Its time to upgrade my filter

[Crabdaddy]

I have a 29 Gallon FOWLR right now with a basic HOB. In the December time frame I will but upgrading to a 55 gallon Reef. Now I want to get a nice filter going on my 29 that can handle a 55 gallon. I've seen the canisters but have read a lot of bad things on here. What should I look into getting at this time?

Thanks

 

[chichimom79]

Are you going to be running a sump? I would just get a good protein skimmer, and make sure you have enough live rock and do regular water changes. If you are running a sump, a refugium is nice to have in there as well.

 

[Northstar24]

Angie has you covered - you don't need a canister filter, you need live rock, regular water changes, and a good protien skimmer

 

[Crabdaddy]

I have 40 lbs of LR. So protein Skimmer and do I get rid of the HOB filter?

Thanks

 

[chichimom79]

What kind of HOB filter is it? Some of them can be modified to make a refugium.

And you need 1-2 lbs. per gallon. 55- 110 lbs. of LR :)

 

[Crabdaddy]

Its a AquaClear power filter for a 50 gallon.

 

[chichimom79]

You can totally use that as a refugium. Just take everything out of it, put some chaeto and LR rubble in there and put a light on it.

 

[Crabdaddy]

Thanks