[M] New marine aquarium
Jose Antonio Miranda
Should I use a UGF or RUGF? How about a protein skimmer? Is my tank too small?
TIA
L.M.
Grant Gussie
Miranda) wrote:
> I'm going to set up a new marine aquarium (50 gal) and i'd like some advice on what equipment i'll need for it.
> Should I use a UGF or RUGF? How about a protein skimmer? Is my tank too small?
>
The best advice would be to give you no advice at all except to read the
FAQ and some of the books recommended by it, particularily Martin Moe's
books.
However, in answer to your direct questions...
No, I would not use a UGF as these trap dirt and result in high nitrate
levels. They are very difficult to maintain in the long term. RFUGF are
somewhat better but not much, and require additional aeration as the water
flowing up through the gravel is O2 deficient.
A protein skimmer is almost a necessity in a salt water tank. The only
alternative is massive water changes, which quickly ends up costing more
than the skimmer. Chemical filtration in the form of carbon or polymers is
a useful addition in fish tanks.
A 50 gallon tank is not too small for a marine system...many are smaller.
The bigger the tank is the less error prone it is however.
For a fish tank I would use a canister or power filter drawing water from a
protein skimmer, and with a biowheel or other post-filter biological
attachement. The more expensive alternative is an under-the-tank trickle
filter and sump...but a 50 gallon tank doesn't need this. For a 50 gallon
tank, an in-tank counter-current skimmer over an inlet of a fluval 403 with
a biowheel 60 on the outlet makes a good filter system. An in-tank power
head for circulation is also a good idea.
--
internet email: grant....@phys.utas.edu.au
www home page: http://reber.phys.utas.edu.au/~gussie/
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Howard Homler
to decide whether you're going to have "reef" or "fish" --the
reason being that the requirements are more demanding for reef.
You will find that a protein skimmer comes in very handy, but
your capacity for keeping fish less than in freshwater systems.
Pick up a copy of Martin Moe's The Marine Aquarium Handbook, as
he covers a lot of the basis behind the choices. I would stay
away from UGF, as they are harder to keep as clean as you'll need
for marine... Have fun! H2
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H2