1. Do I need a protein skimmer for a 20 Gallon long tank? I’ve seen many mixed opinions
2. Is a HOB filter ok for a reef tank? I originally thought so and bought one rated for a maximum of a 33 gallon tank but very recently I saw a few people say there are like detritus factories and stuff. I really don’t want to buy a protein skimmer especially if I go with such a small tank like say a 20-29 gallon. Would the HOB work fine with live rock and live sand? I also plan on replacing the pads once a month or so.
3. Should I get a 20 long or a 29 gallon? I originally wanted to get a 75 gallon but chose to instead go much smaller and get some other stuff I want with the leftover money. But a 29 won’t cost too much more than a 20 long right? The sand needed would roughly be the same, just the live rock is the only difference. But a lot of people have said that 29s are awkward in shape and are odd to aquascape, 20 long would be nice cause I would have more light options since the tank is shallow, PAR would be greater. What would you suggest?
4. Tying in with my previous question, should I get a 20 long, 29, or a 40 breeder? I want to save money and dont feel like buying a protein skimmer. I really want to buy some other stuff as well, what do you suggest?
5. so in my HOB it has a blue pad with carbon in it, how often should I change this out? Once a month? Week? And instead of buying new pads, can I just use big 6 foot pads that I can cut into the shapes I need for my tank (there are like pond filter pads, the big blue ones I forgot what they were called)? Basically, the mechanical filtration is the one that needs replacing every week/month right?
2. Is a HOB filter ok for a reef tank? I originally thought so and bought one rated for a maximum of a 33 gallon tank but very recently I saw a few people say there are like detritus factories and stuff. I really don’t want to buy a protein skimmer especially if I go with such a small tank like say a 20-29 gallon. Would the HOB work fine with live rock and live sand? I also plan on replacing the pads once a month or so.
3. Should I get a 20 long or a 29 gallon? I originally wanted to get a 75 gallon but chose to instead go much smaller and get some other stuff I want with the leftover money. But a 29 won’t cost too much more than a 20 long right? The sand needed would roughly be the same, just the live rock is the only difference. But a lot of people have said that 29s are awkward in shape and are odd to aquascape, 20 long would be nice cause I would have more light options since the tank is shallow, PAR would be greater. What would you suggest?
4. Tying in with my previous question, should I get a 20 long, 29, or a 40 breeder? I want to save money and dont feel like buying a protein skimmer. I really want to buy some other stuff as well, what do you suggest?
5. so in my HOB it has a blue pad with carbon in it, how often should I change this out? Once a month? Week? And instead of buying new pads, can I just use big 6 foot pads that I can cut into the shapes I need for my tank (there are like pond filter pads, the big blue ones I forgot what they were called)? Basically, the mechanical filtration is the one that needs replacing every week/month right?