Filter Question

W

wattsd

AC Members
Mar 22, 2005
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What type of filter is everyone using and why? Should charcoal be included in the filtration system?

I have a 30g with two percula clowns, one gramma, and about 30+ lbs of LR.(also hermits and snails) I plan on getting more rock. When I first started out i had planned on a non-invert tank and many people had advised me to just go with the 330 penguin filtration system rather than a skimmer for cost efficiency. I not experiencing any problems with my set up yet but was just curious to hear of any horror stories regarding the bio-wheel/penguin.
For those of you not familiar with the penquin system; it filters 330 gal/hour, (I use the filters containing activated charcoal) I am also using CC in the "well" to accomplish the biological aspect of filtration.

It seems like most of you with SW tanks use the protein skimmer but nobody yet has given me a good reason to switch over. I only have two little clowns and a gramma, so the load on the system is quite small, but I am concerned about later use.

I would hate to have something happen to my fish because I mistakenly used the wrong filtration system.

Thanks for the input

~d
 
all taht is needed is live rock and a protien skimmer. most of us opt for that option because filters can be a big source of nitrates. nitrates are not good if you're going to keep corals. however, if you dont plan on keeping corals or anemones then the system you have set up now should be fine. another good thing about protein skimmers is all of the junk that they remove from the water. with a skimmer the water is more pure. HTH
 
If you are worried that something *might* happen, you can perform water tests frequently to insure water parameters are keeping where they should.

If your system works for you and the water tests keep coming back fine, you are in good shape. Kick back and enjoy the tank.

asaint
 
The skimmer does something different from a standard filter. It removes organic chemicals from the water before they can be broken down into nitrate, phosphate and dissolved carbon. An HOB filter like yours circulates the water past the trapped debris, allowing it to break down and for the nutrients to re-enter the tank. Once they are in the collection cup of the skimmer, compounds are removed.

Your fish will probably be fine with what you have, but I find it easier to maintain a tank in the long term using the combination of live rock, a good protein skimmer and a lot of circulation.
 
I have seen some relatively inexpensive skimmers online which are built into other filtration systems. I think the name of one is called a skilter filter. Should I go buy a whole new filtration setup which includes a skimmer of just buy one on its own? The price ranges vary quite a bit and I can only imagine that the quality goes down when prices go down. Is an venturi better than an air driven one? I have another thread going asking about which are best..
thanks for the assist
 
wattsd said:
I have seen some relatively inexpensive skimmers online which are built into other filtration systems. I think the name of one is called a skilter filter. Should I go buy a whole new filtration setup which includes a skimmer of just buy one on its own? The price ranges vary quite a bit and I can only imagine that the quality goes down when prices go down. Is an venturi better than an air driven one? I have another thread going asking about which are best..
thanks for the assist
Click to expand...

Personally I would stay away from the skilters. I have heard nothing but bad comments about them. From what I hear Aqua C Remora or the bak paks are really good skimmers. I use a Prizm skimmer and it isn't too bad, but it could do better. If possible, try to get the best skimmer you can afford. If you are serious about getting this system going then don't go too cheap on something like a skimmer.

Bradd
 
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Yeah I don't want to be cheap about this cause you get what you pay for regardless of what you are buying. The BakPak is looking good right now. I have seen them on here for about $100. I will ask around my LFS and see what they use, and if they can get me one cheaper (less cost) than what I see online. This is an investement but I am poor college student who doesn't want to make a purchase I will regret in a few months.
 
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