Cheap filter options

Discussion in 'Filters, Pumps, etc..' started by sailorguy, Jul 21, 2009.

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  1. sailorguy

    sailorguy Torch Coral

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    Im thinking of buying a new filter or skimmer for my 15gal. extra tall fish only tank,its been running about three years with an aquaclear 70 but I want to improve water quality and add some soft corals.Does anyone have any experience using the" skilter 250"? Thanks, Dave
     
    sailorguy, Jul 21, 2009
    sailorguy, Jul 21, 2009
    #1

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  2. carbonad

    carbonad Astrea Snail

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    Never heard of it but I just googled it. Seems like its too cheap to be good at both filtering and skimming but thats just IMO. I did run a AC110 on my 22 cube for a year and it did a great job. Maybe you could just add a skimmer to the tank and keep the AC70?
     
    carbonad, Jul 22, 2009
    carbonad, Jul 22, 2009
    #2
  3. madlarkin

    madlarkin Peppermint Shrimp

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    Have you thought about converting the AC70 to a hang on back fuge and adding on a small HOB skimmer like the AquaC Remora Nano?
     
    madlarkin, Jul 22, 2009
    madlarkin, Jul 22, 2009
    #3
  4. Da_Gopherboy

    Da_Gopherboy Fire Shrimp

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    HOB Refugium would make a good filtration, it can be a DIY and make it for almost free.
    ATS would be a good DIY and cheap filter as well.

    Just my 2 cents :)
     
    Da_Gopherboy, Jul 22, 2009
    Da_Gopherboy, Jul 22, 2009
    #4
  5. sailorguy

    sailorguy Torch Coral

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    Thanks for the ideas guys, I guess I was looking for a cheap easy way, more frequent water changes would also help, I tend to neglect this little tank and focus on my 44gal.
     
    sailorguy, Jul 22, 2009
    sailorguy, Jul 22, 2009
    #5
  6. mikejrice

    mikejrice 3reef Affiliate

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    bio wheel bio wheel bio wheel. I can't say that enough. they are by far the best hob filtration available. just get a bio wheel filter take out the carbon cartridge and put a small bag of carbon in the back. this makes it so the filter doesn't clog and produce nitrates and the wet dry action of the wheel operates very eficiently without clogging like standard wet dry filters. you can also convert these to be a hang on fuge with a small clip on light. I ran one on my 20g that was converted to a fuge for a year and it did a amazing job. I also run one right now on my 20g that's not converted to be a fuge and don't change water and never detect nitrates.

    like everyone else said though your money might be better spent on a skimmer and converting your current filter to a fuge for cheap.
     
    mikejrice, Jul 22, 2009
    mikejrice, Jul 22, 2009
    #6

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  7. jonel2k9

    jonel2k9 Plankton

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    is it really that bad? I just ordered it online. And I am waiting for it at the moment.
     
    jonel2k9, Aug 10, 2009
    jonel2k9, Aug 10, 2009
    #7
  8. jakeh24

    jakeh24 Pajama Cardinal

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    if you are talking about the skilter filter i don't know anything about how well it works someone that has had experience with them could help you there but i hear thay are a tad noisy



    p.s.
    go for the fuge + skimmer! would be the best combo, or just fuge.
     
    jakeh24, Aug 10, 2009
    jakeh24, Aug 10, 2009
    #8