Filter Question

[Milnita]

My husband and I are looking to set up a new saltwater tank. 60 Gallon. We purchased the Hagen Aquaclear 70, but in looking at other threads on this forum, that will not be enough. Suggestions, please?

[Lady Hobbs]

The Aqua Clear will definately not be enough. I suggest a canister filter to be used with the Aqua Clear. You can about guess that any filter recommendations deliver about half what is promised. Always go larger than what you think you will need.

[Kuli_Loach]

You can just buy liverock and that will filter your water for you, then all you need is powerheads and a protein skimmer.

[gm72]

You don't think it would be a good idea to add another actual filter besides the liverock? I don't know saltwater, so I am just asking so we make sure Milnita gets what she needs.

[Fishguy2727]

What fish are you wanting?

It is possible that the AquaClear, a protein skimmer, and the live rock could be enough, but not without knowing what you are planning on getting we can't know for sure. It is good to have more equipment than needed than to find out the hard way you should have had more. And good live rock is expensive. Do you have a good source? Liveaquaria.com is supposed to be really good with livestock (not necessarily info).

[Kuli_Loach]

If you have 1lb of live rock per gallon then no, on my 30g salt water and 29g saltwater I have 30 pounds in each. On them I have a 200 watt stealth heater, 2 20g rated powerheads, and a protein skimmer. I like my kenyatree corals and mushrooms so I don't get to much flow in there. :22: My 10g has 15 pounds of LR as well so it don't need anything but a powerhead, I don't have a protein skimmer on it.

[Fishguy2727]

It is possible, but there are other variables, such as how many and what type of livestock, as well as the experience level (and budget) of the fishkeeper.

[zackish]

You don't think it would be a good idea to add another actual filter besides the liverock? I don't know saltwater, so I am just asking so we make sure Milnita gets what she needs.

That is always my reaction when I read stuff about not having a real filter on a SW aquarium, it's quite interesting though.

Anyways, if you do end up getting another filter, I would highly suggest a canister like hobbs said.
From personal experience I would like to recommend Rena Filstar filters. I have a xP2 on my 29 gallon and it is flawless. The filter is extremely quiet and does a wonderful job. Now for a tank that size I would recommend a xP3 or 4.
A SW that big is going to require some money so while your at it I would go with the xP4.
Bigalsonline.com is a very good site to purchase aquarium supplies off of.

[Milnita]

Thanks for the info. We definitely will be getting a "Nemo" for our 4 year old son to admire and from there, we're not sure. We've been looking at compatibility and haven't really decided. We've talked about Puffers, Tangs, Lionfish....

We had originally thought we were going to have a UG filter as well, but then when I found this website earlier today I saw all of the negative comments about UG, especially the issue with Nitrates. Then I also read that the filters are really only good for half of what they say. Would another AC70 be okay or would it be better to go with the canister?

[zackish]

Canister is better than anything.
Now knowing much about SW tanks but how many pounds of LR are you planning on having?

[Milnita]

From what my husband says, we don't "need" any live rock. I think our plan is to go for some live plants and then some other decoration for "hiding".....

[Kuli_Loach]

To me, liverock is a MUST. Not to mention being a great decor, it really helps the water quality and living environment of the fish.

[zackish]

To me, liverock is a MUST. Not to mention being a great decor, it really helps the water quality and living environment of the fish.


Ya and most coral live on the liverock. I think when people think of a SW tank they think of corals and stuff.
What kinds of plants where you thinking?

[Milnita]

Not real sure, my husband said something about some sort of algae, but I can't remember what he said. Is the live rock not hard to maintain? We've heard that the coral is very difficult, so we're not going there....yet.

[Fishguy2727]

The live rock will help a lot, but yes, ti is possible to have a saltwater tank without it. However, it will help with a lot of things: feeding the animals, the most natural environment, water chemistry stability, filtration, etc. So if it can fit in the budget, do it. If it can't (or at least not yet) it will just be a little more challenging.

Do you have any books yet? The best would be: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Saltwater Aquariums, The Conscientious Marine Aquarist, and Marine Fishes (TFH).

[Milnita]

We've actually got two books that we're gathering information from, but I don't think they're the ones you have listed. I'm guessing from your comment, the live rock needs to be added before you add fish. We were going to try and get the tank "set up" this weekend...heading out to stores in a couple hours....How would we go about the set up if we added live rock? Will the rock assist with oxygen levels?

[Kuli_Loach]

The live rock is your filter and makes the fish happier, not to mention it is healthier. 1 lb per gallon is the way to go. Just buy the live rock, place it in the tank with the water and a powerhead, you will probably need to get a protein skimmer but it isn't a must and let it run until all your chemicals equal out. Then you can start adding stuff but add it slow. My LFS has a huge open tank with LR in it and they let you get it yourself. I would take a bucket with saltwater in it to get it. I get snails and crabs in my LR all the time, not to mention I got a clam with mine also.

[Milnita]

Great thanks for the info!!! We went to the LFS on Saturday and talked to a guy that was very knowledgable as well. I set up the tank last night, got the sand in, just waiting on it to settle. It looks very ugly right now. :( Our plan is to get some live rock next weekend to put in there....have you ordered any online? I think this place was $5.99 a pound. The LFS suggested that we put half live and half lace rock, he said that the lace rock would eventually become living and we could get the non-cured since it was a new tank.

[Fishguy2727]

If you can afford to get all live rock, do it. But if you do need stretch those dollars, that is the other option. It will take a while for the lace to become live, that is why you should get it all live if you can.