Plz Help a newbie

[jay1513]

I have a 120 gallon tank that I want to start a saltwater fish only aquarium. I wanted to know if I can use my Ehiem Pro II 2028 plus a protein skimmer (don't have one yet)? Or should I just buy a sump with protein skimmer.

Also, do I still need my air bubbles?

All advice will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
J.

 

[jhale]

first, did you ever treat your tank with copper medication? if so better to get a new tank.

as for the Ehiem Pro II 2028, that's great for freshwater, not f great for saltwater. maybe for a fish only live rock set up, otherwise it's just going to be a nitrate trap, and you'll end up having to clean it more often than it;s worth.
A sump with a good skimmer will be the best option.
you don't need the air bubbles, they will create unnecessary saltcreep / spray

 

[TimberTDI]

RTP

I want to start a saltwater fish only aquarium

Yes, you can use the Eheim and yes you can use the air bubbles.

But you should go with a sump so that you can add a good protein skimmer. There isn't a great selection of HOB skimmers.

Although the Bermuda Skimmer comes to mind, House of Fish carries them.

Steven

 

[latino277]

I would do away with the ehiem filter and air bubbles... they both will cause more trouble than not.

you don't need a sump but it is advise to get one. This is for 3 reasons
1) incresses your water vol and as well as stability
2) Hides all you equipment... you don't have to look at those ugly heaters and skimmers
3) Allows you to get a really good skimmer. most HOB skimmer are not that great.

Good luck

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

FO Ehiem is fine. I would not use the air bubbles because it will increase evaporation a little.

 

[pmui]

if its only a F/O tank the copper med would not matter.

 

[daisy]

While the copper won't matter in a fish only system, if your tank has had copper in it, you will not have the ability to switch to anything but a fish only system in the future. not that you should not make the jump to salt just because of this, but rather that you should just know for the time that you'll have had the fish only system for a year or two and you want to add a coral or something - having once had copper in it, such a tank just cannot house corals.

as you can see from the advice you've gotten already, there are LOTS of ways to do a tank. While some would do it one way, others would never do it that way. There is usually no one BEST way to set up your new system. Best advice is do a lot of research, have a good plan - optimize your chances of success and keep the most options open for yourself for the future.

That said, increasing volume is always a good idea, but a 120 gal tank is certainly a lot of volume already. A sump is always great because you can tinker later on - add gadgets and other stuff - but what you do will partly be regulated by your wallet, so do the best you can and jump into the water when you're ready! Keep the questions coming and Good Luck!