Saltwater Filtration

[EChambers89]

I will be setting up my first saltwater tank when spring time hits. Its going to be just under 200 gallons, and a square corner tank. What kind of filtration do I need for it? Can I use a cannister filter like i would with a fresh water tank, or would it be better to build a sump filter for it?

 

[tlindsey]

I will be setting up my first saltwater tank when spring time hits. Its going to be just under 200 gallons, and a square corner tank. What kind of filtration do I need for it? Can I use a cannister filter like i would with a fresh water tank, or would it be better to build a sump filter for it?

You could use either or but most prefer sumps.

 

[EChambers89]

About how large of a sump would be needed for it, like 20 or 30 gallons?

 

[tlindsey]

About how large of a sump would be needed for it, like 20 or 30 gallons?

Tbh it depends on your bio-load or if you decide to use another filter along with the sump. Personally I would use 55gal or larger.

 

[tlindsey]

The best thing I like about sumps the ease of maintenance and adding extra bio media when needed.

 

[EChambers89]

ok, thank you very much for the information

 

[DN328]

Do you plan to have soft and/or hard coral or just fish? Most hobbyists run protein skimmers, hence use sumps a majority of the time. Something to consider since you are planning now.

 

[ragin_cajun]

You should build a sump, with baffles, and a chamber big enough to fit whatever protein skimmer you're going to use. The whole reason to have baffles in a sump is for constant water level for a protein skimmer. If I were you, I'd run a skimmer on a SW tank.

This all depends on what you're gonna have in your SW tank. If it's a fish only small tank, I've seen people run canisters without a skimmer. If you're gonna have corals, and a large tank like you're talking about, then you probably want to have a skimmer.

Here's a discussion on skimmers.
http://www.thereeftank.com/forums/f6/do-i-need-a-protein-skimmer-154594.html

You need to really think this through-- a LOT.

A SW tank is expensive, and if you're going to spend some money to get one up and running, then you oughta have a solid plan, and be sure you'll be successful. And you oughta spend enough money for it to be successful.

Also, you plan an auto top off method. And you need to plan how you're going to make, and store, RO/DI water.

You have a lot of research to do.

 

[EChambers89]

This all sounds way more complicated then setting up a large fresh water tank. I might just do another fresh water instead, for money reasons. Thank you all for your input.

 

[ragin_cajun]

This all sounds way more complicated then setting up a large fresh water tank. I might just do another fresh water instead, for money reasons. Thank you all for your input.

Same conclusion I reached.