30 Gallon - First Timer

[ecal468]

My good friend is setting up a 30 gallon SW tank. He asked me what's a good filter. I told him AquaClear, but should he be using a canister, or what? What brand or style is best for SW?

Also, since this is a pretty small tank, is a Protein Skimmer necessary? If so, what is a quality brand?

Thanks guys, I might be setting up one in the future seeing how his goes.

 

[BIGgourami]

canister is probabltythe best bet depending on what kind of tank he's setting up. for FO it IS the best for FOWLR a sump would prolly be best but canisters will work and for reef i think sump are the rules rahter than the exception.
for a 30, IMO, a p skimmer isn'tnecissary unless he's using it for a grow out for a lion or puffer or other high protegenous waste producing animal. but if not then i think that the WC'sshoyuld cover chem buildups.

 

[ecal468]

FO = Fish Only?
FOWLR = (live coral) ???

How about an XP2 if only fish?

 

[Ali]

FO = Fish Only?
FOWLR = (live coral) ???

How about an XP2 if only fish?

FOWLR = Fish Only With Live Rock

I hear that canister filters are nitrate traps. Why not get around 40lbs of LR and a protein skimmer?