Back in the game....

[derek_drennan]

Hello all!
It’s been a while since I have posted on the site, so long in fact that my ID had been deactivated. I am happy to see that reefs.org is alive and well.
After a long break, I have decided to get back into the hobby and I am looking for some advice. I had kept tanks of various sizes for almost 6 years during college and after, but due to the fact that I travel for work, I decided to take down my setup for fear that I would neglect it. However, after thinking about it for a long time, I am ready to jump head first back into the mix.
So here is my question(s). My work situation has still not changed, as I am gone four days a week and I am constrained by space into a small 25 gallon tank (read: no sump possibilities). What I am looking for is suggestions for filtration for the tank with the hopes that it could be left alone safely for four days at a time. The tank would have LR, LS, etc. It would probably be similar to my old tank ---> http://www.derekdrennan.com/gallery/Old-Reef-Tank. The only difference is I would not be there during the week to make sure everything was okay as I was in school, hence the question about strong filtration. Is this a possibility? Or a pipedream? Any thoughts and suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Derek

 

[Len]

Welcome back to our community and the hobby, Derek

The main thing I'd be concerned about is top-off for extended leave. I recommend a dosing pump to help with this.

Filtration-wise, a good hang-on skimmer like the AquaC Remora will serve you well. They are pretty much set and forget, and four-seven days absence will be no problem.

Of course, you'll also need some timers to automate the lights, but other then that you're all set. I used to be away from my tank for 5 days at a time and it survived without me just fine.

 

[derek_drennan]

I still have my old backpack filter (I think is it a CPR). Would that do well, or have there been technological advances since that last time I went to a store (1999) that would be worth looking into? Also, would it help for me to have 2 back pack filters?
D

 

[Len]

A single bakpak for a 25 gallon should suffice. I don't think getting a second is necessary. There are better hang-on skimmers nowadays (like the Remora) but with such a small tank. the single bakpak you have should do. It's up to you if you want to spend more money on a better skimmer