Saltwater filter?

Question

What are the essentials for a saltwater filter

are there things like carbon or ammonia reducers or anything like a freshwater tank i should add?

Answer 1

Basically that would depend on the size of your tank. Some people think you don't need a filter, but you really do, depending on the fish you choose. When cycling your tank, even if you are using live sand, and eventually putting in live rock, toss in a couple of Black Mollies. (they are filthy fish!) They will set your tank up quickly.

Back to the filter. As I said, depending on your tank. If you have a 30-40 gallon, you can actually get away with a duel whisper rear filter only. You will have to watch the nitrates if you are planning on having invertebrates since they are picky about these things. Fish only, go for it. I have a tank now a 30 gallon, I have had running for over 25 years with just the rear filter on it. I change the filters regularly however it is the last tank to get water changes and I must say, I neglect it more, yet I have never lost a nything out of that tank. It is an biological wonder! LOL

I would recomend if you have anything larger, get a backpack filter. On my 75 gallon salt water I am running a CPR backpack made in Arcata CA model #CYH011 It has a protein skimmer already on it and I purchased it for $150.00. The filter is a two stage or should I say 3 stage, holding on the intake where I some times use it for a fry holder or if I need to remove a cridder (crabs etc) from the tank it works great and they never leave the water. The second stage is your protein skimmer overflow. Depending on how high you have it set, it needs emptied when you clean the filter. The third stage is basically crumpled up plastic strips mushed into the side. This catches debris and also just get's rinsed out when cleaning. (EASY! and no filters to buy!) I would also suggest a power head if you are not using an undergravel filter (which basically is a biological colony of good bacteria. The filter with powerheads draw food and waste to the bottom of the tank to make cleaning easier) Not necessary but ok to have. This mostly helps for the water flow and aireation. (unless hooked up to a gravel filter)

You could also go with a bio filter or a sand filter. It is a matter of preference, but also a matter of what are you planning on having in the tank. If you plan on having a lot of invertebrates get a protein skimmer.

One other item which you don't need, but on a larger tank would be a UV steralizer. This runs water thru a UV light to kill free swimming parasites (marine ich) Usually if you can wait until late fall, they go on sale!

I hope this helps.

Answer 2

What kind? For saltwater filtration you NEED to have, unless you have like a nano-reef, a sump (this is the MAIN filtration), protien skimmer, some type of other filter (though if your sump is big enough you can skip this) I use an ehiem canister filter, I love it! Those are the ESSENTIALS, I also LOVE my diatom filter. There are many other filters you can put on, but those are the main ones I wouldn't say you can or should do without. Though some other folk would say you couldn't do without a UV sterilizer or a RO filter. Both of which make like MUCH healthier and easier. PLUS your extra powerhead and/or wave maker.