Filter Died, What Do I Do now?

Ok, so my puffer's filter died, i temporarly ahd a little 10 gallon filter that i had lying around to replace the 20 gallon filter that burnt out, i was just working on his tank and i went to change out his filter pad, i had noticed the filter had stopped running, all i did was replace the pad, no other cleaning, and now it does not work. So now i am filteless.

Right now the tank is high brackish/marine and i plan to turn it into a FOWLR when i have the spare money, so i need to get a filter that will work for that type of setup. What do you suggest i get. I have a seaclone 100 skimmer on the tank but it doesn't skimm so i'll eventually put a new skimmer on the tank. But right now i need to get a filter.

 

I think it would actually be better to skip the filter and get a better skimmer now. In marine aquariums, filters aren't necessary and many, including myself, only run them to have a place to put carbon or ferric oxide. If you do regular water changes, you really don't need a filter.

 

ok i don't have room on my c.c. to get a better skimmer and with the seaclone not skimming there is no way to get the gunk in his tank, and right now the only water movement that's in his tank is from the seaclone so i have to keep that up and running just for that.

I get paid next week, so i might be able to pay off my c.c. some to get a skimmer. do you think with a every other day water change the tank should be ok until i'm able to get a new skimmer, i really don't want to have to buy another temporary filter that will only be used for a couple of months, i have my emperor 400 running on the 46 but it's to big to fit on the back of the 20

 

Check craigslist for a used cheap HOB filter. Walmart even sells cheap regent brand filters for $10-20. I think your puffer would be fine with a small water change every 3 days. Just keep the circulation flowing in the tank. And do not take that skimmer off. Its helping oxygenate the water.

 

ok. i might have found a skimmer online for only $50 i'll post it in the skimmer section to see if any reviews on it

 

Check the pump on your filter, they sometimes stop if deprived of water like when cleaning them. Remove the pump from filter and expose the impeller, then, plug it in and spin the impeller to see if it starts back up.

 

A HOB filter won't remove the same things as a protein skimmer. A protein skimmer removes dissolved proteins and other organic compounds. A HOB filter only acts as a mechanical filter, removing large pieces of debris. You should also look into getting an actual power head for water movement, it will help with oxygenation and provide much needed water movement.

 

Try soaking the impeller in vinegar. Calcium builds up on many HOT filters and stop the impeller from spinning.

 

ok thanks guys i'll try all of your methods to see if i can get it to start working again