AquaClear 110 better as refugium?

fishguy2727 · 07/08/2008, 10:05 PM

Would my AquaClear 110 be better used as a refugium?

The tank is a 29. The current planned filtration is AquaClear 110, a Coralife Super Skimmer (65 gallon), and a 300gph powerhead for flow. I plan on a pair of percula clowns, a pair of green clown gobies, and assorted inverts (shrimp, snails, dwarf hermit crabs, etc). I do plan on slowly stepping up to mushrooms, zoanthids, etc. with time. I would like to rely more on biology than technology (fanworms for mechanical filtration). So I was thinking the AquaClear 110 would be better setup as a refugium. The only problem I can think of is that the tank is right up against the wall, so I would not be able to see into the filter except from above, is this an issue?

eagleONE · 07/09/2008, 02:52 AM

I don't see why not. It's a cheaper way that HOB fuges they sell. When I first started I modded mine and it worked out great.

x2uranium · 07/09/2008, 05:41 AM

I would scrap the skimmer, look for something else. I have this thing and its a pain in the but.

fishguy2727 · 07/09/2008, 06:53 AM

I have talked to few who have problems with this skimmer, and many who love it. My cousin runs his own aquarium and pond setup and maintenance company and that is the one he has. He says it is the easiest one he has worked with, and very effective.

Any modifications I would have to make to use it as a fuge? Just remove the media and the top and add a light?

eagleONE · 07/09/2008, 11:19 AM

I cut the screen (provided) to prevent the algae from flowing into the pump. Placed a lamp on top of the filter with the lid cut for light to go thru. Not very difficult.

sprinj76 · 07/09/2008, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by x2uranium
I would scrap the skimmer, look for something else. I have this thing and its a pain in the but.

I have to disagree on this one, for the price the skimmer can't be beat. I have had mine for about a year now and love it. It does taking a little tweaking and cleaning from time to time, but that's the worst of it.

Make sure the bubble filter media is cleaned weekly and the skimmer gets cleaned well every other month or so and it will work great.

As for using a 110 for a fuge, I think it's a great idea and I have been considering doing it myself.

07/08/2008, 10:05 PM	#1
fishguy2727 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 93	AquaClear 110 better as refugium? Would my AquaClear 110 be better used as a refugium? The tank is a 29. The current planned filtration is AquaClear 110, a Coralife Super Skimmer (65 gallon), and a 300gph powerhead for flow. I plan on a pair of percula clowns, a pair of green clown gobies, and assorted inverts (shrimp, snails, dwarf hermit crabs, etc). I do plan on slowly stepping up to mushrooms, zoanthids, etc. with time. I would like to rely more on biology than technology (fanworms for mechanical filtration). So I was thinking the AquaClear 110 would be better setup as a refugium. The only problem I can think of is that the tank is right up against the wall, so I would not be able to see into the filter except from above, is this an issue?

07/09/2008, 02:52 AM	#2
eagleONE Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: CA Posts: 1,408	I don't see why not. It's a cheaper way that HOB fuges they sell. When I first started I modded mine and it worked out great. __________________ Jay Current Tank Info: ATB powered

07/09/2008, 06:53 AM	#4
fishguy2727 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 93	I have talked to few who have problems with this skimmer, and many who love it. My cousin runs his own aquarium and pond setup and maintenance company and that is the one he has. He says it is the easiest one he has worked with, and very effective. Any modifications I would have to make to use it as a fuge? Just remove the media and the top and add a light? __________________ 45: 4x96watt compact, AquaC EV180 skimmer, 120 pounds live rock, zebra blenny, sm yellow tang, six line wrasse, pair clarkii clowns, zoos, shrooms, LPS, SPS, clams, sponges, scallop, and more...

07/09/2008, 11:19 AM	#5
eagleONE Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: CA Posts: 1,408	I cut the screen (provided) to prevent the algae from flowing into the pump. Placed a lamp on top of the filter with the lid cut for light to go thru. Not very difficult. __________________ Jay Current Tank Info: ATB powered

07/09/2008, 05:41 AM	#3
x2uranium Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Pittston, PA Posts: 1,257	I would scrap the skimmer, look for something else. I have this thing and its a pain in the but.