[turboTSI]

I am starting a 55g FOWLR setup possibly a preditory tank...what do u guys think I shoudl use for filtration

Dave

[Reefland]

Liverock and a big protein skimmer would be a good start. Make sure there is plenty of water circulation too that will keep waste in suspension until it is filtered out.

Scott Z.

[turboTSI]

I figure I will get a pair of powerheads... but should I buy a canister filter too.. like a XP3 or something?

Dave

[Reefland]

I would not spend the money on one. Put the extra money towards a really good protein skimmer and some good liverock. Do you plan to incorporate a sump into the design?

Scott Z.

[turboTSI]

no I dont want to have a sump

Dave

[Reefland]

I would reconsider and look at the advantages of having one.

I would still leave the filtration components as a Protein Skimmer (a good one, don't mess with a Prism, Sea Clone or the likes) and lots of liverock. These in addition to your maintenance routines will be great.

Scott Z.

[turboTSI]

see and I was advised to not use a skimmer and only use two filstar XP3 and a pair of 150gph powerheads

Dave

[Reefland]

I would advise against that. A Protein Skimmer is the most effective way to remove DOC's from your system and I recommend them on every system. As for the 150gph powerheads, you should consider the use of Maxi-Jet 1200's which are closer to 300gph and very reliable, quiet powerheads.

Scott Z.

[turboTSI]

I have just been told they are not all they are cracked up to be.. so I think I will shide away from them..

Dave

[Reefland]

99.9% of the people in the online community will tell you differently. A protein skimmer is the only effective piece of equipment to remove dissolve organic material; they are more than what they are cracked up to be.

Scott Z.

[patsfan1130]

Originally Posted by Reefland

99.9% of the people in the online community will tell you differently. A protein skimmer is the only effective piece of equipment to remove dissolve organic material; they are more than what they are cracked up to be.

Scott Z.

I wouldnt dream of running a system without a skimmer. Some will argue that systems can run quite well without one but in all of those systems...they are employing major water changes and a very,very high maintenance regiment. There simply is no ther piece of equipment that removes DOC's from your water.

[turboTSI]

ok I'm still listening if u could tell me exactly what DOC's are and what the skimmer does.. and what it helps from preventing etc.. I would still run 2 XP3's on it but maybe I will add a skimmer.. also if u could give me any ideas on good brands etc to possibly run on the 55g tank remember this is a FOWLR setup..

Dave

[Reefland]

Dave,

A Protein Skimmer is also known as a foam fractioner. Through the deployment of very fine micro bubbles that stay in contact with the water, dissolved organic compounds (DOC's) attach to the bubbles which then rise up a riser tube and ultimately end in a collection cup where it can be removed. The collection cup fills up with a very dark, very think and smelly liquid we call skimmate; seing what a skimmer will remove from your system is definite proof that would should be used.

There are a lot of skimmers available on the market that range from $50 to several thousand dollars, but for your 55 gallon you should be able to acquire a nice one for $200-$250. AquaC makes a HO skimmer called the Remora Pro which would be nice for your 55 and My Reef Creations is now also making a HO model that you should research as the beckett injection skimmers are very nice.

Scott Z.

[turboTSI]

now what is all needed to run this.. just the skimmer? and it all hangs on the back of the tank and runs at all times right? I dont need a spare tank etc.. it is ready to go out of the box?

I appreciate all yrou help and I will deff prolly get one I dont see where it will hurt at the most.. but yes any info u can give me please do

Dave

[turboTSI]

what about these ones

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...Np=1&N=0&Nty=1

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...Np=1&N=0&Nty=1

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...1&N=2004&Nty=1

Dave

[turboTSI]

one other thing.. my nitrAtes fromt he tap are 20ppm is there anything u guys can recomend to lower that for my tank?


Dave

[patsfan1130]

Originally Posted by turboTSI

ok I'm still listening if u could tell me exactly what DOC's are and what the skimmer does.. and what it helps from preventing etc.. I would still run 2 XP3's on it but maybe I will add a skimmer.. also if u could give me any ideas on good brands etc to possibly run on the 55g tank remember this is a FOWLR setup..

Dave

In short,

A protein skimmer creates mass amounts of tiny bubbles. these bubbles attract dissolved wastes (invisible to the eye) (proteins,fats etc) these wastes attach to the bubbles and rise to a collection cup where the nasty brown skimmate can be removed.

You would be amazed at how much crap a skimmer can remove from a tank. Yes, even a tank that is thought to be prestine.

Have you ever heard of sudden death syndrome? SDS is when fish just start dying for no apparent reason. It is now widely believed that SDS was due to the slow accumulation of dissolved organic compounds.

Protein skimmers also do a great job in oxygenating the water, keeping carbon dioxide levels down and keeping the PH level

For a 55g tank, An AquaC Remora H.O.T skimmer would do a great job

Mark

[Reefland]

Originally Posted by turboTSI

what about these ones

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...Np=1&N=0&Nty=1

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...Np=1&N=0&Nty=1

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...1&N=2004&Nty=1

Dave

No to #1 and #3.

#2 isn't bad but for $50 more I would definitely go with the Remora Pro. It is a plug and play skimmer and does a very, very good job.

As for the nitrates from your tap water, do you utilize a RO/DI unit?

[turboTSI]

no I dont have a RO/DI...

as for the skimmer could u give me the full name so I can look it up

Dave

[Reefland]

AquaC Remora Pro. You should be able to find it at one of our many sponsors located at:
http://www.reefland.com/sponsors.php

A RO/DI unit will strip your tap water of all impurities and should be considered.

Scott Z.