Fluval evo Filtration

[FrostyWriter021]

I have a fluval evo evo 13.5 gallon and it's my first reef, looking back I should have waited and got a job and at least a 30-gallon before starting. I am looking for the best filtration system, I had bought a protein skimmer but it was a bio cube one and it was recommended by the local store and I didn't think and it don't fit in the back chamber. I have ceramic bio balls or whatever in the back and I use filter floss. I have bought Chemi Elite for phosphate but it's quite expensive for someone who don't have a job so I am looking for any recommendations as to what to do with filtration. I haven't tested parameters much either such as cal, mag or alk. I have been trying different salts and rightt now I am on tropic marin but I am also heard of people saying to use reef crystal but I ain't sure.

 

[Idech]

You should first test your water to determine if what you have right now works. With a small bioload, filter floss and sponges will be enough. Especially if you do weekly water changes, which is easy to do in a small tank.

Many people don’t need to use a skimmer in those small tanks.

 

[MoshJosh]

I think the Fluval Evo tanks are great, the 5 gallon version was my first saltwater tank. As said above, if you keep your bioload low and do weekly water changes you should be fine and can skip the skimmer.

That said, In-Tank makes some cool media baskets that can help with directing flow and organizing media:

inTank Chamber One Media Basket for Fluval Evo 13.5 | Fluval Evo 52L

Improve your Fluval 13.5's filtration with an inTank Media Basket

intankaquatics.com

If you are looking for cheap carbon options you can get hang on back filter replacement bags. Here is a pack of three for like six bucks:

https://www.chewy.com/aquaclear-activated-carbon-filter/dp/210281?utm_source=google-product&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=AquaClear&utm_campaign=20822266073&utm_term=&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIkM3Qsf_qhAMV9szCBB2A3whdEAQYBCABEgLCtfD_BwE