Whats an alternative for a wet dry filter?

Question

I have a new 90 gallon tank, this is my fourth one and its going to be a saltwater reef tank. I know wet dry filters are the best to go with but I do not want to spend all that money $250-$350. I was thinking of a canister filter like the filstar XP4 which runs about $160. Please let me know anyother suggestions you might have for filtration.

Answer 1

There are several ways or combinations of ways to go.
One is to build your own Wet-Dry using an overflow (that be added from the top or a bulk head in the side or bottom) and use a Hydro Pond filter as a pre filter either in the sump or the tank itself (these are under rated filters in terms of capacity and simplicity of maintenance). Also as for wet-dry filters I rarely use bio balls, rather I use cured live rock crumbles (about 1-2" diameter), these will work both aerobically and anaerobically.
This method of live rock crumbles can also be applied to a canister filter to keep it from becoming a nitrate factory of which I recommend the Via Aqua 750 for both reliability and price (the XP4 is excellent although a bit over priced and no better than the VA 750).

I also recommend a lot of cured live rock for nitrification and denitrification, this can also apply to a Mud filter which you can also easily build yourself and is very efficient in nitrification, denitrification and even large organic debris buildup when combined with a Sponge Filter or similar.

As for a Protein Skimmer, these are very useful for removal of nitrogenous waste before it even goes through the nitrogen cycle, however by themselves they often leave to much organic mulm/debris behind to decompose and should not be the only filter (many are also too small for the tanks they are applied too), rather combined with another filter that will compliment them. The Via Aqua Multi Skimmer is a skimmer that combines some mechanical filtration along with skimming and UV Sterilization (for Redox and disease prevention) for tanks under 75 gallons. Many Bak Pak models have dual filtration, skimming for larger tanks.

I have used all sorts of different combinations in my aquarium maintenance and design business over the years and found many have strengths and weaknesses and many are over rated based on anecdotal rumors. Good lighting plays an important roll as filtration.


I recommend reading these two articles:
http://www.americanaquariumproducts.com/Aquarium_Filtration.html
http://www.americanaquariumproducts.com/Basic_Saltwater.html

Answer 2

A excellent alternative to a wet/dry,especially for a large reef tank would be a large protein skimmer. If it is of sufficient capacity it would be all the filtration you would need,and would not produce the vast amounts of Nitrate that a wet/dry or canister would produce. The cost might be a little high at first,but along with some power heads and switch gear to create a heavy surge it's all you would need. You will eventually wind up buying a protein skimmer anyway,so why not get a large one and be done with it. Do some research,and you will find that a protein skimmer will save money and livestock in the long run. I Hope this helps. Good luck.-----PeeTee

Answer 3

You can definitely do without the wet dry filter. Though they are recommended, the prices are outrageous. You were thinking right with the canister filter. There's a relatively new brand out... a bit pricey but worth it. I cannot recall what it's called but it came in a black and orange box. Sorry to sound so unprofessional. But definitely, your reef will do find with a canister.

Answer 4

I'm thinking if you can't afford to invest in the good stuff, don't do saltwater. Saltwater systems cost more to upkeep, period, even if you go with the cheapest equipment in the beginning. You'll end up spending more than that to keep the fish alive and healthy.