New here, have a 29 gallon...crappy filter? help?

[SaltyNewb]

What's up guys, I bought a 29 gallon tank about 3 months ago and purchased the Via Aqua multi skimmer. I know this probably isn't the best skimmer, but I didn't really have much else to choose from.

I now want to upgrade to something else besides a sump (don't want to drill and am in college so I have limited funds.) Things I have looked at are:

CPR backpack - heard it's great but guy at the store said BioBale isn't good??
Prizm skimmer - maybe adding an emperor to the tank with the prizm?
HOT refugium - maybe the aquafuge hang on tank refugium with a
separate HOT protein skimmer?

I am tired of this Via Aqua multiskimmer as you have to prime it and the construction doesn't seem great on it, also it randomly looses its prime even after I constantly adjust it.

What do you guys recommend?

Thank you for your help.

[saltjunkie]

i would.. for around 200-250.. buy an overflow kit and a sump with a built in skimmer.....


thats what i would get..

[Poseidon]

The Bak Pak is a good HOT skimmer, there is another called a Remora Pro, that is also of excellent quality.

[SaltyNewb]

thanks guys, I'll be looking for new ones today. Do you guys think the HOT refugiums are worth it?


I don't necesarily want to go all out on this tank, but I do want to upgrade from this via aqua multiskimmer. The overflow sounds like a good idea.

What do you think about adding a penguin to the tank?

[SaltyNewb]

actually guys i just bought an emperor 280 in addition to the via aqua multiskimmer. However i will replace the multiskimmer with just a protein skimmer, thinking about the SeaClone or Prizm?

[Poseidon]

thinking about the SeaClone or Prizm?

Do a search on those skimmers BEFORE you light your money on FIRE!!!

[sambo]

I recently purchased the prizm with the deluxe upgrade kit. I don't know why people dislike this thing so much. I have been pulling so much out of my 29. Its the only thing i am running (excluding live rock, live sand, etc.). I think the thing that people dislike about the prizm is how it is noisy and it is a pain in the butt to setup just the way you want it. As for noise, first few days are bad while it breaks in. My tank is next to my bed and i sleep through it fine. You get used to it in a matter of hours. When it comes to tuning it just the way you want it, I will admit, its a pain, but can be done with a little patience. If you have the patience to fine tune it everytime you empty it or add water to your aquarium, then this thing is for you.


As for the seaclone, my dad has one on his fish-only 55, and it really dont see it pulling much out. It doesn't seem to be the best, but i guess you get what you pay for. I am on a tight budget as well, being only 16 without a job, and i was thinking the same as you, seaclone, or another 30 for the prizm? But, i finally gave in and purchased the prizm and i am glad i did! Hope all this helps you in your decision