Looking for a Hydrometer and a canister filter.

[Aquattro]

I'd keep away from canisters on a reef, they tend to not get maintained enough and will generate nitrates. They're more suited to a FW tank, or even fish only, but not a reef. Some would argue, but most would agree.

[redearslider]

Originally Posted by Aquattro

I'd keep away from canisters on a reef, they tend to not get maintained enough and will generate nitrates. They're more suited to a FW tank, or even fish only, but not a reef. Some would argue, but most would agree.

I know and I have heard multiple opinions on this but I will not be drilling my tank to run a sump. and don't want a HOB filter as I will be getting a HOB skimmer.

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by redearslider

I know and I have heard multiple opinions on this but I will not be drilling my tank to run a sump. and don't want a HOB filter as I will be getting a HOB skimmer.

Assuming you're using live rock and a skimmer, you don't need an additional filter. You don't need a sump, just the skimmer and rock.

[reefwars]

Originally Posted by Aquattro

Assuming you're using live rock and a skimmer, you don't need an additional filter. You don't need a sump, just the skimmer and rock.

+1 lots of great tanks out there ran with not much for mechanical filtration.

[redearslider]

Cool! Well I have the rock and a small fluval internal filter, 2 powerheads and a MH light fixture in there now, how mong can I push that before I add the Skimmer?

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by redearslider

Cool! Well I have the rock and a small fluval internal filter, 2 powerheads and a MH light fixture in there now, how mong can I push that before I add the Skimmer?

I'd get rid of the internal filter, swap it for a powerhead, and some people don't use skimmers at all, I'd just suggest more frequent water changes.

[redearslider]

Okay, thanks Brad!

still makes me nervous only running powerheads in the tank :\ But I will trust the experts

Another off topic question, some of the live rock that I got was pieces of Lava Rock, this seemed pretty unconventional to me, will this cause any issues? It looks cool because of the tunnels, and there are little creatures popping out of it just as the other rock has.