Filter recommendations - 29 gallon DT

I like the idea of having a protein skimmer and a filter combined into one which for me would solve space and cost issues. But we've all heard the term "jack of all trades and a master at none". It sounds too good to be true. I was leaning towards a canister filter with skimmer (Remora), but this sounds intriguing (plus I won't have to hide the cost of that combo from my wife ) How did the Bak Pak work out for you? Did it keep your tank level under control?

 

I used it on a 70 with under grav. filter and it worked the only thing is you need to clean the spung once a month or it will cause the skimmer to overflow. I think it will be perfect for your size tank. But there noisey. But all tanks are my room sounds like there is a waterfall in it.

 

Thanks for all your input. Sorry for million questions.

That's funny you mentioned the noise. I just finished reading a review of the Bak Pak on eopinions and two of the reviewers mentioned that they were satisfied with the Bak Pak, but they both mentioned that it was a little noisey.

Now when you say noisey. Is it disruptive noisey or is it just background noise? Is it the splash of the water returning to the tank or is it sound of the suction pumps that you hear? My tank is in my living room were the family and myself conveine and watch TV. I don't want something that going to be hard to ignore when I'm trying to watch Heroes.

 

The niose i dident like is a slurping sound from the air hose

 

Ok this may be the last question that I have about the Bak Pak and thanks for all you insight.

Later down the road if I decide to add invertebrates; I'm thinking maybe just an anemone and maybe a feather duster or two, will this combo skimmer/filter be sufficient for inverts? I would like to be future proofed as for most types of livestock that I may decide to add for my 29 gallon. I don't think I will ever do corals, or at least no time in the near future. I don't foresee a larger tank for years down the road, so I don't need to over do it equipment wise for preparing for that either.

Also does anyone know why is recommended that you remove the Bio Bale for reef aquariums?

And one more thing, does anyone have an opinion on the Octopus BH 100F? I read the one review on this site, but other opinions are hard to find on the interweb. So is the filter.

 

This is a debate I see all the time but let me say this My reef has bio balls some people hate them but as long as you clean them once a year there fine.

 

Why 2 Damsels in a already stressed tank ? One was all you needed or really wanted as for more filtration less a sump system just keep the bio wheels spinning and simple get yourself a mag 350 with the pleaded filter or better yet on a F/O the rocks have nothing much to do with it other them money wasted for L/r look at a Ocean clear and a good filter pump or a small Diatom . to keep it sparkling clear. The Diatom powder can also be used in the ocean clears and Mag 350's just get an extra filter core..and you will not have to run them 24/7 unless you want to ? A small Diatom on a 29 gallon mud puddle will make the puddle sparkling clean in 20 Min's.

 

I got 2 damsels because if they make it through the cycling period I just may keep them. I think they're pretty fish. I didn't want one to be there too long by itself establishing the entire tank as it's own territory. I've read that you can improve your chances of having success introducing new fish to the tank this way later on with this species if you plan to keep them.

 

Ok. I think I have decided for real this time. I've going back and forth between two possible filter and skimmer combo. Tell me what you guys think.

Option 1: Fluval 305 Canister Filter (or similar tank rated canister filter) and Coralife Super Skimmer Needle Wheel (65 gallon).

Option 2: Octopus BH-100F

I like option 2 better only because it saves me a little more coin then option 1 and for a 29 gal, this may be just enough filtration and skimming for a FOWLR. However, I feel option 1 will provide better filtration and a dedicated protein skimmer might do a better job even though it's not a top of the line skimmer if I decide to load my tank a little heavier. At least this is my reasoning so far.