins. To make up for it, the PROTEIN SKIMMERS replicate the waves crashing - foam concept. You will actually be able to see the skimmer work to produce more or less foam as the tank cycles through the initial curing process. As some of those bacterias die, the skimmer sweeps them right out. It also works great as a safety valve of sorts if you overfeed the tank - as the excess food leads to extra proteins.
CPR Skimmer
It has been on my tank for over a year with no issues. Easy to remove skimmer cup and not too expensive at $140. Pump included.
Let me know if you have questions.
I'm always happy to help, and fish are an old passion of mine.
Hockey
I worked at a local fish shop for 7 years, and have seen alot.
I currently have my collection down to three tanks: 2 African Cichlid (20 & 30) and 1 Saltwater (60 gal).
With any tank FILTRATION is crucial. Many times the difference between someone saying that saltwater is difficult or not all depends on the filters they have. Invest now in some quality so you won't be constantly re-investing in new fish!
You are doing a reef, so the bio-wheel/balls are not necessary. You are trying to create surface area for beneficial bacteria to cling to and spread. When you use live rock to cycle the tank, there is an incredible amount of surface area AND bacteria already on the rock. Bio wheels/balls will actually serve to unbalance the system. Use that external filter as a mechanical filtration system - layered with coarse to fine filter media, and let the live rock do the bio work.
As for the skimmer - get it for sure. I love my CPR Backpack 2R skimmer. You will be amazed at how much this type of filter can pull out of a tank. The concept is the same as you see at the beach sometimes when the waves crash on shore and create a foam. Ever wonder what that was? Well it is a collection of super-oxygenated water and proteins. The proteins cling to the whipped up water and form the foam. In a closed environment like a tank, there is the bio bacteria in the rock/gravel to help break down proteins. To make up for it, the PROTEIN SKIMMERS replicate the waves crashing - foam concept. You will actually be able to see the skimmer work to produce more or less foam as the tank cycles through the initial curing process. As some of those bacterias die, the skimmer sweeps them right out. It also works great as a safety valve of sorts if you overfeed the tank - as the excess food leads to extra proteins.
CPR Skimmer
It has been on my tank for over a year with no issues. Easy to remove skimmer cup and not too expensive at $140. Pump included.
Let me know if you have questions.
I'm always happy to help, and fish are an old passion of mine.
Hockey
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