Do I need powerheads

devong

thanks for the help, ive been on this forumn all day, addictive hoby. So in the end using either of these options will work:

option 1: skimmer, filter(lr rubble, macro, no b wheels), 2 powerheads

option 2: canister and bio wheels, bio balls(do these go in the bio wheels)?
(better lighting a must on both)
This will be a long term tank, already want to upgrade size, but when we sell our townhome, and get a house with more room, so I say in the next couple yrs.

Right now my 3 cromis, 1 clown and clean up crew are doing fine, it was just that one clown fish that I had to return because he was laying to the bottom, and I thought I saw some white spots so did not take a chance since I am still new.

jumpman23

Nope, bio wheels and bio balls different in sizes cant fit in both.

bio balls r ball shape, it can retain alot of biological bacteria, well, u can try JBL Denitrol this can help boast ur bacteria in there (sump or canister).

Cody

No Bioballs! This will raise your nitrates and is terrible for marine use, espically reef. You cant have bioballs now in your FOWLR and then in two months take them out, you need a stable bio-thing now, which will be live rock rubble.

I am unfamilar with the canister filter, so I cant help you there. But, either option you with, you will still need a skimmer and additional powerheads.

Age of Aquariums

It depends on how you use bio-balls. They were designed for saltwater wet/dry filters (sumps). Now there is better material for biological filtration though.

I'd recommend an ASM skimmer, they are very good, but if you can't afford an ASM, then I'd get a Coralife.

As for a filter, a sump is going to be the best. I've never seen any saltwater canister filters, but I don't look for them, so there may be one. I'd look into a sump though.

jumpman23

For Saltwater canister, you can check out Eheim canister.

JBL has variety or filtration products, below are a few.

aquakid

yes all saltwater aquariums with live rock should have a powerhead

Kellsindell

Though i have seen many tanks that are established use bio-balls i don't think i'd recammend them. i'd go with a good sump with a decent skimmer...(although i don't know how i feel about the coral life i'd say remora, but to each his own.) but if you don't have the space a skelter or another hang on back skimmer is good too. Live rock is the best way to keep the good bacteria in the tank and even the tanks with the bio-balls use them. Just make sure you do your research before you go and buy something and learn how to use it. i suggest reading much about skimmers and look at riviews too.