Sump filtration

[Capslock]

I have everything in my tank and sump running.

I have 40 lbs of live sand in the display tank and 12 lbs of live rock in the sump.

Of course, since my tank just turned on this weekend all tests show perfect numbers.

Either way, when it comes to the filters in the sump.
I dont have a protein skimmer yet and that is planned for a future date.
I do have live rock though as I said.

Now I know I am missing bio balls, filter floss, etc but I have read that those are not needed since the live rock takes care of the biological filter.
The pump also has a filter attached so nothing bad goes into it.

I can tell that there is more than enough aeration in my entire tank

What other filter should I place into my sump?

 

[ChrisRD]

IMO nothing else is really required for full time filtration. I like to run a quality activated carbon and sometimes use a micron sock to help remove detritus when I storm the rock with a powerhead, but neither of those need to be run all the time.

Personally, I would be running a skimmer from day 1 unless the rock/sand you have is cured stuff that you got locally and you know there won't be much die off. If it's not cured and you have no skimmer I'd keep an eye on ammonia and have some new saltwater ready to go for a possible large water change.

 

[Capslock]

Chris, thanks.

I intend on getting a protein skimmer. I don't want to be skimpy on cost and I don't have the cash now. Fortunatly the live rock and sand is from locally owned stores. The rock had been in their tanks for about two weeks so I imagine little die off.

Ill be keeping track of that ammonia.

I also have 5 gal of salt water ready to go just in case