Emperor 400

theevoys

theevoys

SW Newbie
Apr 9, 2004
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Prescott, AZ
www.streamline-webdesign.com
I am probably buying 2 Emperor 400s for a 55 sw tank (my first) after Ray told me that's what he uses. They are significantly less expensive than a CPR Back Pak 2 protein skimmer and 2 Aqua Clear 402 Powerheads. The thing I am wondering about is: are they loud? Will they be good and efficient to use on a tank that won't have much live rock for at least a couple months? What are the pros and cons of going this route. Thanks for your help in advance!
Jason
 
Keep in mind that Ray and I have different appraoaches, so you may end up more, rather than less confused when I'm done. I believe that Ray uses the emperors for circulation, and relies entirely on the LR and DSB for filtration. If you don't have live rock, you won't have significant biological filtration. The Emperors are pretty quiet, so that's not really an issue.

[Fire drill! Have to finish this in a minute!]
[back]

The skimmer does a very different job, removing organic wastes before they break down. Yes it will be cheaper not to have one, and some argue that they remove essential nutrients and plankton. On the other hand, it is really unclear how much "good stuff" is really removed by skimming, and many consider skimming to be a cornerstone of keeping nutrients (and therefore nuisance algae) under control. People have shown that either way will work.

If you do go for a skimmer, a bakpak will probably be underpowered for a 55, and a remora or remora pro will probably be a better idea.
 
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You're Right

You were right... now I am more confused.

I was figuring he uses the Emperors with lots of lr and cleaning crew. I won't have a large amount of lr for a while. I was planning on buying base rock from hirock on ebay and then just getting a little bit of lr. I understand that means it will take longer for everything to become 'natural', but I don't have large amounts of cash lying around to be spent on live rock.

It's difficult to decide which way to go. Some people say their skimmer is pointless and doesn't collect hardly anything. Some people say they are a necessity for a healthy tank. I will probably go with the Emperors for now and then upgrade later (although many people don't like that logic). But, then again if I upgrade later I'll have a headstart on a second tank as far as equipment goes. :) Thanks for your input.
Jason
 
Some people say their skimmer is pointless and doesn't collect hardly anything.
Click to expand...
Then it's a lousy skimmer. A good skimmer will collect a lot of foul gunk in a week.

In a way, it's not an either/or thing. You can use a skimmer in addition to the emperors if you decide to get it later.
 
You can look at your situation two ways.

One is that you can just forget about the skimmer for such a small marine tank because you are going to wind up upgrading more sooner or later anyway. A 55 is a good start, but no one sticks with it. Anyone that starts with a 55 usually upgrades in a year when all of their fish get bigger and demand a bigger tank to remain healthy.

On the other hand though, there are some people that say a good marine tank should not go without a protein skimmer, regardless of size, unless you are consistent with weekly water changes. Marine fish are a lot less forgiving them fresh water ones, and require better water conditions.

Me personally, I would have a protein skimmer on the tank even though you are doing the Emperors and stocking the live rock. Once you do eventually upgrade, a well-established 55 gallon tank will be nice to have running because first off, it will be a good tank for your smaller, less "showy" fish. All of the show fish will eventually wind up in the larger tank that you decide to upgrade to. However, if a certain fish is being bullied in your large, show tank, you will always have that option of acclimating him into the 55 to keep him safe.

Remember, you are doing a marine fish tank. The most important thing is that you should not skimp on the important supplies that run your tank. You are trying to recreate the ocean for these fish that you will be keeping. A protein skimmer is a very important thing for any marine or reef tank, and it will definitely help to keep your tank cleaner (that is, if you buy something of value, and not just the cheapest one on the rack).
 
Jason, Sorry I did not get back to you as quickly as normal. I send you a PM earlier today.

I use the filter media in the Emperor 400s 24/7. I do use the LS and LR for filtration, but the carbon in the 400s help also. The media is also a safe place for pods like Gramma Shrimp to multiply on. You can leave the bio-wheels in and get excellent bio-filtration. I used to take them out because people said they interfere with the LS and LR. I started leaving them in and see no difference in the tanks with them and without them.


Quote by CrazzE8z "Marine fish are a lot less forgiving them fresh water ones, and require better water conditions. "

I personally consider that a myth. I've seen little if any difference in their hardiness.

As to protien skimmers. I use them on some tanks and do not on other tanks. Personally I think with LS and LR they are not needed. I do the same water changes on tanks with and without them. They stay just as clean as each other.

Ray
 
Can someone tell me exactly how far an Emperor 400 hang off the back off the tank? I am placing my new tank against the wall tonight (if I get an answer), but I don't want to put it so close the Emperors won't fit in between the tank and the wall when they arrive in a couple days. I am setting it up so the sand settles before the 2 Emperors arrive. Thanks a million!!!
Jason
 
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