canister filter vs. sump & skimmer

[mcgilacoty]

I'm new to this game and would like some input on the canister filters versus a sump and skimmer setup. I am working on 55 gallon saltwater tank with corals, live rock, and fish. Low maintenance is important but so is cost (of course). Also, I would like to have auto top-off capability. Any input regarding any possible configuration is welcomed!

[MissT]

Low maintenance is important
I would like to have auto top-off capability.

Short answer:
You just talked yourself out of the canister filter

[mcgilacoty]

ok... so no to the canister filter. what do you recommend for the top-off config?

[MissT]

do you have room for a seperate reservoir for top off water storage?

if so, check out www.autotopoff.com or top-off.com. If not, you'd need a switch and solenoid hooked up to an RO unit, but IMO, it's risky to plumb it that way if your solenoid or switch fails because it wouldn't stop pumping water until you manually stopped it.

[mcgilacoty]

good stuff, misti. thanks!

how does the switch work? is it connected to the reserve pump in the sump?

[MissT]

the float switch would usually be connected to a relay which supplies or denies electricity to your feed pump based on the level of the water. when the water level goes too low, the relay will receive a signal from the switch and supply electricity to your pump in your reservoir (usually a small powerhead), and once the switch is back in its normal position, the relay will shut the pump off...
I hope I didn't make that sound more complicated than it should be because the concept is really simple.
hth

[mcgilacoty]

i think i got it. can it use the excess water in the sump to top off the tank or do i need a separate reservoir?

[joelb]

another route you can take is instead of a wet/dry is you can just place an aquarium under the tank (the biggest one that will fit down there with your auto topoff) and ask the local fish store for the algae that grows in the refuge and place that in the tank below along with your skimmer, some liverock and a light. you wont need to use a single filter pad so virtually no maintance at all and the algae that you buy will do a better job keeping your water clean that any filter pad. its natural filtration. good luck

[joelb]

you will need a separate reservoir. your sump will keep you main display topped off always but the extra reservoir (with freash water) will keep your sump topped to the desired level.

[aquasport24]

ask some people there if you can look at their set up ,so you can have better ideas.You are welcome to look at mine if you ever come this way. It is not the best, but it gives you some ideas.

[mcgilacoty]

is there a supplier that carries a sump or refugium kit for a 55 gallon tank? it sure would make it easier to just plug it in and go instead of buying individual components.

another thought... does anyone have any experience with the lifegard customflo plumbing apparatus? i'm contemplating using that along with a wave box or powerhead for in tank flow. suggestions?

[stoneroller]

Check with the LFSs in Austin. See our sponsor list. They usually have sump kits; you'll need an overflow unless your tank is drilled. PS. I made my own sump using a 15 gallon aquarium and siliconed acrylic plates for baffles.

Personally I wouldn't use something as complicated as the customflow. I'd go with loc-line on the return pump. For current you should depend on dedicated current pumps like the Koralias, Seio and Tunze$. I'd be surprised if a 55 would handle a wavebox. My $0.02

[longhorna95]

I use to do the filter pads and bio balls, they work good and are cheap at first but the natural way is a lot better, I think going to the LFS and seeing everything put togther will help with any anxiety you might have with putting your system together, I wish I would have gone to my LFS a lot more when I was at your stage, it can save you a lot of hassel and problems you might face.