rapids pro filters

im currently setting up a new 55 gallon and wanted to do a canister filter instead of hob.so i was looking around and i found the rapids pro filter plus it seems pretty sweet i like the fact that it has 3 stage filtration, wet/dry, skimmer, AND and ato all in 1! anyone have any experience with these? just want to kno if its worth it before i drop the $ THANKS

here is the link

Tom Rapids Pro Series RP3 Plus Canister Filter - Wet Dry Filter Saltwater

also was looking into getting some type of wavemaker that i can hook up to 4 powerheads. was looking at the red sea wavemaster pro.. any suggestions??

 

Personally, I don't like them. The skimmer is finicky. That ATO is a PITA. The overflow/return is nice. The pumps they use are shotty. The 700GPH return pump will be pushing max of 350GPH back to your tank. Also, odds are, that filter will not fit in a standard 55G stand. For the price, you are better off with a different canister filter and a HOB skimmer. If you wanted to go the canister route, I would recommend the Eheim 2215 Classic Canister filter. Remove the biomedia and use it for mechanical and chemical filtration. As long as you clean the filter once a month, you will not have any issues with nitrates like many people will be posting about furthor in the discussion. As for a HOB skimmer, I suggest the Super Reef Octopus LX1000s.

Over all cost will be around $310. Making this a little cheaper and a better option over the Toms Rapids RP3 you are looking at.

As for the ATO, without a sump you will not be topping off to often so it really isn't needed. There are many cheap and well made options for you.