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joshp0604

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I’m working on building a 40 gallon reef tank. I know that the best option for setting the tank up is with a stump but I don’t have room for that so I’m wondering what is the best hang on the back filter or canister filter. I would like to be able to grow some corals and have a few fish and try to have Clearwater.
 
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joshp0604

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I’m working on building a 40 gallon reef tank. I know that the best option for setting the tank up is with a stump but I don’t have room for that so I’m wondering what is the best hang on the back filter or canister filter. I would like to be able to grow some corals and have a few fish and try to have Clearwater.
 
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joshp0604

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I’m working on building a 40 gallon reef tank. I know that the best option for setting the tank up is with a stump but I don’t have room for that so I’m wondering what is the best hang on the back filter or canister filter. I would like to be able to grow some corals and have a few fish and try to have Clearwater.
 

Mr. Mojo Rising

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An option that I prefer is the hob skimmer and hob filter combo. I have good experience with Aquamaxx (now Aquaready) hob skimmers and I use both tidal and Aquaclear filters, they both work well.
 

That Crusso Kid

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I’m working on building a 40 gallon reef tank. I know that the best option for setting the tank up is with a stump but I don’t have room for that so I’m wondering what is the best hang on the back filter or canister filter. I would like to be able to grow some corals and have a few fish and try to have Clearwater.
Welcome to Reef 2 Reef, Josh!

I hate when someone answers one of my questions with, "It depends." However, in this instance, my answer to you is, "It depends." It depends on what you want to keep in the 40 gallon. Also, is it a 40 gallon breeder tank?

In what part of Illinois do you reside? I ask because there are quite a number of R2Rers that live in Illinois. One of them is @fishguy242 and he is an encyclopedia of info.
 

GHOSTLY

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You can try the fluval fx2 or similar canisters. Saltwater differs because a lot of your bacteria is gonna be in your rock and sand
 

Reefuzz

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I’m working on building a 40 gallon reef tank. I know that the best option for setting the tank up is with a stump but I don’t have room for that so I’m wondering what is the best hang on the back filter or canister filter. I would like to be able to grow some corals and have a few fish and try to have Clearwater.
I loved my reef octopus HOB when I had one.
 

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If you want to avoid the extra cost and complexity of running a sump, I would suggest that you look into an All-In-One (AIO) aquarium. These tanks have a false back panel that creates an area to hold filter media and other gear. These tank look much nicer than using hang-on-back gear, and work very well.

For example:

If you want to stick with a more traditional aquarium and use HOB gear, I'd look into the AquaClear filters are my favorite, or the SeaChem Tidal is another popular choice. Get the largest one that you can, ignore the suggested tank volumes on the box.

Good luck with whatever you decide!
 

Fish Fan

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Get an AIO tank . They have room in the back for everything you need
I just suggested this on the OP's other thread 🤣
 

Evensong

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When you say you don't have room for a sump, what do you mean exactly? If you're going for a 40 breeder, that's 36" x 18" and you can fit a sump underneath. Alternatively, you can run your plumbing to an adjacent room or in the basement (unless you're in an apartment or another situation where that's not feasible).

You can definitely go without a sump. But they do have benefits, so if the only issue for you is space, it might be worth considering some solutions.
 

Naekuh

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seachem tidal is the best HOB for reef.

It uses a real Sicce pump, has the largest open bin area, and is much quieter then the aquaclear which is the next runner up.

Id advise against a canister.
They are what is known as a phosphate factory if you are not meticulous in maintance, or have it setup so its more of a media reactor then an actual filter.
 

Fish Fan

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seachem tidal is the best HOB for reef.
Oh yeah, the SeaChem Tidals are great, if you like having bright, blue pieces of plastic in the back of your tank 🤣 🙃🤪

213129-seachem-tidal-110gph-filtration-cv1.jpg
 

Freenow54

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I too like Fluval I have a 40 with just 307 full of mushrooms . Keep a small bio load . Also look at a marineland water clarifier expensive dedicated filters but mine is worth the price of admission to me.
 

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As stated above it all depends on what you plan to put in your tank. I for one suggest if you go sump-less a canister filter. I use the Oase Biomaster which combines an easy to clean pre filter and a heater. I have several and love them and never had issues with high nutrients If you go that route I would suggest the Biomaster 350. Depending on how deep you get into the hobby and how deep your pockets are having a canister filter allows you to add an in line UV sterilizer if you want. I would also suggest a HOB protein skimmer. Again if you go this route leave at least 4” between the wall and the back of the tank. That said it might be better for you to look into AIO’s as suggested I am not a fan of HOB filters but that’s just me. Good luck and let us know what you decide on. We are always happy to help!
 

resortez

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My personal opinion & speaking from experience, if you have room for a canister filter, I recommend a canister filter. Go with a canister filter that comes with a UV, 4 tray minimum. Good luck
 
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joshp0604

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I’m working on building a 40 gallon reef tank. I know that the best option for setting the tank up is with a stump but I don’t have room for that so I’m wondering what is the best hang on the back filter or canister filter. I would like to be able to grow some corals and have a few fish and try to have Clearwater.
Welcome to Reef 2 Reef, Josh!

I hate when someone answers one of my questions with, "It depends." However, in this instance, my answer to you is, "It depends." It depends on what you want to keep in the 40 gallon. Also, is it a 40 gallon breeder tank?

In what part of Illinois do you reside? I ask because there are quite a number of R2Rers that live in Illinois. One of them is @fishguy242 and he is an encyclopedia of info.
I live in southern Illinois man and yes it is a 40 breeder
 
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joshp0604

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My personal opinion & speaking from experience, if you have room for a canister filter, I recommend a canister filter. Go with a canister filter that comes with a UV, 4 tray minimum. Good luck
Okay what all would you run in the canister filter and what canister would you run
 
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joshp0604

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As stated above it all depends on what you plan to put in your tank. I for one suggest if you go sump-less a canister filter. I use the Oase Biomaster which combines an easy to clean pre filter and a heater. I have several and love them and never had issues with high nutrients If you go that route I would suggest the Biomaster 350. Depending on how deep you get into the hobby and how deep your pockets are having a canister filter allows you to add an in line UV sterilizer if you want. I would also suggest a HOB protein skimmer. Again if you go this route leave at least 4” between the wall and the back of the tank. That said it might be better for you to look into AIO’s as suggested I am not a fan of HOB filters but that’s just me. Good luck and let us know what you decide on. We are always happy to help!
Thank you for the advice man
 

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