Skimmer/Filter Questions

[purpletang1]

Hello, I have a 90 gallon tank and am wondering what ya'll suggest for a protein skimmer and a canister filter. What are the best for the money spent? I don't have a ton of money, but I'm not broke either, obviously since I have saltwater fish. Any suggestions would be great.

 

[oscar1129]

Look into a sump. You can build one for cheap.
I have a reef octopus...its awesome! Quiet! Less expensive.

 

[robertmathern]

As for skimmers go with reef octopus. And for a canister filter I would go with the ones that you cant see and are not hooked to your tank lol. Dont waste your time on them for far less money get a sump/fuge you will be alot happier and spend the money on the best skimmer you can get

 

[purpletang1]

I have been hearing that a sump is the way to go, but I am not that bright on that topic. What all would I need to buy?

 

[robertmathern]

Originally Posted by PurpleTang1
http:///forum/post/3166597
I have been hearing that a sump is the way to go, but I am not that bright on that topic. What all would I need to buy?
Look on clist and find a used tank that will fit under your tank and use that for a sump then all you have to do is get an overflow box (or drill the tank) and a return pump. Add a few baffles in there for a fuge to put macro alge in it and your done. Dont have to be fancy just funcitional. There are alot of threads in the DIY section of this site for better ideas on sumps.

 

[oscar1129]

Originally Posted by PurpleTang1 http:///forum/post/3166597
I have been hearing that a sump is the way to go, but I am not that bright on that topic. What all would I need to buy?
To do it yourself you need, a tank (lfs), glass or plexi (hardware store) for your dividers, silicone (lfs), return pump that will turn the tank's water at least 10 times an hour (lfs), some live sand (lfs), micro algea (lfs), lights (for the micro algae)(lfs), an overflow box (lfs), drain tube (for the overflow), return tube (for the pump) skimmer and maybe some bio-balls.
An example...
https://forums.saltwaterfish.com/data/c/c7/c7aa61e8_vbattach234091.jpg
This is definitely the way to go. Its a little time to set up sometimes more expensive, but I have not seen an experienced reefer with out one, if that says something.
I thought about it, but then realized that I would probably upgrade later any how, so why waste the money.
BTW you can find all of this stuff on the net A LOT cheaper on the net. If you go this route, look into reef octopus skimmers, and mag drive pumps.

 

[purpletang1]

How much you think this would cost? I know I want to get a reef octopus skimmer which is gonna run me at least $175.

 

[oscar1129]

Originally Posted by PurpleTang1
http:///forum/post/3167616
How much you think this would cost? I know I want to get a reef octopus skimmer which is gonna run me at least $175.
There are a lot of diffrent variables that will control the price. Depending on where you get the supplies, and if you buy used or not. Maybe around 250???Probably lower tho. I would give ya some info on where to go but I cant post any links on here. There is some doctor foster guy you can google. Thats where I get some of my stuff.

 

[gill again68]

I used my old 29 gal tank to start my sump off. BTW there is a reason they will tell you not to use a 29 gal. Just trust them and dont get one of those. They are to tall! You want a long tank versus tall tank. For the 90 gal you need at least a 1/3 of that volume in a sump. So dont go much lower than that. Here is a cost for my list of stuff for my sump.
Tank value around $100.00
Acrylic for dividers $25.00 for a sheet.
Mag Drive 9.5 pump $69.99 online (on another note this pump was to big for my 90) Bought it online.
return hoses 20 bucks. Could use PVC with fittings probably round same price.
Fish safe silicone $6.00 a tube buy 2 and you will have enough.
Total around $200.00
I found this DYI video on youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cxnug...rom=PL&index=1
If I had the money and could do it all over? I would get melvsreef guy to build me a sump with a refugium in it. You can find him at melvsreef.com.
I do agree that the sump is the best way to go. I didnt have to drill my tank as I bought a drilled tank to start off with.