Ready to Start

ajb1965 · Jul 13, 2020

After 10+ years of FW Aquariums, I am ready to take the leap of faith into Saltwater. I am spending a little time researching the best equipment and reading reviews as i have a pretty limited budget to get started. I have a 37 gallon Bow front tank which will be Live rock and fish (for now!!).
I just wanted some input on questions and some of the decisions already going through my mind.
I am think I am going with crushed coral over sand (Fiji pink crushed coral).
Now my first question is, is there a Filter and protein skimmer combined unit?
I am sure I will have more questions as I research more, but look forward to some guidance here.

Fred2482 · Jul 13, 2020

Welcome! I am unaware of any effective skimmer combos.

Bryn · Jul 13, 2020

Welcome to R2R.

New&no clue · Jul 13, 2020

Welcome to the Reef.

Do you plan to have a sump or do HOB?

WIReefer · Jul 13, 2020

Welcome to R2R!!!

ajb1965 · Jul 13, 2020

HOB.
I did find these:

Coralife

Carolina Products

KrisReef · Jul 13, 2020

The protein skimmer is a filter, along with live rock (and sand) substrate.

The other filter people use is a filter sock or rollermat for mechanical filtration. The salt world is different than fresh in how mechanical filtration is achieved, often with a skimmer and filter sock only.

Welcome to Reef2Reef!
Edit: Oh, start a build thread and post your questions along the way! This thread will provide a lot of meme's and welcomes. Starting a build thread can also be a great way to get answers.
(I started with guppies!)

andrewey · Jul 13, 2020

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

fishface NJ · Jul 13, 2020

Hello and welcome to R2R!!!!

Ippyroy · Jul 13, 2020

Welcome to R2R!

Peace River · Jul 13, 2020

Welcome to Reef2Reef!!!

BighohoReef · Jul 13, 2020

Welcome to R2R! You're jumping into the deep end of the pool, my friend! As you can already tell tons of great knowledge here! Looking forward to seeing your tank up and running!

Jimbhoy13 · Jul 13, 2020

Welcome to R2R and the salty world. Lots of knowledgable and helpful people here who will support and advise you when needed. KrisReef answered your question well.

Billldg · Jul 13, 2020

Welcome to R2R!!!

Glott3133 · Jul 13, 2020

Welcome to R2R. Keep up with the research and just jump right in. You'll figure a lot out as you're working in it. I didn't understand what a lot of people were telling me until I had to deal with the situation.

ajb1965 · Jul 13, 2020

I also looked into this, which looks like a better option and adding a Protein Skimmer
Cannister Filter

Peace River · Jul 13, 2020

ajb1965 said:
I also looked into this, which looks like a better option and adding a Protein Skimmer
Cannister Filter

A canister filter comes with its own challenges, but if you don't have a sump then it can be a workable mechanical filtration option along with regular water testing and water changes. IMO you will want to clean the canister on a regular basis.