Canister filter with an HOB/sump question?

[EICo]

I'm getting ready to up grade my Green Spotted Puffer to a 40 gallon brackish tank. I'm still unsure of how to filter it. I was thinking a canister-power filter combo, but I'm worried that this won't provide enough biological filtration. Any suggestions or idea's on how to go about this?

Also, I'm thinking about setting up a sump system with a refugium for some mangroves. But I have no idea at all how I should go about this. I have an idea on how to build the sump, but I do not understand how it all connects to the main tank. Very confused.

P.S. Protein skimmer for a brackish tank... yes or no?

Thanks!

 

[kdrun76]

I would go with the HOB/ Canister combo.

I have filtered tanks up to 210 with that. You will have enough biological filtration if you set it up properly.

Sumps are a lot of work to set up and get working. If your tank isn't drilled yet, I wouldn't bother.

 

[reptileguy2727]

I would do a canister HOB combo (Fluval along with an AquaClear). A brackish tank will have enough salt for a skimmer to work, it just may not be worth the money. If you already had one I would say definitely try it out. If you don't already have one I wouldn't spend much on one.

I wouldn't do a sump. Mangroves need more space then that (when they eventually slowly grow large enough).