Filter System

[herp]

can anyone tell me what kind of good or the best filteration system is available for a salt water tank. i've heard of wet/dry system?? one of those fluvo?? system?? what is the difference and which is the best? don't have a tank set up now but planning on to. thanks

 

[petem]

Well Herp, I was told the wet/dry is the best way to go. Obviously there are other combinations that would provide good filtration. My lfs told me, an outside power filter, and canister filter would work pretty well, with a protein skimmer added.

 

[herp]

is that what that fluvo?? is all about? i went to the LFS and saw something like that and i think she said that you can add a protein skimmer to it...right?

 

[petem]

Is it possible that fluvo means an overflow kit? that goes with that wet/dry? I dont know what else it stands for, I'm guessing.

 

[herp]

i'm not really sure what the fluvo is, maybe it's the brand of the product? on some, it would have that word and then a number after it like 304 or 404??what?? if this product is different from an overflow, what is an overflow? need lots of help?

 

[drakken]

I'm guessing that you mean Fluval canister filter. I have a Fluval 304 that is being used on my SW tank now. My LFS advised that I add a powerfilter and a protein skimmer.
The Bak-Pak2 is a protein skimmer with media for extra bio-filtration. I might go with that instead of separate powerfilter and preotein skimmer.
HTH

 

[herp]

yeah! i guess that is it. i had the word but i couldn't think of the spelling. i tried to a search engine on fluvo and could't hit anything? how is this different from an overflow like what petem is talking about? is this better?

 

[drakken]

Originally posted by HERP
yeah! i guess that is it. i had the word but i couldn't think of the spelling. i tried to a search engine on fluvo and could't hit anything? how is this different from an overflow like what petem is talking about? is this better?

The overflow works with a wet/dry system which is considered to be the best for a salt tank but they are more money. I too am looking into these set ups because I'm considering a bigger tank. A 35 hex is not the greatest for SW unless you plan to do seahorses.
Advice from this saltwater newbie - Reseach, learn, plan and be patient.

 

[dreeves]

Fluval is a product name...it is a canister filter. Wet/dry's are (set aside from natures own) probably the best types of filtration. If not for performance...for convenience.
I just finished putting both my tanks filters through the floor and into the basement.
One tank I purchased a Tidepool I, and a Marineland SOS Overflow filter. All together for that was over $180.00 and that wasn't counting the return pump.
While under the tank I was running a Mag 7 pump...now in the basement a Little Giant. I purchased the Tidepool (dont recommend it) to get knowledge on the entire sump/wet/dry systems.
Now for the other tank, I purchased a Rubbermaid 31 gallon tote-$9.00, acrylic and glue for bio box-15.00, bio-balls, 2 gallons (need 2 more)-11.00, and LifeReef Overflow-89.00.
As you can see there is a considerable difference...and I have a ton of room in my sump for overthings.
Just have to be willing to do some DIY stuff and you can save a ton of money.
Oh on the side note...don't buy your hardware from a local LFS...go online for that stuff ..considerable cost to you difference.