LFS trying to break my bank

[fishorbust]

Shew, i just called and talked to my LFS and i asked about the Maxi-Jet Powerhead/Pump Model 600, he told me that it was $34.00. I believe that i'm getting screwed over. I've found them for $14.00, sounds like i'm gonna order off the internet. Anyone else found them cheaper?

 

[birdy]

That price sounds about right for online, I don't ever buy drygoods from a LFS they have to mark things up too high, they just cannot compete with online.

 

[fishorbust]

Birdy, where do i place both of the powerhead at in the tank? Also i was looking into buying a protein skimmer, i currently have a Millennium 2000 Wet/Dry filter, if i buy the skimmer will i still use the M2000 Filter?

 

[donmgicwon]

Originally posted by Birdy
That price sounds about right for online, I don't ever buy drygoods from a LFS they have to mark things up too high, they just cannot compete with online.

Same for live goods when spending over $75.00

 

[birdy]

If you get a good protein skimmer, and 20-30lbs of LR, I don't think you really need the power filter, they can contribute to excess nitrates if you do not keep the filter cartridges clean.
What protein skimmer are you looking to buy?
as far as powerhead placement, you will have to play around with it after you get your tank set up. I like to direct them at the glass or through the rocks so that it creates random currents through the tank.

 

[fishorbust]

I looked at the SeaClone Protein Skimmer, and the Bak Pak 2 skimmer, the SeaClone is cheaper but i'm not familiar with its reliability and quality, maybe you could help me. Would i put one powerhead on one end of the tank and the other one at the other end and face them at the glass?

 

[birdy]

That would be fine for powerhead placement, you can point them at the glass, at each other, or at the rocks, basically you don't want dead spots for the detritus to settle on, either the rocks or the sandbed, you will just have to play with them after you get your tank set up.
As far as skimmers, I have used a prizm and it worked well for about a year, then it stopped working well at all (probably needs a new pump) but I upgraded to a bak-pak, and I really like it, now I am looking at upgrading again.
I think you should go with the bak-pak, for a couple of reasons, you can pick one up used for under $100, they work well, and when you upgrade to a bigger tank (more than likely you will) it can be used on a tank up to 60gal.
There are a lot of bad reviews out there on sea clones, but then there are people that do like them.