set up saltwater aquarium

Question
I just purchased a 65 gallon tank. I want to set up a saltwater tank.  I have been reading about filters and would like to use a canister. What I have read tells me to start with a fish only tank. At some point I want to use live sand and live rock. What kind of filtration do you suggest? And do I need a protein skimmer?

Tracy

Answer
Tracy,
First things first, I think it's great that you said you've been reading.  Most hobbiests just dive right in without taking some time to educate themselves and then they find themselves having trouble and eventually failing.

That being said, a great book that I'd recommend for any marine hobbiest is the Conscientious Marine Aquarist by Bob Fenner.  It is full of current information from aquarium set up to species selection, etc.  You'll always be referring back to it.

There is no reason why you can't use live rock and sand in a fish only aquarium.  It will help you cycle get the aquarium faster, provide a natural environment for the fish so they are more secure and it will provide natural food sources for the fish.  I strongly recommend using it in your tank and then if you decide down the road that you want to go to a reef environment all you'll have to do is upgrade your lighting.

Canister filters are great methods of filtration.  For your size tank I'd recommend using two Magnum 350 Deluxe canisters. These are affordable filters that are easy to work with and if maintained properly last for years.  I have some that I've had for almost 15 years.  You'll primarily be using these for mechanical and chemical filtration.

If you use these then I would also recommend using the CPR BakPak2 protein skimmer.  Again it's affordable and is extremely easy to work with.  Literally, you hang it on the back of the tank and plug it in.  You'll spend more time filling out the registration card than you will setting it up.

With this filtration set up you'll have more than enough filtration and water circulation.

We stock the CPR BakPak skimmers on our online catalog at www.aquariumcrazyfish.com so you are more than welcome to get more information about them there.  We do not carry the Magnum's but they are available at just about any local pet store.

Best of luck with your tank!

Regards,
Scott Johnson
Aquarium Crazy Fish
www.aquariumcrazyfish.com