got some used stuff from neighbor

[tmkx3]

okay, My neighbor got a new upgraded tank for Christmas and he let me just have he old stuff. It is a 170g tank with stand ( I am not keeping the tank and stand). There is a wet/ dry filter by miracle. From what I can see it has everything but a return pump. I also am not sure that the overflow is complete. All I see so far is the u shaped thing. There is a protein skimmer that has some connecting hoses coming out of it but, I dont see any electrical outlet. I guess it runs off the wet/dry return pump some how. There is two strips of lighting by JBJ, Which are working great. I need to replace the blue lights. Are any of you familiar with this filter and equitment? How do you recommend that I clean this stuff? Is there a web site that can tell me how to put this thing together?
I currently have a 125g tank with 100lbs of lr and a protein skimmer called pro-prizm that is supposed to skim up to 300g. I have read some negative things about this skimmer. ( after I purchased it of course). It seems to be doing okay so far but it is kinda noisey and I have to adjust it slot. I just have average lighting. My new lights are a whole lot brighter. My tank was a freshwater tank that I converted.
Thanxs so much for any help you can give me

Tmkx3

[The Grim Reefer]

If you hit some vendor sites look for Amiracle filters and overflows and you should see what the overflow should look like. I am not good with skimmers but maybe you can list a more detailed discription of it and get more help. It would almost have to be better than a Prism no matter what brand it is.

[Steven Pro]

The protein skimmer should have its own little pump, very likely one of those smaller rejuvenating Rio's.

[tmkx3]

yea, I think your right. I found a web site for the filter and I think that the protein skimmer is their product too. Looks like I need two pumps and an overflow box. I figure this is gonna cost about $300 to set-up. I know it was free but I originally wasn't even gonna put a filter on my tank. If I do decide to set it up I am gonna remove the bio-balls and replace it with lr rubble.

[Steven Pro]

I don't think getting that filter to run for $300 is a good investment. I can think of several other items that would be better, like a big hang-on refugium, better hang-on protein skimmer, water purifier if you don't already have one, etc.

[The Grim Reefer]

For 300 I'd look at the CPR aquafuge PS. It is a HOB fuge with a skimmer built in. I don't know how good the skimmer is but as a total filtration system it should be very good compaired to a wet/dry.

[Steven Pro]

I just installed one of those Aquafuge PS in the small version and like it. It is mostly a CPR Bak-Pak with added refugium.

[The Grim Reefer]

They look pretty slick. I run 2 18" aquafuges and a remora pro on the 125 and I only have trace nitrates. Really got to think about the PS when I do my new tank. The Bak Pak style skimmer may not be greatest but perhaps it is better suited to this setup.

[Reefland]

I have considered one of the AquaFuge refugiums but since our tank sit's caddy-corner, it would probably be difficult to administer.

[The Grim Reefer]

Hey, I just threw some Kent Biosediment in mine and pull a fist full of macro out once in a while and all is good. Having the skimmer in there would be a PITA if you couldn't reach it easy.

[Reefland]

We're running an external skimmer. I was interested in the fuge for the, well fuge. We use a small sump that isn't conductive of running a sump/fuge combo and with the CA Reactor, the stand is full.

[The Grim Reefer]

You really don't have to do much with the aquafuges. My tank is in front of a west facing window so I don't even have to run lights over mine. I just reach over the back and grab some macro out every month or so and call it good. I couldn't tell from your pics if you are running a conopy or not but it shouldn't be too hard to get to the fuge even with a canopy. I could do it but then again I go about 6'5":

[Reefland]

Yeah we do have one but it sits on the sides, not the back.

[The Grim Reefer]

Gads, I hope you never drop anything behind it

[Reefland]

Does the CO2 tank sitting back there count? Not looking forward to having to get it refilled!

[The Grim Reefer]

I got it!!! You just need to cut a tank access door into the wall behind the tank

[Reefland]

Ok, let's ask Michelle if we can do that, of course it's your suggestion. Michelle?










Remember, it's not my suggestion!

[Michelle]

When we sell this house and get our new house with the basement you can have a couple rooms down there and cut all the holes in the walls you want to, but until then, sorry but NO

[Reefland]

Well Grim Reefer, looks like we'll have to wait a bit. But that is a very promising answer!

[The Grim Reefer]

Just keep this in mind, it is easier to gain forgiveness than permission