I’m new and I need

BullyBee · Mar 19, 2020

Hey now. So I’m new to saltwater. I come from the planted tank side of the hobby and I’m not leaving the planted tank hobby, I just want to do saltwater as well.

I’m setting up a saddle puffer (or something like it) tank. I love puffers. In the freshwater/brackish world I always hear you can’t have enough filtration. I have a Seachem tidal 55, 35 and a Fluval 307 lying around. So whether or not I use a sump or a HOB protein skimmer, i was wondering for I could put any of those to use.

if I can put any of those to use on the saltwater tank which ones would you use and why?

thanks

Peace River · Mar 19, 2020

I’ll let others jump in with filtration recommendation for a puffer tank, but I want to say #WelcometoR2R!!!

@EmilyXLC

windemerejack · Mar 19, 2020

Hi and welcome from the UK. Very friendly and knowledgeable folk on here, you will love it.

NeSsyAqua · Mar 19, 2020

Welcome to R2R!! If it is just a fish only aquarium then I dont see any problems using those filtration that u have.

BullyBee · Mar 19, 2020

is It true canister filters need to be cleaned every 3-4 days with salt water

Mastiffsrule · Mar 19, 2020

Welcome to the show,

usually you need the heavy filtration for puffers for the size most of them get and their potential to release toxins. I would ask first what size tank are you using, any other tank mates, and any other filters.

then we could get an idea.

BullyBee · Mar 19, 2020

It would solely be a puffer tank. It would be something like a 40 breeder or a 55 gallon or even a 65 gallon. as for substrate I’m either gonna do sand or a bare bottom. I’ve done bare bottom before, only with axolotl’s. Not sure if the same applies in salt.

as of right now I am ordering a hob protein skimmer tonight and can either use a canister filter or a Seachem tidal 55 (if it’s the 40 breeder) or a Seachem 75 if it’s the 55 or 65gallon.

the only piece of equipment I have right now is a Aqamai KPM or S (the bigger one). I got it a while ago for a freshwater venture that never worked out and i have regretted the purschase. Maybe now I’ll find a use for it.

BullyBee · Mar 19, 2020

For the record I am looking at coral life, octo or Eshopps for the hob skimmer.

deftonead · Mar 19, 2020

Canister filters would work fine. Im not familiar with those but if you can, put biomedia in there. Like stated above if there is a filter pad in there it will probably need to be cleaned at least once a week. Puffers are really messy eaters so it with clog easily. And if there is carbon it will need to be changed once a month or you run the risk of it leaching back into the aquarium.