HOT Skimmer/fliter decision - Help please

[daltex]

I just purchased a 46g bow front and I plan to set it up as a reef tank with ample lighting. I want to only use a hang on skimmer/filter with an additional power head in the tank for water movement.



After reading several forum and web searches I still can not made a decision. I am looking for some advice or recommendations on what to use, and here are my thoughts on some choices as gathered:



Red Sea prizm deluxe is a loud unit that isn’t real efficient, just slim line.



I like the CPR backpack 2r for the fact that I can add carbon and other filtration media easily, and the submerged outlet to minimize water splash. The drawbacks seem to be bubble output into the tank, and the need for regular cleaning to maintain optimum performance.



From all I can read, the AquaC Ramora is a better unit for skimming purposes, but will it also be able to accommodate other filtration media? From looking at the pictures of the unit, it looks as if water splash into the tank may be a problem.



Can anyone add any additional information or comments that either support or challenge my opinions?

[Reefland]

Hi daltex, Welcome to Reefland!

I just purchased a 46g bow front and I plan to set it up as a reef tank with ample lighting. I want to only use a hang on skimmer/filter with an additional power head in the tank for water movement.

Welcome to to world of Reefkeeping! I really like the effect from bow front tanks.

After reading several forum and web searches I still can not made a decision. I am looking for some advice or recommendations on what to use, and here are my thoughts on some choices as gathered:

Red Sea prizm deluxe is a loud unit that isn’t real efficient, just slim line.

Some people like them but as you mentioned, reports are that they are loud and not very efficient.

I like the CPR backpack 2r for the fact that I can add carbon and other filtration media easily, and the submerged outlet to minimize water splash. The drawbacks seem to be bubble output into the tank, and the need for regular cleaning to maintain optimum performance.

I also don't think they are very efficient. As you mentioned though, a gain is the ability to remove the filter media and run carbon if you desire.

From all I can read, the AquaC Ramora is a better unit for skimming purposes, but will it also be able to accommodate other filtration media? From looking at the pictures of the unit, it looks as if water splash into the tank may be a problem.

This is what I would recommend. They are nice skimmers and if you were to get the surface skimmer/bubble remover, I would think you could incorporate a bag of carbon in there somewhere when you wanted to run it.

Regards,
Scott Z.

[Poseidon]

Yup I think you have the 2 that I would recommend most, BakPak and remora Pro...

Scott hit both points perfectly, just remember to ADD a HUGE DOSE of PATIENCE!!!

[daltex]

So now my question has changed, HOT or slump ?

Buy the time I get the remora with all the options it will cost about $240. Then I will still need some powerheads for add. water movment.

Why not go with a wet/dry with a built in skimmer with one of those ocsillating returns and a high GPH pump ? Would this provide ample water movment ? I think the main advantage is less gear in the aquarium. any suggestions ?

[Reefland]

Your right. A sump with a powerful skimmer will be a better option. I would not get a wet/dry or a "package" deal sump as they are not the most effective. Use a standard size aquarium, maybe with a couple of baffles, with a good skimmer and return pump.

[daltex]

The cursed internet strikes again….

After deciding a slump system is the way I am going to go, I am now questioning why not run a refugium?

I am thinking of taking your suggestions and building one for the 46g, some thing like this….
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...&N=2004+113080
After all I do have good lights for it.

Now I have a few additional questions:

Next question, what size tank should I use, as big as possible to fit in my stand ?

Thanks in advanced for your help….I am totally new to the entire refugium idea but i think it is the way to go…

[daltex]

Ok,

I have found the answer to most of my questions…like what to put in the refuguium.

The largest tank I can use in the stand is a 20g high or long, is that too big ?

I may be way off here, but to ensure maximum water flow for the display tank, I plan on using a Mag7 in the slump connected to a ocean currents oscillator on the return. With one power or more if needed power head in the aquarium.

My main area of concern is with the MAG 7 in the slum/refugium is that going to be to much water flow in the refugium ? Would it make since to use this configuration but isoloate the refugium in the slump so it would only run on the skimmer pump?

Once again thanks for the help..

[Reefland]

A 20gal is a fine size sump. As far as flow goes, I don't think that ~500gph will be too much on your refugium; after you reduce the flow from the MAG7 for head pressure, ~500 is what you'll be moving.

Also, you keep referring to it as a slump, it is a sump.

[Valclore]

You can go with a setup kinda like this... just as an idea.

[Poseidon]

Great Drawing Valcore.... To bad it looks like it's 6 FEET LONG!!

That is the general idea though! I have my Skimmer external to my sump, just for the reason Valcore shows, it takes up room. I do have a ton of Algae growing down there, and Copepods Amphipods, those little Stars and WORMS... It is fun just to watch down there sometimes. I move about 1000GPH through the sump/fuge and I don't have any trouble!!!



That is the left side of the back of my tank. You can see the skimmer, and the first set of baffles, along with some Bio balls that are no longer there, I was experimenting with them for bubble removal....

[Valclore]

Wasn't drawen to scale...