Tropical Fish Forums

Funky Fish · Regulars Joined: 22 Jul 2006 Location: Dublin, Ireland

Hey!
I want to get lighting for my tank so I can grow corals, its a nice overhead unit with 2 T5 lights and 1 white and blue antic in it too! Smile

BUT..

I have a trickle fliter which is in the hood of my tank at the momment with the lights I have now ( just ordinary marine bulbs). So if I got the overhead T5's, the trickle has to go, thus leaving me with no filter Sad

So..
Could I get a canister filter then and put all my bioballs and the few pads I have into it with the new pads that would come with it and let it run?
I wonder because the new pads and new filter in general needs alittle time to create bacteria to support my system .
Or what about removing the trickle and adding a HOB protein skimmer without the canister?

And just so you know the reason I don't a protein skimmer now is that, internal annoy me and I have a hooded tank so no external or hang on back room Crying or Very sad

So whats my best plan of action?
Any questions, fire ahead!
Thanks a lot guys in advance!
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Funky Fish

FloridaBoy · Moderators Joined: 04 Jul 2004

I'm not a big fan of cannisters.
I think you should consider a sump, which can be set up with a trickle filter employing live rock for surface media, and also used to house a skimmer. Set up properly, all of this will add tremendous flexibility, turnover, oxygen and benefit to your animals. I would set this up and allow a few weeks before removing your current bio filter.
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Keepin' marines happy for 25 years

Funky Fish · Regulars Joined: 22 Jul 2006 Location: Dublin, Ireland

Wow that gives me a lot to think about,
when I read your message I went off to google crazy!
It seems great!
But I don't know if I could handle it with being 15 and not that many funds!
I think for now I will just try an internal skimmer, ugly as them seem I think I could hide it behind some live rock.

But sump is going under serious consideration!
Do you use them a lot ?
How big would my sump need to be? Would an unused 80L tank suffice?
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Funky Fish

FloridaBoy · Moderators Joined: 04 Jul 2004

Funky Fish · Regulars Joined: 22 Jul 2006 Location: Dublin, Ireland

WOW!
That first link just...all the info and ...... Shocked

For one thing I'm getting a wavemaker and highly considering now the sump as it doesn't seem to overwhelming!
I will get a pre-made acrylic one for my first time and all, will save some hassle! And I would be OK to do that the overflow box, as it will fit so long as I get the right one!!

So much to take in!!
Thanks a million for that!!! So helpfull!
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Funky Fish