Saltwater filters what is best

[Rossf1]

Hello all,

I recently converted a 90 gallon cichlid tank over to salt. I need to find a good sump filter system. Oi am going to keep fish along with some coral in the future.

I was looking at the aqueon systems. Any suggestions.?

Should I do a wet dry setup with bio balls?, or skip bio balls and setup as an refrugium? Why?

Can i do bio balls and refrugium in one? Do I meed a protein skimmer?

Right now tank is running with a eihem professional canister and a eihem wet/dry canister and fish are doing well.

Well all my fish except a bi color angel who keeps swimming with head straight up and tail down.


Ok what filter brand and type should I get, which type of system is best?

How long will it take for new filter to cycle and work properly? Do i leave my other filters running till the sump is running properly on its own? How will i know?


So much info out there and so confused. Really need afvice


Thanks in advance for your help

[stevem]

you first have to decide what you are going to keep.
A wetdry with bio balls is not a good idea for coral, but fine for fish only
bio balls tend to hold nitrates
while a nitrate reading of lets say .040 is fine for fish but deadly for coral

[stevem]

what ever sump you pick make sure the space is large enough for a skimmer
I would purchase a skimmer first, and do not go cheap on a skimmer
You pay cheap they work cheap

[Rossf1]

Thinking aqueon proflex 3 or 4. What do you think.?

What about uv steralizer, which is better deep blue or green kiling machine?

[stevem]

i have not used the aqueon sumps, but have heard good things about them
as far as the uv between the 2, I would go with deep blue
if you want a good uv go with the aqua ultraviolet
A little more money but well made.

[xoomer]

Just make sure you set the water flow rate according to label on the UV sterilizer. You set it too slow and you're not being efficient you set it too fast and its much worse, you render the UV unit useless. Pay attention.

It's better a little too slow then too fast.

[stevem]

i have been hearing that alot lately

[Rossf1]

Do you run a uv 24/7 or sonly when the lights are on or only when water looks like it needs it?

will the uv on effect the tank cycle? if i have been adding live bacteria to try and help the cycle along will the uv kill them?

[stevem]

some people say the uv can slow the cycle down. i have done it both ways with no negative results.
But yes a uv should run 24/7 wheater you install it before or after the cycle.
by shutting it down u will get dy off in the plumbing, then starting it will put that in the tank
which can cause spikes

[Astchiefy]

A lot of people swear by adding the live bacteria to the system but I still believe in the rock cycling method even if you use a majority of the rock in the sump. The skimmer definity makes a BIG difference in water quality

[stevem]

i also like the live rock and sand to cycle a tank
i do not like adding thing i don't have to

[Astchiefy]

You guys using UV sterilizers?? I haven't used mine in years. i want to know who has seen a difference with one.

[stevem]

i have used them on my tanks and even on my pond.
Although I hav eremoved them from most of my setups, I see a difference with them.
The algae is slowed down.
It is also supposed to controll parasites.
The one mistake most make with uv's is the water flowing too fast
check manuf. instructions, but uv's need to flow slowly. to ensure enough contact time.