I need a new filter... and some help

[rockytop714]

I'm in the process of updating some of my equipment for a 29 gallon tank. maybe a week or two ago, I had posted a question about filters. One of the posters on here kindly responded and suggested a hanging refugium. I was at a local shop on sunday and was looking around, talking to their guy, and I decided to stick with a standard filter, given that I have a smaller tank. Well, last night my old filter finally quit working so that has left me with the need to go get a new filter TODAY. I won't be able to make it back to that same shop today, so I need to look somewhere else.
my first question is to see if any of you have any suggestions for a new filter but, secondly, I also wanted to see if it is safe to buy it from a chain pet store ie. petsmart, *****, etc. or would you recommend going to a specialized shop. luckily, I have both options available here where I work.
any help is definately appreciated. thanks!

 

[m0nk]

It really depends on what you want to do. If you'll be doing (or are currently doing) a mixed reef you should probably get/build an overflow and run a sump, most of which you can put together yourself using an empty tank and following some info in threads here. If you'll be doing fish-only, a HOB filter should be fine, but a sump is always better.
Oh, and the hang on refugium isn't really a filter, so you could do that, but it really shouldn't be used as a replacement for some other filtration method. A sump or HOB filter could both be used in tandem with the refugium.

 

[rockytop714]

I'm told that a sump or fuge is a bit excessive for a smaller tank, like mine (29g), so I'll probably just look into a hanging filter. I have some zoas in the tank now and would like to get some more coral, in time. I may look into a sump, eventually, but I'm thinking a hanging filter would do what I need it to, for now.
I was basically just looking to see if there's a make/model that is suggested and if it's something I could run out quickly and pick up at a chain place or if I should go to a saltwater shop.
I appreciate the help, though. thanks. that's all helpful stuff that I may look into, in the future.

 

[trippkid]

Did you try and clean your filter, I mean take apart what can be and give a thorough cleaning with an old tooth brush or something like it. Sometimes it is just crud built up inside the impeller housing(motor unit) that makes them stop working, and if it still doesn't work, most of the units you can just replace the motor part if need to.

If you still want a new one, I like the Marineland filters, either the Emperor 280, the 400 or the Penguin 220b would be my choices for a HOB filter. You could also use a canister type filter, as with any filter, they need to be cleaned very regularly. Canisters, since they are kind of out of sight out of mind tend to not get the proper maintenance, which can lead to water quality issues(nitrates and phosphates can build up if you let the filters go without good regular cleanings).
Matt

 

[juice_1080]

I have a Marineland Penguin 350 on my 29g Reef and it stays pretty clean and healthy.....After the cycle my trates have never been over 10ppm.
I would highly suggest it. Plus it has extra space for media if you want it. Me I personally just run 4 of the standard carbon cartridges and then a phosphate sponge in each side.

 

[earlybird]

A sump is very beneficial to a small tank who ever told you it is overkill should be cut off. Don't seek him/her for anymore advice. Sounds harsh but I don't see how it can be detrimental. I have a 10g sump for my 29 and it's the greatest filter in the world. Think about it. Water quality is a little easier to maintain because of the added water volume. I can house my skimmer, heaters, and extra live rock in there for added bio filter. The return pump adds extra flow and the overflow box "skimms" the surface which removes the surface film and creates great gas exchange which keeps pH stable. 90% of my detritus gets trapped in the sump for easy removal. Water changes can be performed in the sump so as not to disturb the DT. Only benefits

 

[trippkid]

Agree 110% with earlybird, I guess I should have put all that in and the fact that I wouldn't use a canister or HOB filter for a salt tank, they can be used effectively but not as well as a sump, IMO. If still going that direction, I would reccomend the Marineland ones I suggested before, very good units and like said the extra media room is a nice bonus.
Matt

 

[rockytop714]

I appreciate the help. thanks a lot.
we did clean the filter but it still didn't work. I picked up a new one yesteray and came home to find the other one was working again. at least I have a backup now if that stops working again.
a canister and sump filter with a skimmer is most likely in my future but I'm a little sad to admit that I'm not really prepared to spend the $280 I'm told that it costs. particularly not after spending $235 to update the lighting in the tank a few short weeks ago.
this will have to hold me (and the fish) over for the time being. Again, I thank you all for the help!

 

[veni vidi vici]

Originally Posted by rockytop714
http:///forum/post/2449987
I appreciate the help. thanks a lot.
we did clean the filter but it still didn't work. I picked up a new one yesteray and came home to find the other one was working again. at least I have a backup now if that stops working again.
a canister and sump filter with a skimmer is most likely in my future but I'm a little sad to admit that I'm not really prepared to spend the $280 I'm told that it costs. particularly not after spending $235 to update the lighting in the tank a few short weeks ago.
this will have to hold me (and the fish) over for the time being. Again, I thank you all for the help!
You can build your own sump/fuge in the future, for a fraction of the cost of a store bought one.There realy isnt much to them.I spent under $100 on mine and IMO was worth every penny.

 

[earlybird]

My 10g sump DIY cost less than $30 to build. Add price of a light and return pump and that's it.