filter questions

[psusocr]

o.k so i got a Amiracle SL-250 wet/dry filter with protein skimmer with prefilter and overflow box, flex hose, two Rio water pumps (a Rio 600 pump to power the protein skimmer and a Rio 2100 pump to power the return line to the tank). what other powerhead and pumps etc. will i need for my 180 gallon tank ???

 

[tony detroit]

Rios are junk pumps, I'd get rid of them personally.
For a return, I'd look into an Iwaki40 or larger.

 

[moraym]

Be sure to put about 4 pumps throughout the aquarium just for good water movement and flow. Number of pumps would depend on the size of the pumps, but i'd be sure to place one or two behind the rock structure to keep leftover food and waste from becoming stagnant behind rockwork.
Wet-dry and skimmer sound good, theyre always the best place to start. You can then add on any other UV sterilizers, top-offs, etc. to the system.

 

[psusocr]

thansk guys,, yes i have read rios are junk but i just had tose two laying around, so ill prolly go with an iwaki or a dolphin for my return pump, but i was just making sure as far as everythign else goes if i was alright and it was a good start..

 

[psusocr]

would a dolphin 900 or 1200 be good for my 180?? what else exactly should i need to get everythign started??

 

[psusocr]

bump

 

[fishnerd]

A sl250 only has one overflow box. The pumps people are recommending are great for a 180, but you won't be able to drain the water fast enough through a single 1" hose. Your overflow box is able to handle +/- 600gph. I would consider getting a second overflow box and bypass the filter, just have it for the extra water flow into the sump.
You stated a rio 600 for the skimmer. Any skimmer run by that size pump is too small for a 180 gal tank.

 

[psusocr]

thanks fishnerd
i guess the question is then,,,what equiptment more do i need??? also what if i purchase a proclear aquatics wt/dry 150 and run both of these filters with 2 protien skimmers?? how do i fix the other one i have to make it work for the 180??

 

[fishnerd]

Your sl 250 is enough, capacity wise, but not big enough flow wise. I would buy a second overflow boxand have it go directly to the sump, instead of thru the filter.
With the second overflow your pump could be an Iwaki 30rlt, Little Giant 4mdq, or a Gen X Mak4. I find these externals to be better than submersibles.
If you are skilled at pvc plumbing you can get a bigger pump and T it off to run the skimmer also. Remember to get a ball balve and a union to properly service the skimmer.
Skimmer wise, I would find one rated to app. 250 gal tank. I am old school, but I like the Berlin Classic with a Mag Drive 7, or tied in from the main pump.
Put a large powerhead in the tank to add in tank circulation.

 

[psusocr]

alright should i get 1400 gallon per hour overflow box. and a 520 PROTEIN SKIMMER W/ PUMP 250G with a 840gph powerhead.....which iw ould run with my amiracle sl-250
OR
just a whole new wet/dry probably prolcear aquatics 150 with protien skimmer?? along with running the amiracle as it is???

 

[fishnerd]

Is the sl250 new, with a receipt so you can return it?

 

[psusocr]

no , a friend gave it to me,, but what do you think i should do,, just let me know and ill do whatever you think

 

[psusocr]

i mean if i can still use the amiracle it would be the best bet

 

[fishnerd]

1)Buy a second overflow box
2)Run the second box directly to the sump, bypassing the bioballs
3)Get a pump rated to +/- 900-1,000 gph
4)Buy a skimmer w/proper pump that is rated to app. 250 gal aquarium. I like Berlins
5)Put a powerhead, or two in the tank itself to add another 400-500gph of circulation...IE- 1 powerhead at 450gph or 2 powerheads at 250gph each--- nothing precise, just a ballpark figure.
6) Enjoy your fish

 

[psusocr]

hey fishnerd,,, cant tell you how much i appreciate you helping me out... i just wanna get this right, since i dont have the best knowledge of filters!!!
Thanks Again

 

[fishnerd]

Asking questions is the best way to avoid mistakes I/we have already made.

 

[psusocr]

Man your gunna kill me ...o.k this is what i ordered 1400 gallon per hour overflow box. and a 520 PROTEIN SKIMMER W/ PUMP 250G with a 840gph powerhead.....which ill run with my amiracle sl-250
Hope this works out for me
im gunna need you to tell me how to set all this stuff up in about a week on my tank( you probably hate me) maybe you can draw me a diagram?? i might be pushing it
me email addy is psusocr@aol.com if you wish to help me any further,, if not thanks for the help you have already given me i appreciate it