Lifeguard filter?????????

[imaburch]

Can anyone tell me about their experiance with a LIFEGUARD filter system. If you have pics that would be beyond helpful!!!!!!
I have a 55 gallon reef and liked the idea of this system under my stand. I use a over the back wheel filter now.

 

[6stokes]

When I sarted with a reef system I used that system because it fit in the stand under my tank, but I had some problems here and there. There are several canisters that interconnect that do different things. I set mine up with a mechanical filter and a heater module. I also used their fluidized bed filters. The biggest problem I had was with how connections were made between the pump and modules as well as module to module. They didn't mold them correctly and fittings were sloppy loose. This wouldn't allow a bond and of course caused leaks. Also, one of the fluidized bed filters leaked all around the bottom, which is factory sealed. As I got more experienced with reefing, I decided that I didn't want any machanical filtration (it traps microfauna) so I eliminated the whole system. I also wanted more flow into the tank. The modules really slow flow down so you need a huge pump if you're going to use the modules and you want good turn over. One thing I did keep and swear by is the fluidized bed filters, after I got one that didn't leak. But I'm sure you can get other brand bed filters.
Anyway, I won't ever use their products again, but my system is no longer conducive to their product. I may consider it if I had a fish only system.

 

[bagemrn]

I have 3 lifeguard bed filters, for one you cant see it working except only little sand floating around, but its said to have huge surface areas. I use a 900 for my 300 gal koi tank, never had problem with amonia and nitrates but when temp hits 50's, amonia will rise, thats when I slow feeds to one time week, 2 300FB in a 54 coner and 40 breeder, they never had a amonia spike and the fish never got sick. I have heard that FB filters not only colonize large amount of bacteria but it also traps parasites with in the sand making difficult for them to escape into the tank, I just set up a 125 and I have this huge ich problem, I am currentlyu looking to buy another 900 for it. FYI, before I got FB for my koi tank, my koi was sick constantly with fin and ick, have not had a problem for 3 years now. Change 50 gal water every 4 weeks, (7) 8-9 inch koi's.
My personal opinion, FB should not be a primary filter, it operate with a 160 gph pump. it should be only for biological only, maintenance free after installed. Its a must have if within budget. Never leaked on me, but some cleaning after 6 months of salt buildups. I have 1 hanging and 2 flowing out side of slump,
when I started my 40 gal, I jump started the FB in my 54 for 2 months then when setting up I just moves it over my tank cycled with fish in 2 weeks or less. I have never saw amonia spike. 2 years now water change 5 gal q 4weeks, one 4 in yellow tang 2 clowns and intank 6x8x12 cpr refug. coral frags and xenias. MH PC 380 watts. LR 25 lbs, Protein skimmer, WD at 400 gal/hr. 400 gal power head for circulation. BTY wetdry home built, havent changed 6 months, seems like its biologically sound. no carbon use.

 

[bagemrn]

I also have a 110 system with WD and no FB, no amonia but 37 gal refugium and 30 gal dual flow slump.
I guess its the bio system you can put in, and perhaps more than one system should be used. The more bio the better
I have a 29 gal peperment shrimp only and I have bio wheel 400 marineland and that is working ok,