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Impeller for EHEIM Skimmer Pump 1260
8/12/16 Filtration/Dialyseas opinion
3/15/09 Freedom Filter Has anyone heard anything good or bad about the Freedom Filter filtration system by Freedom Aquarium Products LLC? There website is http://www.freedomaquarium.com. Looks like a "hang on the back" all in one filtration/protein skimmer/mechanical/chemical system. Cost is around $300.00.. <Haven't seen... neat concept... a winner if it works. You might try the larger BB's like Reefs.org... to see if others have direct experience. Bob Fenner> DAS aquarium modification and skimmer question???? 9/22/05 I have a very unique problem. I have a 100 gallon glass DAS room divider designed tank. It has the (sort of) sump in the end of the tank masked by a black acrylic overflow wall. Behind this wall are six separate partitions. <Am familiar> I am trying to figure out the best way to set up for a reef tank. One of the partitioned compartments is supposed to be utilized as the skimmer wherein an air stone is attached to the base of a long plastic stick which protrudes into a receptacle cup. <These units are feeble. Let's "cut to the proverbial chase" here... and suggest you retrofit either a sump (best) to situate your skimmer (and more) in, or use a hang on model...> The problem is the pump returns for the biological filters are sucking off the bubbles to the air stone and causing air regurge with large quantities of bubbles pumped into the tank as well as causing serious hindrance to the skimming action of the in-house skimmer, compounded by a loud noise made by the pumps. <Poor design> I was hoping to find an effective skimmer design that could be placed in the overflow/pseudo sump, that would not be affected by biological filter pumps, the height or buoyancy of the surrounding water, and did not have a footprint larger than preferably 5" x 8" and not any taller than 23 inches, alternatively I could knock out another partition and make a foot print of 5" x 13" with the same height dimension. My only other alternative would be to locate a skimmer that could set underneath my tank in the hidden cabinet that did not exceed 17" x 11" and no higher than 21" maybe 22". The 17" x 11" x 22"h is the under cabinet measurement that still leaves room for the electrical lighting systems electrical cords. <Yes... signs of thought here...> I do not know if a sump is possible for this size tank. I have not been able to understand or locate the availability for a better skimming design in my situation that is even on the market. I have read about the sumpless Terminator but it seems to large. My cabinet and tank is beautiful and I really do not want the clash of a hang skimmer or in view skimmer. I have looked at the Remora hang on skimmers to see if perhaps it could hang on the black acrylic overflow wall that hides the pumps, but the location of the upside down V-shape of the tank siphon in that design requires too much head room for my tank lids to close over it and I do not know whether such a design can handle the volume of water it would be surrounded by and still operate properly. <Could> I would greatly appreciate your suggestions. This has been a very long and involved investigation without much fruit. Most skimmers I have seen are hang-ons or in-sumps. If in-tank skimmers exist, do you think I can hide such a skimmer in a pseudo sump in this DAS design and how effective is such an "in-tank" sump? <Mmm, no... there are times I've seen (expensive) Tunze skimmers retrofitted here, but...> Thank you for your help. Greg C. <I'd move the sump... somewhere else... around the corner, through the floor... Maybe try making a skimmer DIY... Bob Fenner> Re: DAS aquarium modification and skimmer question???? 9/23/05 Bob: <Greg> Thank you for your swift response. Yet, I need more clarification. When you said, "Yes... signs of thought here", do you mean that a skimmer could fit in the under cabinet without the necessity of a sump in that location, i.e., sumpless skimmer, and where is my starting point for a DIY skimmer? <Unfortunately, not easily. Sorry for the lack of clarity. What I meant to signify is that you'd been clearly thinking, considering your options> Also, what do you think about using less pump power to stop the bubble infiltration, (e.g. I will go back to the DAS OEM pumps, and add a Tunze stream in the tank)? <Still are dismal filtering mechanisms...> This tank actually used to work and look nice with live rock and an anemone with some fish with pink coralline everywhere. Thereafter, I stored it after moving offices, lost some parts, forgot the system and now I want to go coral. By the way, enjoyed the book. They actually had it at Borders and in stock, great pictures but I don't see in it where you tell me how to build my DIY skimmer, but you do emphasize its importance. <Mmm, check Ozreef.org re some spiffy DIY plans> Maybe it would be less pain to buy a new tank with a cabinet large enough to hide my sump underneath? <Ah, yes... likely the best solution period here. Bob Fenner> Greg C. Question for Bob F -- SeaClear Hi Bob. <Hey Trey> First, I've got say what a fantastic resource this web site is....Thank you all!!! <Welcome> My question is about SeaClear System II aquariums. I read a post where you called them "bunk" and I was wondering what you didn't like about them? <Two items: the inadequacy of the filter components and the difficulty of working on them (for other readers, these systems have integrated... part of the back of the tank itself...compartments for filter media, pump, skimmer...> What do you think is a good alternative to the self contained system? I know wet/dry filters cause a lot of nitrates and I was going to try and balance that out with 4 inches of live sand and Cell pore media. <Sump, refugium, skimmer set-ups. Please see here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/setup/index.htm re filtration...> I'm just getting back in the hobby after ten years and thought they looked like a pretty cool design. All self contained with a spot for a protein skimmer and a heater. No drilling, no external plumbing, etc. <... yes, except they "don't work" worth a darn, and are a pain to get into, work on...> I'm planning a fish only, 50 gallon, with 4 inches of live sand to help withthe nitrates. I'd like to keep all tank raised fish with little or no rock collected from natural sources. I'm thinking about False Percula Clownfish, Orchid Dottyback and a Neon Goby and few other tank raised fish with a clean up crew down the road. The whole idea is to have a complete marine tank that's not collected from nature. Any thoughts you may have on the SeaClear System II ( or alternatives ) and my choice of a tank raised fish with man made rocks would be great? Thanks!!! Trey <Read, keep good notes on going through "Marine Set-Up" section above. Bob Fenner> Built-In Filters I have read that you like Tenecor's Simplicity Plus, and Advance Aqua's Uniquarium, but I haven't really seen any discussion about advantages/disadvantages to either one. I am more curious about your comparisons of the built-in filtration in each. It seems that the Tenecor would be the better choice. Thoughts? Tim McLaren <Well, Tim- both are well made, and come from reputable sources. My only real criticism of these systems is that they do not allow a lot of flexibility, as far as the installation of protein skimmers is concerned. You may be able to install a HOT skimmer, like the Aqua C. Remora, or maybe a Tunze unit, if you can figure out the mounting. I'd remove the plastic filtration media, if it were me. I'd use the back compartment as a "sump" of some sort, and place carbon and/or PolyFilter pads in there. The only other disadvantage to these units, IMO is that they tend to make the inside of the tank a bit more "narrow", which may or may not be aesthetically displeasing to you (I don't like tall narrow tanks, myself...Other than that, either one seems to be as good as the other. Regards, Scott F> Tim Tank with built in filtration in rear Hello again Bob... You know those aquariums where the back "bows" out to hide filtration in the rear of the tank? <Yes> Kinda like the Tenecor Berlin System tanks http://www.tenecor.com/aquar/images/berlin.jpg ? Well, I think you're supposed to put a lot of bio-balls in the back area, but since I'm going to have enough biological filtration with the LR and LS, I want to do something creative with it. <Yes... a good idea... the bioballs are unnecessary... and a pain to get about...> The tank is a 100Gallon, and the area in the back for filtration is roughly 2' long, 2' tall and about 4" wide. It has some flow through baffles in it for what is supposed to be a protein skimmer (airstone with a cup on top, PATHETIC!) and then the bio ball holders. <Yes... dismiss the current skimmer entirely... place another as a hang on is my first choice... a sump region addition secondarily> I was thinking of turning this area into a small refugium and wanted your thoughts. I was thinking of throwing in some small pieces of LR on the bottom, then some Caulerpa on top. The water would skim off the top, into this back area refugium, then out a drain to the sump, then back to the main front of the tank. <A very good idea...> I'm puzzled as to how to get enough light in there, since this thing is narrow and tall, I want to make sure enough light gets to the bottom. Are there any "submersible" tubes of light that you're aware of? Is lighting the top opening enough for Caulerpa? <No need to submerse... look for a single Compact fluorescent lamp/fixture here... Perfecto makes some, and there are many imports as well... this is what we use on the model refugium filters we've been experimenting with for years... leave on 24/7> Will this area be enough for the 100G, or am I better off making a larger refugium in the sump? I only want the nitrate reduction, and am not so concerned with copepods and such. <Would just use the one on back as such... can convert, add the sump later if you deem that that's what you want...> If not so good for a refugium, how about at least some airstones to highly aerate the water before going to the sump? This seems like it won't do too much. I just don't want this area to simply hold water. Suggestions? <Make the back into a Caulerpa, live rock refugium... for sure> PS. Cleaning out a poorly maintained aquarium is one of the worst tasks I have ever done... so nasty. There was a decaying fish in there... yuck! Poor fish. I will redeem the tank however and make it place for healthy living. <Hmm, yes> PSS. Great tip on the Rubbermaid containers for the sump. I'm gonna use the 40G Rubbermaid tote... it's perfect!!! Much obliged. <Great products, use. Be chatting. Bob Fenner> - Eugene
New Tank Bob Hi, I have yet another question for you. I have decided to move up in tank size. I am going from a 46 reef to a 135. <Wish our disposable incomes increased in such a fashion!> I am looking at a acrylic integrated tank. All the filtration is built into the back of the tank. It uses sponges instead of bio balls and has two protein skimmers. My LFS owner said that kind of tank is the only thing he owns. I am just curious if you know anything about these type of tanks and if you think they are a good deal. <Hmm, do know of several kinds, makers (like CASCO, DAS...) and am not a fan of any that I've come across. Invariably they're puny on the actual filtering capacity, and royal pain to service and maintain... I would seek out (more charitable and positive!) input from BB's, Chatforums (like ours?: http://talk.wetwebfotos.com/)... maybe someone has improved on this "all in one approach"... I would go with separate sump, gear... much more workable, flexible... easier to work on.> This tank costs around 1000.00 more then a regular tank so I want to make sure I make the right decision. Thank you for all your help. Jason <Chat with you soon my friend. Bob Fenner> TUNZE Hello, Wasn't sure if this was the place to write about comments concerning Tunze equipment but here ya go. <Okay> I bought a Tunze self contained system for my well established tank of two years. NEVER had big problems until installing this system. 1st I had nothing but air blowing from thefiltration system for 3 months and got NO help from Tunze even though I wrote them numerous times. <Hmm, why aren't you cc'ing them here? I will> 2nd the protein skimmer had to be babied like opening it up and disassembling and cleaning the inside of the motor every month and 3rd the top off although great in theory was never working properly. My thoughts on Tunze are not favorable. <I gathered> I took the entire system back to where I bought it and of course lost 10% of what I paid including most of my corals due to the incredible poor workmanship and customer service. I also had put $200 down on the system and waited for 3 months until Tunze finally shipped it to me. All and all I think the entire disaster cost me over $3000. in lost livestock and time. I now have just live rock and am looking for a good protein skimmer which you don't have to take the motor apart to clean the inside, one that works great and a company with integrity. If you know of someone would you please offer some advice. <Please see this part of our site re skimmer selection: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/skimselfaqs.htm and the related/links, FAQs beyond> Tunze does not believe they EVER make any faulty equipment, they must not be human! <This is a popular, though pricey line imported from Europe... many people do report success with their products...> Sincerely, Trina <Sorry to hear of your bad experiences... and glad to hear of your fortitude of character in returning the gear, and not giving up. I will gladly help you in your ambitions to be successful. Bob Fenner> CPR Bak-Pak I just had one question. What info do you have on the CPR Bakpaks (wet/dry, skimmer filters). Good? or Bad? John <IMO, a very nice package for smaller tanks, 55 or under. More can be found by performing a Google Search of WWM. -Steven Pro> D.A.S. aquarium upgrade Hi Bob, I have a 55 gallon D.A.S. aquarium I've had for about five yrs. now. I am interested in some kind of filter upgrade for water quality & was wondering what you suggest I do. My fish usually do o.k. for 1/2 yr to a 1 yr but eventually die...corals don't do so great & die quicker...Is the self contained filter system in the D.A.S. aquariums enough for a truly healthy tank???? I would like to make some mod.s & changes to enhance the quality of my reef tank. Any Ideas???????? <Many... the zenith? Would attach a sump, lighting, and grow macro-algae there as detailed on the site: www.WetWebMedia.com under "Algal Filtration"... and abandon the DAS skimmer and get a decent in sump or hang on model... my opinions here also on the WWM site> I'm currently changing 20 gallons a wk for the past month, from 10 gallons a month since I've had the tank...I ordered a 4 stage RO/DI filter; should be getting from UPS this wk for my water changes. With the increase of water changes, I'm trying to get my algae problem under control & enhance water quality. So my next step is upgrading my filter system of the tank. <You won't regret having the water purification system for your drinking, cooking and pet-fishing uses...> Lee Harris Dallas, TX P.S. any suggestion would be greatly appreciated. <Chat with you soon. Bob Fenner> Canister Filters/skimmers 11/16/05 Hi Gang!
I have a question about canister filters. Again, because I have not
been in this hobby long, I am not sure which pieces of equipment are
recommended. My tank setup is as follows: 29 Gallon AGA Tank Live reef
sand 20 pounds of Live Rock (Fiji) Whisper 30 HOT Power Filter (With
Carbon and Purigen) Inverts: Orange Ridge Starfish Peppermint Cleaner
Shrimp 3 Red foot crabs. Fish (all in treatment tank for ICH) -2
Percula Clownfish 1 Royal Gramma 1 Pink Damsel <Too much antagonism
for this size/volume...> Now, I would like to upgrade my filtration
to a canister filter since I do not have enough space or anyway to
conceal a wet-dry or Sump filter. Plus I don't plan on keeping
corals right now. So, in your experience, which one of these
would you most recommend. -Fluval 205 -Rena Filstar XP1 -Eheim
(Don't think I could afford a professional model though.) <The
Eheim is the best here... not just initial purchase price to consider,
but electrical use, quiet, longest life...> And, since I am still on
the look for a protein skimmer, I want to be able to provide the best
filtration and nutrient control possible during this time. <I would
buy the skimmer first> Since my fish will be in QT until about
December 24th, do you have any recommendations on how to
"prime" the new filter and grow beneficial bacteria
before taking out the Whisper? Should I run then in tandem? (For
a while?) <Yes... a month or more overlap... I'd run both,
ongoing> Thanks so very much for your help! PS- Lets just say I
purchase the Bak-Pak 2 skimmer. Would It still be necessary for
me to purchase the Canister or could the skimmer provide adequate
biological filtration with the "Bio-Bale"? <Mmm, you could
likely get by on a CPR unit that incorporated a skimmer itself>
would I have to add a sponge to it for mechanical filtration? <Not
likely> Thanks again! |
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