Best Filtration for Marine Aquarium?

[Graham White]

I know this is probably in a FAQ somewhere but there seem to be so
many different opinions about the best filtration system for a marine
aquarium.

I have a 36x15x12 inch aquarium that I am converting into a marine
aquarium. I am currently maturing an undergravel filter using two
powerheads and am now trying to decide what to add to it.

I have read a few books and spoken to a few aquatic dealers and am
getting differing opinions. There seem to be three main options :-

1) add a protein skimmer only
2) add a protein skimmer and an external power filter
3) add an external power filter and a UV steriliser

I'd like to hear from people that have practical experience of this
type of set up and any advice as to what the best set up is.

Also, if two additional components are necessary I may need to add
them consecutively rather than both at the same time. If this is the
case which is the best to add first?

Thanks in advance,

Graham White
Billericay
Essex

[Michael C. Moore]

In article <8173382...@white-pc.demon.co.uk>,

I will assume since you are starting with a UGF that this will be a fish tank
not a reef tank. In either case, I would remove the UGF. These work for a
while but become a source of problems over the long run because they are so
difficult to clean. Nothing improved my success so much in my fish only tank
as removing the UGF. For a fish only tank, most people prefer an undertank
Wet/Dry filter and a protein skimmer. For hardy fish you can probably omit
the protein skimmer and use polyfilter instead, but the skimmer is better and
cheaper in the long run. Few people use power filters on marine tanks, but if
you stick with the UGF it could help by reducing the detritus that gets sucked
into the UGF and is an OK place to put chemical filtration media like carbon.
Also, UV sterilizers are not considered very effective by very many people.
I think they have a few strong advocates, but most people do just fine with
out them. Be sure you buy strong healthy fish from a good dealer, stock your
tank lightly and maintain good water quality and you should do just fine.

Michael C. Moore
Tempe, AZ
aomcm @ asuvm.inre.asu.edu

"If the road to excellence were not so difficult,
it would not be travelled by so few" Spinoza

[Jan Rubak]

In article <8173382...@white-pc.demon.co.uk>,
gra...@white-pc.demon.co.uk (Graham White) wrote:

>
> I have read a few books and spoken to a few aquatic dealers and am
> getting differing opinions. There seem to be three main options :-
>
> 1) add a protein skimmer only
> 2) add a protein skimmer and an external power filter
> 3) add an external power filter and a UV steriliser
>

Add a protein skimmer and a powerfilter with a biowheel. Then toss the UGF.

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