New Tank - Filtration System

[MidnightWolf]

Good day! I am new to the group and fairly new to the saltwater/reef hobby.

I've always been interested in keeping a saltwater and tank and was encouraged to pursue my interest last year when given a 20gal tank. I started up the tank in September last year with a basic filter, powerhead, heater and live rock. In October I added a couple yellow-tail damsels and then added a couple Ocellaris Clownfish in November. I was able to maintain good levels and healthy fish and I had a nice growth of coralline algae. In the spring of this year, I added a mushroom and then during this last summer, I added a Xenia which I unfortunately watched suffer. It was only at its demise that I became more aware of the need to test for calcium. During the summer I also noticed an outbreak of red slime algae and decided it was time to invest in a skimmer. Now that the skimmer is running and I've kept up on water changes, I have been able to maintain a healthy Kenyi tree that is spreading all over the tank, a leather finger and a leather coral. All this said to say that I am fascinated with the craft and the time spend just watching underwater life and have decided to expand.

I now have an 80 gal. bowfront awaiting decisions on a filtration system. Since all I have known is hang-ons, I've been reading up and am leaning toward a refugium/sump or ecosystem. Have any of you used the ecosystem (miracle mud and no protein skimmers)? What things would you suggest I consider? I am concerned with either approach as space under the tank is limited to probably a 30x12 tank - is this a large enough space for a refugium/sump to actually work?

[gastone]

Welcome to the club. Sounds like things are progressing nicely for you. Don't sweat the xenia. There are members here who have beautiful reefs that for some reason cannot keep xenia. I'm sure you'll find that there are plenty of members here willing to give some to you so you can try again.

 

As far as your questions: There are numerous different methodologies on maintaining a successful reef. Different strokes for different folks. Bob Fenner's book "The Conscientious Marine Aquarist" outlines quit a few different approaches, including skimmerless systems. If I was to bet money, I would say that most people in WAMAS utilize skimming. I skim and use a refugium w/macroalgae.

 

30x12 should be ample space for a sump. Vertically what are your constraints?

 

Garrett.