wet/dry - sump ??

[OkR33Fer]

I have been trying to decided if I want to use this thing or not.

I kind of want to use a 30gal tank have so I have the ability to have some cheato and whatnot.

I found a few companies that carry this and it's a little more spendy than I thought it would be.

A must for any aquatic ecosystem.

Wet/Dry Filters enhance biological filtration as well as mechanical filtration. The Aquaclear Wet/Dry Filtration Systems can reduce your maintenance time and do a much a better job than traditional filters.

Includes Pre-filter, Bio-Balls, Protein Skimmer, and all tubing. Bio balls need little maintenance and no replacement.

* Features: Protein Skimmer Placed Before Biological Media
* Pump Included for Operation of Skimmer
* Bio-Balls Biological Media Included
* Three Foot Heavy Duty Spiral Drain Hose (easy assembly requires no extra hardware or sealants.)
* Thick non kinking return hose
* Heavy Duty Non-warping lid
* Directional Return Spout
* Foam Water Polishing Block
* Ventilation Holes in Bacteria Chamber Promotes Gas Exchange
* Constant Water Level Area for Mounting of Heaters and Probes
* Protein Skimmer Removes Easily for Cleaning, While System Remains Operational
* Lifetime Warranty against Defects in Material Or Workmanship

 

[OkR33Fer]

I guess I wasn't completely clear, I already own this.

 

[zxanth]

I would recommend a sump rather than a wet/dry filter and most people believe including me that bioballs are not a way to go with saltwater because it causes nitrates to rise. How long have you had it and is there anyway to give it back for store credit. If you do use it remove the bioballs and replace it with live rock. When I first started with saltwater i also bought one (still have it in storage) but with further researching I took it off and added a sump. I used the pumps and overflow to run sump in my 55 gal. until I upgrade to a 125 reef ready.

 

[OkR33Fer]

If I do use it, I won't be using bio balls. I got it with the 92G corner tank a few months back. When I built my stand I never got around to using this so now i'm debating on it. It's already set up pretty much the same way my sump would be only a little smaller.I would go ahead and put in one more divider on the right side and it would be ready to use as a normal sump. The capacity would only be about 15gal.

 

[zxanth]

Do you have a different skimmer beside the one in the wet/dry filter? if so then I would go with the sump. How big is the sump you are using. I have always read and heard that more water volume the better. I am using a 30 gallon rubber maid for a sump. It holds my skimmer and extra liverocks. Problably holds about 15-20 gallons of extra water.

 

[OkR33Fer]

My tank is about 2 years old and has never had a sump or refugium.

For that matter I have never had a skimmer on it either. :eek2:

It is sustained by 120+ lbs of LR and about 60 lbs of LS along with regular water changes and testing.

 

[Lightsluvr]

Question

Question

Interesting product.
It looks like it has some sort of a skimmer built into the left chamber...Water flows from left to right - it appears that all flow goes through the skimmer...would be limiting in capacity, I would think. From the skimmer, water flows through the center chamber (where I assume you will put chaeto), through that foam bubble trap and into that return chamber to be pumped back into the tank. Is that right so far?
Would you control the skimmer inflow with a ball valve?
What is the device rated in gallons per hour?
You want water to flow slowly through your chaeto - if you are just supplementing your filtration, this device shouldn't hurt.


LL