Tank on a Budget Any Ideas?

[xxnonamexx]

My friend is looking to set up a 55 or 90gal tank. saltwater FOWLR. He has an existing 55 gal. he may get a 90 gal. What filteration do you reccomend for A)If he uses existing He needs a filter hangon. B)If he gets a 90 gal he will get the tank from glasscages and have predrilled. Most likey compact flourescents for lighting. Filtration what do you recommend. Thanks

 

[MatthewScars]

90g, get a 30g from petland ($35). Go to a glass shop and get 4 baffles cut for you ($30). Go to home deput and buy Silcone ($5). PVC + Glue (~$20). Or turn the 55 into a sump if it fits in your stand or whatever. Just need bigger baffles and another tube of silcone.

Get some cheato, LR, and a skimmer and your set.

Since its a FO tank, id suggest a good skimmer. Octo NW150/200 should be good.

 

[Deanos]

Live Rock is the filtration I recommend.

 

[aznt1217]

Really depends on how he is looking to stock the tank.

Does he want to go with a sump and how much maintenance is he willing to do?

Both methods and setups I would use Liverock with only because I think it looks nice, but keep in mind LR costs do add to the costs.

- If he goes sumpless (which many people do not prefer here). I would buy an Aquaripure Denitrator (not necessary, but I prefer it because I am a lazy reefer), Octopus Recirculating DNW110 Skimmer, and some type of canister filter to run carbon. -- This would be a VERY quiet set up and virtually maintenance free by the way.

- If he has a sump he has two options.

A EuroStyle-- Basically to house equipment and if he wants to set up a refugium like recommended above.

Wetdry trickle filter-- Which is basically a BioBalls set up. Wetdry trickle filters aren't preferred by hobbyists because the potential for detritus build up, but with proper maitenance procedures (meaning periodically cleaning about 1/4 of the Bioballs and dipping it in RO water).

 

[xxnonamexx]

thanks for the tips, Trickle Filter is what I was thinking as well. He will opt out of a refugium. Powercompacts is what he is looking for as lighting. I did trickle filter when I had a 55 gal. but tossed the bioballs and used live rock in the sump as well as carbon and a skimmer. How about pricing when all said and done? estimate for a setup on a budget. Any trickle filters do you recommend?