Need new filter! Need Recommendations ASAP

I am currently running stock filtration ( I think its a TopFin 30) if that means anything to anyone.. I noticed that it wasnt running twice yesterday and had to reseat the intake tube.. I could hear the pump running, but once I took the tube out and reseated it, it would keep on working. I dont want to run the risk of it going out while at work or out of town for the weekend. Does anyone have any recommendations? Only requirements is that it has to be HOB. I have no cabinet underneath or anywhere to put it. Also, quiet would be nice, but I would rather efficient. Need to buy this today or tomorrow, so availability at a LFS would be a plus! Thanks in advance

 

I think people are probably going to tell you to just use LR

What you could do, I'm not familiar with what pump system you have, is remove all filter media and use carbon once and awhile and place some more LR. <<<This is assuming its one of those pump water up then drop it across a filter pad then through a biowheel.

Also on the short term, how about a ziptie or one of the "tube lock" that they have?

You could also use a HOB fuge (although people on here aren't fond of them) which will aid in filtration

 

I would replace bio balls for live rock any day of the week!!!

 

I dont know if you can see it in this pic, but it goes up the tub into the chamber, through the carbon filter media, through the sponge, and then back down to the tank, no biowheels or balls.... the simplest of filters imo.. its not a problem with the tube itself, but I think the motor/pump that turns the impeller is going out, or binding, I would rather just replace it.. I have been looking for a HOB fuge, but I havent had finding a good one. So you think that if I the filter does crap out the 30lbs of rock in there would be enough to support the tank? I also have an Aquac w/ maxijet 1200

 

I would say somewhere in the 45-60lb of LR would be sufficient.

 

i would replace it with a HOB skimmer and then add another power head or 2

 

HOB skimmer (check)
Powerhead(check) (actually getting a Hydor koralia 1 soon)
anyone know where to get a good HOB fuge?

 

I like the penguin bio wheel. If you have to have a HOB.

 

If you must have a HOB filter then I agree with pwoller, get a penguin 350 bio wheel. I've used these in the past with no problems.You can remove the biowheels if you dont want them and it has the optional media basket. If you want to go the cheaper route then the aquaclear filters are good but tend to make alot of waterfall noise. The biowheels are noisey for about 3 weeks but once the biowheels break in there is little waterfall sound.

The best thing to do would be to get a skimmer and power head as others suggested. If you want a fuge and skimmer combo, check out Aquatraders they have a fuge with a clone of the Bak Pak skimmer for a reasonable price if cost savings is needed. Although I'm not a big beleiver in these small fuges. I'm not sure they make much of a difference and probably would rather buy a very good skimmer instead.

 

do I need another skimmer? Im pretty sure I dont. I just got the remora so I think thats plenty.. Just need filtration I guess. Filtration/fuge would be cool even though I stilldont know what a fuge does