new reef tank-equipment questions pt.2

[johns]

OK. SO I went to the LFS this afternoon to look at hang on back protein skimmers and sump systems.

The most surprising thing I saw in operation was the AQUACLEAR AQUATICS PRO 75 WET/DRY FILTER W/PREFILTER

Surprising because it was not too expensive (just a bit more than a good hang on back), and not really very noisy either. The tube from the overflow came into this system underneath the water level, so there wasn't much water sound.

I realize this is a wet-dry, which is considered a big "No-No" right now. But I figure, I would just remove the bioballs and use it simply as a sump tank with an area to do the protein skimming, heating, etc. Maybe the area with the bioballs could be used to house something else in the future?

So what do people think about this brand? How is the protein skimmer that it comes with, since that is going to be it's main use?

thanks again
johns

 

[PeeJ]

i have the same wet dry...its not big enough for a decent sized skimmer...

i.e. i have a kent nautilus and it donest fit.

if you are going to take out the bio balls, just get the overflow box for like 50 bucks, and pipe it into a rubbermad container.

i drilled my wet/dry and it gravity drains into a rubbermaid tank where all the goodies sit.

http://community.webshots.com/user/sicksixxx6

 

[johns]

Well the one I'm talking about has a built-in skimmer, so it's not the same one exactly. see here:
http://www.pet-expo.com/Aqua_Clear.htm

There's also a CPR unit available with a built in skimmer - CY192. see here:
http://www.marinedepot.com/a_ps_cpr_sr_info.asp

The tank I want to use one of these on is a 75 gallon. They are both wet-drys, but with either one I can just remove the biomedia and use it as a convenient sump box/skimmer unit. Sounds really good to me, but I'm new to this. What do the experts think? Any opinions on these two units?

Johns

 

[Anonymous]

An Aqua-C Remore Pro Hang on would be fine for a 75.

Just make sure you get the "pro" and not the regualr one.

 

[johns]

Ahhhh! Help!

Yesterday when I started my first thread on this site, I was asking which hang on tank skimmer would work best for me. People wrote back generally saying I should really invest in a pre-drilled tank and sump system.

Now I'm asking about AquaClear and CPR sumps with built in skimmers, and I'm being told to look at hang on tank skimmers. :?

I understand your point-perhaps these aren't the very best choices on the market for skimmers? But these sumps with simmers have very similar cost to a Remora Pro hang on tank. For a similar price to get that off the tank down below in a sump seems worthwhile.

Johns

 

[Anonymous]

If the tank is drilled, go with a sump and a good skimmer.

If the tank is not drilled, go with the remora pro. Remora Pro is good enough to not have to deal with the jheadache of overflow boxes.


PS. Ask 10 people for the best skimmer, and you'll get 12 answers.