Filter for 50gal saltwater aquarium

[Jacks oscars]

Hi so I have recently been interested in coral reef tanks and would love to get one but keep in a budget how ever I know it is going to be very expensive so I was hoping to get some info on filters for a 50gal or 75gal thanks

 

[tlindsey]

Hi so I have recently been interested in coral reef tanks and would love to get one but keep in a budget how ever I know it is going to be very expensive so I was hoping to get some info on filters for a 50gal or 75gal thanks

Gourami Swami

 

[Jacks oscars]

I heard that canister filters were no good for reef and that it really has to be a sump but I am just double checking

 

[twentyleagues]

For a reef I recommend a sump with a refugium and a really good skimmer. I have seen and ive done it with less but it is a constant battle.

 

[Jacks oscars]

Ok thanks do you any suggestions on where I can get a sump

 

[tlindsey]

Ok thanks do you any suggestions on where I can get a sump

https://fragtasticreef.com/reef-oct...2fb1UzinS7Nxn0P7T-Ek1JnLE7nVxYCBoC3D0QAvD_BwE

 

[twentyleagues]

Also you could build one. But to build a proper sump for a reef you need to do baffles. I built my first sump which was on a reef tank out of an old standard 50g and I had glass cut I used a build off reefcentral.

 

[duanes]

I agree with twentyleagues, a protein skimmer would be the first thing I would consider, because in the long run, it removes unwanted materials before they return to the system, and saves a ton on the need for excess water changes.
And because fractionating salt water is relatively easy, building a DIY one, that is also a combination skimmer/bio filter is not that difficult.
This is a large one I built for a 500 gallon koi pond, a much smaller (less obtrusive) version for a 75 gal salt water tank would be a breeze.
koi pond fractionation

 

[Gourami Swami]

I'd agree that sump + skimmer would be ideal for a tank of that size. Many people run smaller tanks on aquaclear filters. But for a 75+ a sump would give you a place to put all your equipment. If you can't swing the sump I would recommend a hang on back skimmer at least as well as aquaclears. I've seen it done where people put multiple aquaclears on and turn one of them into a mini refugium. But a small sump can probably be had for 200$ or so