all in one canister/protein skimmer filter

chris383 · 04/11/2007, 03:58 PM

For filtration for my new 55 gallon up and coming reef tank project, I am considering purchasing the Tom AquaticsRapids Pro PS3 all in one canister filter and protein skimmer(in addition to live rock).

My question...does anyone have an opinion on this unit or ones like it? It seemed like the way to go for ease of use and cleaning.

Or, with a 55 gallon reef tank, what would someone suggest to do an excellent job of filtration without going overboard?
But I'm really interested in opinions on the Rapids Pro PS3.

kodyboy · 04/11/2007, 10:47 PM

I would look elsewhere, the skimmer is an airstone driven version, not good. Get a reefoctopus nw110 or an aquaeuro classic 135 (I would go for the aquaeuro myself) either are not too costly and would work well for a 55. Use a 20 gallon tank for a sump and get a good overflow (hurricane filters or lifereef) and a return pump. Put some live rock and chaetomorpha algae (along with a cheap light, I picked up a $20 desk lamp from home depot) to grow the algae. The sump/refugium + skimmer + live rock in your tank are all you need. In addition make sure your 55 has some decent water flow, 2 hydor Koralia 3's or 4's would be enough.

kodyboy · 04/11/2007, 10:48 PM

If you do not want a sump (and you do if you can, trust me

) get a D&D marine typhoon skimmer or an aquatraders (actually odyssea) ps160 skimmer and forget about the canister filter.

luke33 · 04/12/2007, 05:59 AM

The fiter you are talking about is not a canister filter, its a all in one sump, overflow and water top off station....and sad skimmer : ) I have seen one in my lfs. I think they are heading in a good direction as to making them fairly inexpensive but there not there yet. ONce they get a nice skimmer and a fuge for this thing, its not worth it. If they do taht and still keep the price fairly low, it will be a great product. The problem is you can't take out there skimmer and add a different one, its built in. I would build my own sump fuge and go that route. You can do it fairly cheap any more. Just get an external u-tube overflow and a good skimmer, there are many inexpensive skimmers that work well on this forum. Good luck!

luke33 · 04/12/2007, 06:04 AM

I think they made this to get more poeple into this hobby as many are scarred away by the filtration systems and expenses....a cheap alternative. WIll it work, yes, but will it work good....no. Here's the breakdown for a 55imo....on a budget. A 600gph u tube overflow....40, the largest rubbermaid you can fit...10 plus another for your fuge 10. Skimmer 100, return pump 50. So thats all you need for a good poor man's sump fuge. $210 total, give or take 30-40 bux. THis would work much better. And welcome to the hobby! Don't get scarred away, get informed! There are many ways to make this hobby work on a buget. You can even make your own rock.

chris383 · 04/12/2007, 06:38 AM

Wow....lot of good info guys. I have read just a little on sump/refuge...will have to read some more. Kinda looks like a mess to me, but sounds like the way to go.
I also wondered if I didn't want an airstone driven skimmer too.

I will do some research on the sump/refuge thing.

thanks guys!!

luke33 · 04/12/2007, 07:59 AM

No worries, and you definately don't want an air stone skimmer. I'd go with the Needlewheel skimmer, low watts and good production, and you can get some for cheap these days.

chris383 · 04/12/2007, 10:00 AM

Ok...new question. I have never used a refugium. What exactly is it used for. I have a couple of reef books, but they don't say exactly what the refugium is for.

Do I really need one? I was thinking live rock, skimmer, and canister filter for a 55 gallon reef setup.

Is a refugium highly recommended?...and if so, why?

One more question.

For the least hassle and ease of maintenance, if I have live rock, what other filters, without going overboard and having to drill any holes in my tank, would I need to help make it successful?

Thanks!

kodyboy · 04/12/2007, 11:07 AM

refugiums are basically an area away from the tank to grow algae and small benthic organisms without the worry of fish eating them. The algae, as it grows, uses nitrogenous compounds and pulls them out of the sytem, the other organisms provide a constant live food source for the main display. They really work well and require little care.
A sipon overflow, a sump + refugim and skimmer and some decent flow in your tank are all you need. To grow corals you need decent lighting as well. What type of lights do you have now or are you planning to get?

chris383 · 04/12/2007, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by kodyboy
refugiums are basically an area away from the tank to grow algae and small benthic organisms without the worry of fish eating them. The algae, as it grows, uses nitrogenous compounds and pulls them out of the sytem, the other organisms provide a constant live food source for the main display. They really work well and require little care.
A sipon overflow, a sump + refugim and skimmer and some decent flow in your tank are all you need. To grow corals you need decent lighting as well. What type of lights do you have now or are you planning to get?

As far as lighting...I was going to look into compact flourescents or VHO. I know metal haylides are great, but I want to stay away from heat and higher power consumption.

I have a 15 gallon tall tank I guess I could use as a refugium...what modifications would I need to make to it?

luke33 · 04/12/2007, 11:16 AM

Junk the canister filter idea and build a sump/fuge, put some powerheads in your display for extra flow and a protein skimmer, that's all you need besides the LR.

kodyboy · 04/12/2007, 11:27 AM

forget the vho/pc lights and go with t5s! I know they are not cheap but an aquactinics fixture (diyreef.com or aquarium specialty) works, adds no heat and is decent looking to boot. The 5 bulb T5 unit would work well. These lights are worth the money

http://www.aquatraders.com/index.asp...rodID=293&HS=1
you could get by with the above for a while, but you would need to keep lower light corals, no sps, no clams mostly softies and some lps, but it could work. You coudl also look at the selling forums, sometimes you can find great deals there.

chris383 · 04/12/2007, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by kodyboy
forget the vho/pc lights and go with t5s! I know they are not cheap but an aquactinics fixture (diyreef.com or aquarium specialty) works, adds no heat and is decent looking to boot. The 5 bulb T5 unit would work well. These lights are worth the money http://www.aquatraders.com/index.asp...rodID=293&HS=1
you could get by with the above for a while, but you would need to keep lower light corals, no sps, no clams mostly softies and some lps, but it could work. You coudl also look at the selling forums, sometimes you can find great deals there.

So I would not be able to have clams with the aquatraders light in that URL?

I want to be able to have clams, maybe one or two anemones..and a combo of hard and soft corals.

kodyboy · 04/12/2007, 11:38 AM

If you want clams, anemones, hard and soft corals etc. get the aquactinics t5 set-up, great fixture, great refletors, great light. I have a 36 inch 5x39 watt version over my 92 corner and sps, lps and softies (+ a clam) grow in there!
I like 2 geisman 6500K + 1 super actinic + 2 actinic + bulbs for looks and PAR, but there are many many options (one bonus of t5s you can switch out a bulb or two and get any look/PAR you want

) you will not be dissapointed with this unit!

GSMguy · 04/12/2007, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by chris383
As far as lighting...I was going to look into compact flourescents or VHO. I know metal haylides are great, but I want to stay away from heat and higher power consumption.

I have a 15 gallon tall tank I guess I could use as a refugium...what modifications would I need to make to it?

you really should look into t5 lighting like the aquatinics fixture

compact florescents work great in reading lamps i dont think they do a great job in our tanks.

also with a good protein skimmer you will not need any canister filters or filters of any kind

take it slowly as everything i bought the first year i was in the hobby has since needed replacing. i wish i had found RC sooner.

db_triggerfish · 04/12/2007, 12:38 PM

GSMguy, is right learn on RC then buy, many products in catalogs read well but are not very good or useful. Trust me i just bought a cheap MH fixture that is going to cost 350 to 400 to upgrade.

04/11/2007, 03:58 PM	#1
chris383 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 10	all in one canister/protein skimmer filter For filtration for my new 55 gallon up and coming reef tank project, I am considering purchasing the Tom AquaticsRapids Pro PS3 all in one canister filter and protein skimmer(in addition to live rock). My question...does anyone have an opinion on this unit or ones like it? It seemed like the way to go for ease of use and cleaning. Or, with a 55 gallon reef tank, what would someone suggest to do an excellent job of filtration without going overboard? But I'm really interested in opinions on the Rapids Pro PS3.

04/11/2007, 10:48 PM	#3
kodyboy Moved On Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 2,990	If you do not want a sump (and you do if you can, trust me) get a D&D marine typhoon skimmer or an aquatraders (actually odyssea) ps160 skimmer and forget about the canister filter.

04/12/2007, 11:38 AM	#14
kodyboy Moved On Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 2,990	If you want clams, anemones, hard and soft corals etc. get the aquactinics t5 set-up, great fixture, great refletors, great light. I have a 36 inch 5x39 watt version over my 92 corner and sps, lps and softies (+ a clam) grow in there! I like 2 geisman 6500K + 1 super actinic + 2 actinic + bulbs for looks and PAR, but there are many many options (one bonus of t5s you can switch out a bulb or two and get any look/PAR you want) you will not be dissapointed with this unit!

04/12/2007, 12:38 PM	#16
db_triggerfish Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: South Florida Posts: 1,127	GSMguy, is right learn on RC then buy, many products in catalogs read well but are not very good or useful. Trust me i just bought a cheap MH fixture that is going to cost 350 to 400 to upgrade. __________________ FMAS - Florida Marine Aquarium Society Member . Current Tank Info: AGA 75g RR 6 x 54w T5 overdriven (510w) with 2 x Icecap 660, DAS EX-1 Skimmer, OR 2500, Reefkeeper II

04/11/2007, 10:47 PM	#2
kodyboy Moved On Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 2,990	I would look elsewhere, the skimmer is an airstone driven version, not good. Get a reefoctopus nw110 or an aquaeuro classic 135 (I would go for the aquaeuro myself) either are not too costly and would work well for a 55. Use a 20 gallon tank for a sump and get a good overflow (hurricane filters or lifereef) and a return pump. Put some live rock and chaetomorpha algae (along with a cheap light, I picked up a $20 desk lamp from home depot) to grow the algae. The sump/refugium + skimmer + live rock in your tank are all you need. In addition make sure your 55 has some decent water flow, 2 hydor Koralia 3's or 4's would be enough.

04/12/2007, 05:59 AM	#4
luke33 Moved On Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 8,375	The fiter you are talking about is not a canister filter, its a all in one sump, overflow and water top off station....and sad skimmer : ) I have seen one in my lfs. I think they are heading in a good direction as to making them fairly inexpensive but there not there yet. ONce they get a nice skimmer and a fuge for this thing, its not worth it. If they do taht and still keep the price fairly low, it will be a great product. The problem is you can't take out there skimmer and add a different one, its built in. I would build my own sump fuge and go that route. You can do it fairly cheap any more. Just get an external u-tube overflow and a good skimmer, there are many inexpensive skimmers that work well on this forum. Good luck!

04/12/2007, 06:04 AM	#5
luke33 Moved On Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 8,375	I think they made this to get more poeple into this hobby as many are scarred away by the filtration systems and expenses....a cheap alternative. WIll it work, yes, but will it work good....no. Here's the breakdown for a 55imo....on a budget. A 600gph u tube overflow....40, the largest rubbermaid you can fit...10 plus another for your fuge 10. Skimmer 100, return pump 50. So thats all you need for a good poor man's sump fuge. $210 total, give or take 30-40 bux. THis would work much better. And welcome to the hobby! Don't get scarred away, get informed! There are many ways to make this hobby work on a buget. You can even make your own rock.

04/12/2007, 06:38 AM	#6
chris383 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 10	Wow....lot of good info guys. I have read just a little on sump/refuge...will have to read some more. Kinda looks like a mess to me, but sounds like the way to go. I also wondered if I didn't want an airstone driven skimmer too. I will do some research on the sump/refuge thing. thanks guys!!

04/12/2007, 07:59 AM	#7
luke33 Moved On Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 8,375	No worries, and you definately don't want an air stone skimmer. I'd go with the Needlewheel skimmer, low watts and good production, and you can get some for cheap these days.

04/12/2007, 10:00 AM	#8
chris383 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 10	Ok...new question. I have never used a refugium. What exactly is it used for. I have a couple of reef books, but they don't say exactly what the refugium is for. Do I really need one? I was thinking live rock, skimmer, and canister filter for a 55 gallon reef setup. Is a refugium highly recommended?...and if so, why? One more question. For the least hassle and ease of maintenance, if I have live rock, what other filters, without going overboard and having to drill any holes in my tank, would I need to help make it successful? Thanks!

04/12/2007, 11:07 AM	#9
kodyboy Moved On Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 2,990	refugiums are basically an area away from the tank to grow algae and small benthic organisms without the worry of fish eating them. The algae, as it grows, uses nitrogenous compounds and pulls them out of the sytem, the other organisms provide a constant live food source for the main display. They really work well and require little care. A sipon overflow, a sump + refugim and skimmer and some decent flow in your tank are all you need. To grow corals you need decent lighting as well. What type of lights do you have now or are you planning to get?

04/12/2007, 11:16 AM	#11
luke33 Moved On Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 8,375	Junk the canister filter idea and build a sump/fuge, put some powerheads in your display for extra flow and a protein skimmer, that's all you need besides the LR.

04/12/2007, 11:27 AM	#12
kodyboy Moved On Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 2,990	forget the vho/pc lights and go with t5s! I know they are not cheap but an aquactinics fixture (diyreef.com or aquarium specialty) works, adds no heat and is decent looking to boot. The 5 bulb T5 unit would work well. These lights are worth the money http://www.aquatraders.com/index.asp...rodID=293&HS=1 you could get by with the above for a while, but you would need to keep lower light corals, no sps, no clams mostly softies and some lps, but it could work. You coudl also look at the selling forums, sometimes you can find great deals there.