Filtering Systems
 

I was wondering what the best was to set up a filter system for my 45 gallon tank with 20 gallon sump is.

What I'm currently doing is having the outbound flow go into the sump through a filter sock, into a a chamber with a protein skimmer, then through some live rock in another chamber, then through a filter pad into another chamber where the pump is. This will then be pumped back up into the show tank.

I don't really want to spend a whole bunch more money but I was just wondering if there was any key stuff I was missing. I've also been hearing a lot about carbon in the filtering process and was wondering if it was at all necessary.

Thanks

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Your plan sounds good. Thats how I run mine and it does well. But, you really don't need the filter pad before the pump. The filter sock is good enough. Hopefully with time the liverock will be full of bugs and pods and you do want them going to your display and that second filter pad will stop them. I do run carbon as well but it is not necessary. It helps clear up the water.

Sounds like a good setup! I agree with the previous post that you probably don't need the second filter before the return unless you find that the pump is getting too dirty too quickly.

Carbon is cheap and it does "polish" the water. It also can help out if something decides to release some nasties in your tank.

My two cents.

Sweet thanks guys, do you put the carbon filtering in before or after you cycle the tank?

Definitely after. Carbon absorbs nitrate and will slow down your cycle.

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