I was wondering what type of filter I should use for the 40 gallon tank I just bought. I don't feel like doing anything complicated and want to know if there are any simple filters that will work fine for a saltwater tank. Also should I get a uv sterilizer and a protein skimmer. If so is there any specific ones I should get. Thanks.
Filter for my 40 Gallon
- Thread starter Fockdaddy
- Start date
Cheeser
I Love Reefer
maybe an aquaclear but personally i would go with a diy sump. theyre easy to build and cheap. u can put one together for alot less than any hang on back filter would cost. and u can put ur skimmer down there and ur heater instead of cramming it all in ur small tank. if u go with a hang on back filter ur gonna have to clean it out thouroughly at least once a week as theyre pretty good at collecting detritus and become nitrate factories over time.... definitely get a protein skimmer. u dont need a uv sterilizer. i would reccomend a reef octopus protein skimmer.
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Ted
Living one day at a time
Another option is a hang on back refugium with a built in skimmer. Thats if the idea of a underneath scares you. Your filter is really your live rock and flow in the tank. I ran a hob refugium for 3+ years and it worked great.
little_fish
Moderator
+1 Ted
You can also find HOB skimmers. The reef octopus skimmer is an excellent one
You can also find HOB skimmers. The reef octopus skimmer is an excellent one
little_fish
Moderator
There is a thread in the DIY section I believe called Sump 101 it's an excellent resource for learning how to build one and how it all works
Ted
Living one day at a time
What type of 40 gallon are you looking at? How much room do you have underneath. Really need dimensions. I have run salt tanks for..20+ years This is the first time I have done a sump refugium, and I really kick my self for never doing it before. My new tank is a 45. In my signature is a link to that build. I got the sump on ebay. With shipping it ran about $160. If you have the space and the funds to go that route I would say its the best way to go. If you dont have the space or the money then look at a hob refuguim or a hob skimmer. Aquatraders has a nice hob refuguim. Thats the one I used for over three years never had a problem with it and did a great job in my opinion. If you just want to do Live rock in the display and a hob skimmer go with the reef octopus. You will need power heads in the tank for flow be looking at 25 to 40 times turn over..so a 40 gallon you want 800gph to 1600 gph. its better to have multiple smaller powerheads then one big one.
Bifferwine
I am a girl
I would skip the filter, skip the UV, and just get an HOB skimmer.
