What Filter Is Best For 180 Tank. Confused!

[agate]

There are so many different kinds of filters out there, I'm not certain which one to choose for my new 180 gallon fish only saltwater tank. My objective is to have the least amount of equipment inside the aquarium. I see that some include a protein skimmer. Having more than is needed wouldn't be a problem. I look forward to any suggestions you can give me.

agate

 

[Fish Fingers]

Best two filters you can have for your tank is a good skimmer and lots and lots of live rock!

 

[agate]

Best two filters you can have for your tank is a good skimmer and lots and lots of live rock!

So, with your suggestion, I can eliminate mechanical filters?

 

[superman]

A good skimmer and live rock is all you really need. When shopping for a skimmer make sure to oversize it if possible so that you can keep well ahead of possible water quality issues involved in having a large stock of fish.

 

[agate]

A good skimmer and live rock is all you really need. When shopping for a skimmer make sure to oversize it if possible so that you can keep well ahead of possible water quality issues involved in having a large stock of fish.

How many pounds of rock will do the job, and do you have a favorite skimmer?

 

[crazyelece]

Your filtration is dependant on what you want to stock and how much you want to spend.

Basics of filtration: Mechanical, Biological, Chemical

Mechanical: Sponges, filter floss, protein skimmer

Biological: Bio balls, sponges, filter floss, ceramic rings, live rock, deep sand bed, denitrate filter, fluidized bed filters, refugium, UV steralizer, ozonizer

Chemical: Carbon, Phosban (or other similar phosphate absorber), nirate absorber

For a system that large I'd say first rely on live rock and a protein skimmer for your main filtration as suggested. I would also add a deep sand bed whether in the tank or in a refugium. I would also add a refugium for nutrient export. Lastly I would add two phosban reactors, one for phosban and one for carbon. If you wanted to add UV or ozone after this it would also be an added benefit.

As far as how much live rock, shoot for 1# per gal or more till you like the look.

 

[agate]

Your filtration is dependant on what you want to stock and how much you want to spend.

Basics of filtration: Mechanical, Biological, Chemical

Mechanical: Sponges, filter floss, protein skimmer

Biological: Bio balls, sponges, filter floss, ceramic rings, live rock, deep sand bed, denitrate filter, fluidized bed filters, refugium, UV steralizer, ozonizer

Chemical: Carbon, Phosban (or other similar phosphate absorber), nirate absorber

For a system that large I'd say first rely on live rock and a protein skimmer for your main filtration as suggested. I would also add a deep sand bed whether in the tank or in a refugium. I would also add a refugium for nutrient export. Lastly I would add two phosban reactors, one for phosban and one for carbon. If you wanted to add UV or ozone after this it would also be an added benefit.

As far as how much live rock, shoot for 1# per gal or more till you like the look.

Thanks, I'm beginning to get the picture.

agate

 

[Fish Fingers]

Best two filters you can have for your tank is a good skimmer and lots and lots of live rock!

So, with your suggestion, I can eliminate mechanical filters?

Some people liek using mechanical filtration, however I don't and wouldn't reccomend it. It is a bother to maintain and is only really for getting larger its of deritus out of the water. Your gonna want at least 180 pounds of LR, but you could always do somethign like a 50% base rock-50% live rock combo to lower the costs a bit.