Bye Bye FX5

melvinudawl · 12/05/2008, 11:27 PM

Originally let my lfs talk me into a Fluval FX5 instead of a sump. Figured if I didn't like it for my primary filtration, I'd still have uses for it long term. I've had my tank up with LR/LS for 3 months now with the FX5. I hate cleaning that thing, major PITB, but seems to work ok. Hard to say with no bioload. Regardless I wanted a skimmer and to get the heaters/probes out of the tank, so I ordered a sump. I wanted something with low maintenance, good build quality, and ideally to get everything together, with as little customization needed by me as possible. Decided on a Lifereef sump/skimmer/fuge/overflow. Finally arrived today. Ain't she perty? A couple more pieces still on their way, so no install tomorrow....might have to play hooky on monday if the UPS guy comes early.

Those of you that have similar setups, if you can help me dodge any bullets, I'm all ears, any suggestions appreciatted.

Check out the packing! Everything arrived in perfect shape needless to say. And looks like everyhting I need to install included. The pumps and overflow should be here monday.

Compact LifeReefugium II
36" x 13" x 14"
"floating" refugium 12" x 12" x 18"
SVS-24 SKimmer(up to 250 Gallons)

tmcgaughey · 12/06/2008, 01:15 AM

wow
looks a lot better than my hack 20gal old glass tank.

How much does one of those run? I probably don't want to know

robertifly · 12/06/2008, 05:32 AM

Absolutely Beautiful! Never had any of their stuff but understand the quality if top drawer.

crvz · 12/06/2008, 06:57 AM

Other than the skimmer being dangerously over-rated, looks like a quality setup. Congrats on the new addition!

melvinudawl · 12/06/2008, 10:26 AM

tmc - $1100 for the sump/fuge , including skimmer, pumps, fittings, fuge light. My tank isn't RR so i needed to add an overflow too. Buying a good skimmer and making my own sump wouldn't have cost me any less, plus I get support from one place for the whole thing.

Crvz - I thought one could never overskim? Would you suggest i don't run it 24/7? with about 90 gallons total in the system, I didn't think i'd gone too overboard.

crvz · 12/06/2008, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by melvinudawl
Crvz - I thought one could never overskim? Would you suggest i don't run it 24/7? with about 90 gallons total in the system, I didn't think i'd gone too overboard.

I'm saying the manufacturer dangerously over-rated their skimmer, I wouldnt think that would be enough to handle a 250 gallon system. I'll surely admit that it's a great piece of craftsmanship, and while I'm not terribly familiar with their products, I'd venture to say it'll be just barely enough for your 90.

12/05/2008, 11:27 PM	#1
melvinudawl Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: CT Posts: 180	Bye Bye FX5 Originally let my lfs talk me into a Fluval FX5 instead of a sump. Figured if I didn't like it for my primary filtration, I'd still have uses for it long term. I've had my tank up with LR/LS for 3 months now with the FX5. I hate cleaning that thing, major PITB, but seems to work ok. Hard to say with no bioload. Regardless I wanted a skimmer and to get the heaters/probes out of the tank, so I ordered a sump. I wanted something with low maintenance, good build quality, and ideally to get everything together, with as little customization needed by me as possible. Decided on a Lifereef sump/skimmer/fuge/overflow. Finally arrived today. Ain't she perty? A couple more pieces still on their way, so no install tomorrow....might have to play hooky on monday if the UPS guy comes early. Those of you that have similar setups, if you can help me dodge any bullets, I'm all ears, any suggestions appreciatted. Check out the packing! Everything arrived in perfect shape needless to say. And looks like everyhting I need to install included. The pumps and overflow should be here monday. Compact LifeReefugium II 36" x 13" x 14" "floating" refugium 12" x 12" x 18" SVS-24 SKimmer(up to 250 Gallons)

12/06/2008, 05:32 AM	#3
robertifly Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Milan, Tn Posts: 867	Absolutely Beautiful! Never had any of their stuff but understand the quality if top drawer. __________________ reefracer Current Tank Info: none

12/06/2008, 06:57 AM	#4
crvz Team RC Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: houstonia Posts: 7,989	Other than the skimmer being dangerously over-rated, looks like a quality setup. Congrats on the new addition! __________________ -Chris- You don't win friends with salad. "Look! They're trying to learn for free!" ... "Use your phony guns as clubs!" Current Tank Info: rectangluar? wet?

12/06/2008, 01:15 AM	#2
tmcgaughey Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 353	wow looks a lot better than my hack 20gal old glass tank. How much does one of those run? I probably don't want to know

12/06/2008, 10:26 AM	#5
melvinudawl Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: CT Posts: 180	tmc - $1100 for the sump/fuge , including skimmer, pumps, fittings, fuge light. My tank isn't RR so i needed to add an overflow too. Buying a good skimmer and making my own sump wouldn't have cost me any less, plus I get support from one place for the whole thing. Crvz - I thought one could never overskim? Would you suggest i don't run it 24/7? with about 90 gallons total in the system, I didn't think i'd gone too overboard.