Seaclone Protien Skimmer vs. Whisper Filter?

[palmbosm]

Hi all!

I would like some input on my filtration setup!

I have 20 gal with approx. 20lbs of LR (I have considered adding more). No Live sand. 1 power head. I am using a Seaclone 100 to protien skim. I am not using my Second Nature Whisper filter with bio bag (containing activated carbon).

Should I use both for more filtering or would the skimmer work fine by itself?

Please share your thoughts or related experiences with filtration!

Thanks
Matt

 

[BurntOutReefer]

what you going to keep? If just corals, then the seaclone will be fine...additional bioloads my require additional filtration....
also, if just corals, then depending on what they are, you might want to use the whisper to run only charcoal to help with teh chem. warfare that your corals will eventually get up to, (again, depending on what you keep)....IMO

 

[ledford1]

Comparing a skimmer to a filter is difficult - they perform different functions even though they are both getting the bad stuff out of the tank.

Having a skimmer is good, but a SeaClone really isn't very good - as a former owner, they're very poor IMO. However, there are a number of easy mods to increase the efficiency of the skimmer.

I believe I would run the Whsiper filter. You could run it with only carbon - you don't really have to run it with the mechanical, bio, and chemical filters.

HTH

 

[palmbosm]

ledford1...

Having a skimmer is good, but a SeaClone really isn't very good - as a former owner, they're very poor IMO. However, there are a number of easy mods to increase the efficiency of the skimmer.

have you successfully made mods to yours or turn to a different skimmer?

also...

I believe I would run the Whsiper filter. You could run it with only carbon - you don't really have to run it with the mechanical, bio, and chemical filters.

how do you run only carbon? It hangs on the back of the tank and water will pass the sponge like bag that is full of carbon.

I have one green chromis and 3 blue leg hermits -- I want to add 1 clown, 1 royal gamma, and possibly some small gobie depending on how it goes. I am planning on more cleaners and also a peppermint shrimp to help control aiptasia problem.

Thanks for the input!!!

 

[joe90usa]

I'd recommend you back off on your planned bio load. That's just too much for a 20. With a small tank, small problems become big ones in a hurry. I would add 1 more fish from your list max, but I'd feel more comfortable with 1 fish total. Please make sure you test regularly to keep everyone happy.