Best mechanical equipment available

[kreblak]

I am about to begin doing some serious upgrading to my main tank. I have several questions:

1- Does anyone have any direct experience with the Prizm Deluxe skimmer? Specifically, does it come ready to go, how much tweaking is involved, and how noisey is it?

2- Does anyone have any direct experience with the Aquaclear model 802 powerhead? I currently have an AC 201 powerhead running on my QT, and it has worked well. How noisey is an 802, and does it really move 400 GPH? Also, has anyone used the 901 model?

3- My current lighting setup is miserable. I have a 36" twin bulb loaded with the standard flourescents. I don't even know the wattage. Can I put a 30w actinic bulb and a 10000 k 30w bulb in my existing light fixture? Granted this would only give me 60 watts of lighting (over 46 gallons), but I feel that would be better than what I've got.

[VoodooChild]

1) I have a Prizm and I took it off, and now rely on lots of caulerpa, my live sand and rock, and weekly water changes. I'm much happier. It skimmed fine, but it was loud as hell!
2) No experience here, but I really like my 201's if that helps.
3) 36" twin bulbs should already put you at 60w. I'd try and find out.

[mogurnda]

Kreblak,
Most of what I can say is hearsay, so FWIW:
2. I hear good things about the 802. I have a 402, and it blasts, has been quiet and is reliable.
1. I hear bad things about the prism, but also that it's better now. I am a big fan of the Remora Pro.
3. Can you retrofit PC lights into your hood? Aquarium Hobbyist (http://www.ahsupply.com) has some great kits that can more than triple your output (if you can fit 2X 96W), and they are relatively easy to install if you have room. Then you would be able to have a whole lot more stuff.

[kreblak]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the information. I was afraid that the Prizm was noisey. I currently have a Skilter 400 running without media. It does a poor job of water movement, does a poor job of skimming, and is noisey as hell! Is the remora pro a HOT, self powered skimmer? More importantly, is it quiet?

Thanks also for the link to the hobby site. My lighting needs upgrading badly. I still have to figure out the details, but that site helped.

[mogurnda]

Is the remora pro a HOT, self powered skimmer? More importantly, is it quiet?

Yes, it is HOT and self-powered. Not very quiet, though.

[kreblak]

Is there such a thing as a nice, quiet, skimmer? :rolleyes:

[mogurnda]

IMO, only if it's in another room:D

[liquafaction]

I have a Red Sea, Berlin classic, for a skimmer.......... I have my aquarium in my master bedroom, and I can sleep with it. Seems quiet enough. They say in the booklet that comes with the skimmer (I don't know) but it works great as a mechanical filter as well.

I am just learning here at the moment, I know a lot of these other guys know better.

[BrianH]

Kreblak,


I think you'll find that the majority of experienced reefers will suggest the remora pro as the best HOT skimmer. If you want more skimming power that is a little more quiet, you'll have to move over to an in sump model.

Brian

[liquafaction]

all the remora pros that I have looked at are for tanks no larger than like 60 or 65 gal. What do you do in that case, buy multiple

[BrianH]

Actually the remora pro is rated for tanks up to 125 gallons. IMHO I would not think that it could handle anything much over 75gal.

Brian

[Kit Walker]

1) Not sure about that skimmer. I use a needle-wheel skimmer
made by Aqua-Medic and it doesn't seem to produce any noise
at all. Does a great job as well, but not as cheap as venturis.

2) I find the 802 to be an excellent powerhead. I currently use
mine to supply my UV. It moves plenty of water(almost like a
fire hose!) and works great with back pressure where I've found
cheaper units to suffer impeller vibrations. It is so quiet you
won't know it is switched on.

[rayjay]

I have 25 to 30 802's and find that cleaning in white vinegar about every 4 to 6 months keeps them in top shape.
I glue hydroponic baskets over the intake to keep fish from getting sucked up.