hang on filtration

[hkalmus]

Hi, I have a new tank, 40 gallons, 60 lbs. live rock. I was sold a Skilter 400 for the filtration system and I hate this thing. First, it falls apart at the slightest provocation (all of the plastic to plastic connections are very loose) but the real problem is that the protein skimmer makes an unacceptable amount of noise and fills the entire tank with bubbles. Does anyone have any replacement suggestions (quieter and better) without moving to an elaborate wet/dry under tank system? Or, any suggestions for an under tank system suitable for this size tank? Thanks

[K9Decoy]

10 or 20 gallon sump maybe? I've read that HOT power filters are pretty much a waste of money for SW tanks anyways since all you do is remove the filter media and use the thing for water circulation. I think you should spend your money on powerheads instead.

[TKOS]

Yeah, powerheads are the way to go. Save the HOB if you can't return it as you can use it if you ever have to run carbon in the tank (after you use meds etc...).

[hkalmus]

Thanks for the replies. When you say powerheads, aren't these simply for circulating water or creating currents? Do they serve a filtering function? Thanks

[mogurnda]

For a HOB skimmer, go with an AquaC RemoraPro. It's probably the only HOB skimmer rated for a tank of that size.

Powerheads are good, a closed loop system will also work.

Whether you need more filtration than a skimmer depends on your plans. If you are doing a reef, I would not add additional filtration.

[TKOS]

The powerheads do provide circulation. They move the water through the LR which does the filter function. You still need water movement to get the LR to function as a valid filtering system.

[BrianH]

I second the Remora pro.

Brian

[hkalmus]

Thanks again for the info. To summarize, a protein skimmer such as the Remora pro, plus the live rock and a powerhead should do the trick?

[TKOS]

You may wish to have a couple of powerheads. The trick is to try and avoid any dead areas that have no circulation. You also want to look at turning over the water at 5-6 times tank capacity per hour.

[hkalmus]

OK, so I'm ready to go with the Remora Pro. Does anyone have any personal experience with it. My main concern is noise level, since it will be exposed and in my living room. My initial problem at the beginning of this thread was that the Skilter skimmer makes a horrible hissing noise.Is the remora Pro quiet? Thanks again. H

[BrianH]

The remora pro does make some noise(not as much as the skilter). All skimmers do. The only way to have a quiet skimmer is to use an in-sump model that is behind closed doors inside your cabinet or in another room.

If you want, turn it off while your using the living room. Just make sure you turn it back on when not using the room.

Brian

[dethjam316]

i think i'm one of the few people who've ever had success with the skilter...haha. i have a 400 on a 20g, and i just run the skimmer (which actually works for me) while i'm at work or class, and turn it off when i'm in the room with it. it is a noisy thing. the filter itself i've never had any problems with it, and along with the emperor filters, they're some of the only HOB filters i've ever used that don't jam up easily or stop or make offensive noises. not really a helpful reply...sorry!

[BrianH]

Deth,

While your probably getting some skimmate from the skilter, I can almost guarantee that you would see double the skimmate from one of the better performing skimmers such as the remora or bak pak.

That being said, you'd also see much higher performance from a high quality in-sump skimmer(such as the Aqua C EV series) over the remora or bak pak.

Brian

[dethjam316]

no doubt. i only have 1 damsel in there at the moment, along with some live rock and critters, so i have a pretty low bioload. this tank was my first venture into SW, and i plan to REALLY get into it when i have a bit more expendable income.

[plantman1028]

try the amiracle sl-5 or the larger sl-15.Both have an "in sump" skimmer ,plus you get the wet/dry too.I use one on my 30 and it works great.