power filter, yes or no???

banga13 · 04/06/2007, 06:37 AM

I have a filter skilter, it's supposed to be a protein skimmer and power filter all in one. The skimmer has NEVER worked, and I've been reading a lot about power filters hurting the reef system more than helping. I have a 75 gal tank with 95lbs of live rock, and 5inch sand bed. Do I have enough biological filtration going on to do without the power filter?? also the protein skimmer running.

If I do away with the filter I was going to try to turn it into a small refugium. If anyone is familiar with these filter skilters and you have any idea how I might do that I would appreciate the help.

Thanks,
Leslie

snulma1 · 04/06/2007, 07:37 AM

I'm not too familiar with the skilters, but I have 2 Aquaclear HOT filters. And I used one to make a refugium on my old 55 and the other I used to run Carbon, plus it had a surface skimmer attachment, which helped remove and scum left on the top. I didn't use the sponges.

highflight · 04/06/2007, 07:45 AM

How can I go about converting an Aquaclear from a power filter to a refugium? What do I need to put in it? and how deep?

dazed · 04/06/2007, 09:29 AM

See if this helps you;
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...5&pagenumber=1

papagimp · 04/06/2007, 09:40 AM

You do have plenty of biological filtration, dependant upon bioload. But the HOB power filters are great mechanical filters. They will not hurt a reef system if proper maintance is performed. I would not leave any "bio" material in there, but the sponges for removing particulate matter and whatnot from the water column comes in handy.

banga13 · 04/06/2007, 09:48 AM

that was a great thread dazed!!! thank you!

drummereef · 04/06/2007, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by banga13
I have a filter skilter, it's supposed to be a protein skimmer and power filter all in one. The skimmer has NEVER worked, and I've been reading a lot about power filters hurting the reef system more than helping. I have a 75 gal tank with 95lbs of live rock, and 5inch sand bed. Do I have enough biological filtration going on to do without the power filter?? also the protein skimmer running.

If I do away with the filter I was going to try to turn it into a small refugium. If anyone is familiar with these filter skilters and you have any idea how I might do that I would appreciate the help.

The hob filters are not going to hurt the system. Keep them clean and only run carbon in them. They can add some extra flow too. You have plenty of live rock to maintain the bio filtration. Personally I would ditch the Skilter and invest in a decent skimmer. The Skilter is worthless. If you aren't going to do a sump then look into the AquaC Remora Pro hang-on skimmer. It will do a much better job for you.

dazed · 04/06/2007, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by banga13
that was a great thread dazed!!! thank you!

Your welcome; just glad I could help out.

banga13 · 04/06/2007, 11:35 AM

I have a protein skimmer, the skilter was a gift from my boyfriend. He meant well. It seems like my system would benefit more from the refugium than a power filter though.

04/06/2007, 06:37 AM	#1
banga13 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Jefferson,new york Posts: 216	power filter, yes or no??? I have a filter skilter, it's supposed to be a protein skimmer and power filter all in one. The skimmer has NEVER worked, and I've been reading a lot about power filters hurting the reef system more than helping. I have a 75 gal tank with 95lbs of live rock, and 5inch sand bed. Do I have enough biological filtration going on to do without the power filter?? also the protein skimmer running. If I do away with the filter I was going to try to turn it into a small refugium. If anyone is familiar with these filter skilters and you have any idea how I might do that I would appreciate the help. Thanks, Leslie

04/06/2007, 09:40 AM	#5
papagimp COMAS Rocks! Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 8,185 Blog Entries: 2	You do have plenty of biological filtration, dependant upon bioload. But the HOB power filters are great mechanical filters. They will not hurt a reef system if proper maintance is performed. I would not leave any "bio" material in there, but the sponges for removing particulate matter and whatnot from the water column comes in handy. __________________ 58g Softie & 75g Stoney Member, Central Oklahoma Marine Aquarium Society Current Tank Info: 58g Mixed Reef Project - Started June 2011

04/06/2007, 07:37 AM	#2
snulma1 Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: New York, NY Posts: 2,281	I'm not too familiar with the skilters, but I have 2 Aquaclear HOT filters. And I used one to make a refugium on my old 55 and the other I used to run Carbon, plus it had a surface skimmer attachment, which helped remove and scum left on the top. I didn't use the sponges.

04/06/2007, 07:45 AM	#3
highflight Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Northern Virginia/DC Posts: 16	How can I go about converting an Aquaclear from a power filter to a refugium? What do I need to put in it? and how deep?

04/06/2007, 09:29 AM	#4
dazed Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Santa Cruz, CA Posts: 1,691	See if this helps you; http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...5&pagenumber=1

04/06/2007, 09:48 AM	#6
banga13 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Jefferson,new york Posts: 216	that was a great thread dazed!!! thank you!

04/06/2007, 11:35 AM	#9
banga13 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Jefferson,new york Posts: 216	I have a protein skimmer, the skilter was a gift from my boyfriend. He meant well. It seems like my system would benefit more from the refugium than a power filter though.