Help w/ tank and filter

[Hawaii kai]

Aloha All,

This is my first post to this board but reviewing some of the positing it looks like there are some very knowledgeable people out there. I have two questions.

• Has anyone heard of the “EcoSystem Filtration Method” that Waterwerks (www.aquariumsource.net) is selling? It sounds like it works really good and doesn’t even need a skimmer. Any info would be appreciated.
• I am planning on buying a bullet tank from them 18x30x48in, has any one had any or good experiences from this comapny? It is a lot of money to spend without knowing very much about them.

Mahalo,

Tre

[patsfan1130]

Aloha All,

This is my first post to this board but reviewing some of the positing it looks like there are some very knowledgeable people out there. I have two questions.

• Has anyone heard of the “EcoSystem Filtration Method” that Waterwerks (www.aquariumsource.net) is selling? It sounds like it works really good and doesn’t even need a skimmer. Any info would be appreciated.
• I am planning on buying a bullet tank from them 18x30x48in, has any one had any or good experiences from this comapny? It is a lot of money to spend without knowing very much about them.

Mahalo,

Tre

The tank looks very nice. demensions are the same as a standard 90g (excluding the bullnose of course) and looks like it would certainly be the focul point of any room. I have not heard of them but that certainly does not mean anything. I briefly skimmed through their website and did not see a whole lot regarding a warantee policy. just a 15 day return policy. If you havnt checked into that already. I strongly suggest that you give them a call and get something in writing.

I respect to the filtration system. It seems as though it is nothing more than a refugium

The EcoSystem Filtration Method is based on the principles of ecology and is a natural filtration system that simulates the environment found in coral reefs. It does not require a protein skimmer or activated carbon to purify the water. It keeps the water well oxygenated through the photosynthesis of Caulerpa and entirely eliminates the need for air pumps. Caulerpa can also be harvested and used as a fresh, natural food for fish. In addition, the Caulerpa prevents the growth of undesired hair algae by competing for essential nutrients.

That is exactly what a lot of us are running now in our own systems. they dont give a price on their website but I would bet it is a lot more than what we spent to build it ourselves. (I spent around $60). without even seeing how it works/performs..I would personally forgoe buying the so called "filtration system" from them. I dont think you will find many people here on Reefland that run a fuge without a protien skimmer. I dont know of a better way to remove DoCs from the aquaria than a skimmer and I certainly would not rely on a fuge as my only source of filtration.

HTH
Mark

[Hawaii kai]

Thanks Mark,

The price is listed in a different section and is $829 w/ pump. If you made one for under $100 that seams like a lot cheaper. Can you point me in the right direction to be able to build one or is a regular wet/dry system a better way to go?

Mahalo,

Tre

[patsfan1130]

Thanks Mark,

The price is listed in a different section and is $829 w/ pump. If you made one for under $100 that seams like a lot cheaper. Can you point me in the right direction to be able to build one or is a regular wet/dry system a better way to go?

Mahalo,

Tre

Tre

Here is the thread that I took my idea from

http://www.sjpdesigns.com/NewReef/sumphowto.htm

This is in essense the exact same thing that they want to soak you $829 for. I would not use a wet/dry filter if you are planning on keeping any type of invert. I recommend using the largest sump possible (generally the largest that will fit in the stand) and make a sump/fuge out of it. It was not difficult at all and was quite fun

You can get all of the things needed at any home improvement store (except the tank of course)

Just let us know if there is anything you dont quite understand or need help

Mark

btw...I don't think I properly welcomed you

WELCOME TO REEFLAND!!!!!!!

[Reefland]

Mark is point you in an excellent direction, I also just wanted to say Welcome to Reefland!

[Hawaii kai]

Thanks Mark,

This is a big help and a big money savings. I am putting the filter under my stairs for easy access and ease of construction (I am building the tank into the wall), so I can have any size Refugium. What size would you recommend? What is a good skimmer and pump to use? Have you had any problems w/ yours?

Mahalo,

Tre

[patsfan1130]

Thanks Mark,

This is a big help and a big money savings. I am putting the filter under my stairs for easy access and ease of construction (I am building the tank into the wall), so I can have any size Refugium. What size would you recommend? What is a good skimmer and pump to use? Have you had any problems w/ yours?

Mahalo,

Tre

If you are going to make a sump/fuge..I would go with as big as you can (within reason) I'd love nothing more than to have a 75g sump/fuge but alas...I don't have the room If ya have a 55 or 75 laying around..those would be nice. or a 40 gallon breeder You could even make one entirely out of acrylic yourself. On my 90g..I use a 20L sump/fuge and it works just fine. personally..I prefer something longer rather than deeper as the deep ones can be somewhat cumbersome to work on depending on how much room there is. The more water volume in a sump = more stable display but you certainly dont need a 1000 gallon tank under there.

As far as skimmers go..I am very partial to the MRC (my reef creations) line. Andy is a pleasure to work with and makes a fantastic product. One of the best out there IMO.They are also one of the only skimmers that you can be modified to accomodate a larger tank (If you decided to get a bigger tank)

here is a link
http://www.myreefcreations.com/

Euroreef also are a great skimmer and a lot of reefers are using them although I have never owned one but they seem to be pretty much plug n play.

If you didnt want to spend the $$ for one of those. Aqua C makes a great line of skimmers. I think an Aqua C Remora Pro would do a good job as well. It is a HOT skimmer but could be thrown onto the sump

Here are a couple more links for skimmers

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merch...ory_Code=AquaC

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merch...gory_Code=EURO

Mark

[Hawaii kai]

Tre

Here is the thread that I took my idea from

http://www.sjpdesigns.com/NewReef/sumphowto.htm

This is in essense the exact same thing that they want to soak you $829 for. I would not use a wet/dry filter if you are planning on keeping any type of invert. I recommend using the largest sump possible (generally the largest that will fit in the stand) and make a sump/fuge out of it. It was not difficult at all and was quite fun

You can get all of the things needed at any home improvement store (except the tank of course)

Just let us know if there is anything you dont quite understand or need help

Mark

btw...I don't think I properly welcomed you

WELCOME TO REEFLAND!!!!!!!

Aloha Mark,
I am finally getting around to this project, my remodeling took a long time and I decided not to do a built in fish tank. I tried to click on the link again and it no longer works. Is ther any other site that explains how to build a Refugium?