Power filter question from a newbie

macsmith777 · 07/14/2006, 06:20 PM

Hi all, yet another new guy here, trying to get a handle on making smart choices in setting up a new system. I have been doing a fair amount of reading on filters, and while looking at all the canister systems out there, found a huge amount of support for the Emperor 400 HOB power filter. There doesn't seem to be a person out there who does not like it.
I understand the arguement for aesthetics, but short of that, do any of you experienced folks see a problem? The manufacturer's help desk says it would be ok for salt, though of course it would need a bit more cleaning. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks..

Krazy · 07/14/2006, 06:22 PM

I use an emperor 400 and a 280 on the back of my tank until I can get a fuge setup... They work great for me...

alot of people say the bio-wheels are a nitrate trap but I dunno, the filters working good for me...

Other's will chime in ...

bertoni · 07/14/2006, 06:25 PM

To Reef Central

If the tank is going to have enough live rock, that should provide all the filtration needed. What are the plans for the system?

This thread covers a lot of ground:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...hreadid=707105

macsmith777 · 07/14/2006, 06:37 PM

Thanks.. I am intending to put in a fair amount of live rock to begin with, crushed coral for the substrate (it is not live sand, does this appear to be an issue?) Probably 50lbs of rock, or around that. I will also be pretty light on fish to begin with. I want to get things stable and the ecosystem developing before loading it down with poo. I'm planning on 2 powerheads as well (the tank is the classic 55gal) so between the circulation, LR, and the Emperor filter, perhaps I will be good to go for a rookie system. Anyone who wants to join in with commentary is more than welcome.. I know enough to know I don't know much.

lilprincess · 07/14/2006, 06:52 PM

I started w/ a canister, then switched to the Emperor 280? HOB, and have recently moved on to the Penguin 200. I've never had a problem or negative experience using it. However, I run it w/o the bio-wheel and mainly use it for media rather than as a "filter". As a filter though, they all have worked great and the HOB's I took out and cleaned at least once a week (sometimes twice, the max, and it's only for a quick rinse if I do it twice).

No complaints from me. And considering how well my tanks are doing, I don't plan on making any changes in the near future.

bertoni · 07/14/2006, 08:41 PM

With 50 pounds of rock, the Emperor won't be needed for biological filtration. It would be fine for carbon, but saving the money for a good protein skimmer would be a better choice, in my opinion. The CoraLife line might be interesting.

Crushed coral is pretty messy as a substrate unless it's cleaned regularly. I threw mine away and replaced it with fine sand in the end. Some animals need a coarse substrate, though, like some jawfish.

07/14/2006, 06:20 PM	#1
macsmith777 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Prescott, AZ Posts: 2	Power filter question from a newbie Hi all, yet another new guy here, trying to get a handle on making smart choices in setting up a new system. I have been doing a fair amount of reading on filters, and while looking at all the canister systems out there, found a huge amount of support for the Emperor 400 HOB power filter. There doesn't seem to be a person out there who does not like it. I understand the arguement for aesthetics, but short of that, do any of you experienced folks see a problem? The manufacturer's help desk says it would be ok for salt, though of course it would need a bit more cleaning. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks..

07/14/2006, 06:25 PM	#3
bertoni RC Mod Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mountain View, CA, USA Posts: 88,616	*To Reef Central* If the tank is going to have enough live rock, that should provide all the filtration needed. What are the plans for the system? This thread covers a lot of ground: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...hreadid=707105 __________________ Jonathan Bertoni

07/14/2006, 06:52 PM	#5
lilprincess Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Mukilteo, WA Posts: 256	I started w/ a canister, then switched to the Emperor 280? HOB, and have recently moved on to the Penguin 200. I've never had a problem or negative experience using it. However, I run it w/o the bio-wheel and mainly use it for media rather than as a "filter". As a filter though, they all have worked great and the HOB's I took out and cleaned at least once a week (sometimes twice, the max, and it's only for a quick rinse if I do it twice). No complaints from me. And considering how well my tanks are doing, I don't plan on making any changes in the near future. __________________ Valerie "There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure." -Colin Powel Current Tank Info: 29g Nano & 46g

07/14/2006, 08:41 PM	#6
bertoni RC Mod Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mountain View, CA, USA Posts: 88,616	With 50 pounds of rock, the Emperor won't be needed for biological filtration. It would be fine for carbon, but saving the money for a good protein skimmer would be a better choice, in my opinion. The CoraLife line might be interesting. Crushed coral is pretty messy as a substrate unless it's cleaned regularly. I threw mine away and replaced it with fine sand in the end. Some animals need a coarse substrate, though, like some jawfish. __________________ Jonathan Bertoni

07/14/2006, 06:22 PM	#2
Krazy Registered Member. Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Albany, NY Posts: 2,941	I use an emperor 400 and a 280 on the back of my tank until I can get a fuge setup... They work great for me... alot of people say the bio-wheels are a nitrate trap but I dunno, the filters working good for me... Other's will chime in ...

07/14/2006, 06:37 PM	#4
macsmith777 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Prescott, AZ Posts: 2	Thanks.. I am intending to put in a fair amount of live rock to begin with, crushed coral for the substrate (it is not live sand, does this appear to be an issue?) Probably 50lbs of rock, or around that. I will also be pretty light on fish to begin with. I want to get things stable and the ecosystem developing before loading it down with poo. I'm planning on 2 powerheads as well (the tank is the classic 55gal) so between the circulation, LR, and the Emperor filter, perhaps I will be good to go for a rookie system. Anyone who wants to join in with commentary is more than welcome.. I know enough to know I don't know much.