Filter/Skimmer Question

[cwop357]

Hi this is only my second post and I am very new to this website. I have a 26 gallon aquarium with a tetratec PH150 power filter (not sure if this filter is that good but have never really had a problem with it). I have had fish in my tank for about 2 years and now I want to add corals. I was wondering if I will need a different filter and/or protien skimmer since my filter does not provide much of a power flow and because of the additonal things I want to add to my tank. I probably want to start off with some mushrooms, frogspawn and some polyps.

[MDeth]

Skimmers are more for SPS corals and large bio-loads (fish)
What are your lighting specs? Do you have any other powerheads beside the filter? What are you running in the filter, and how often do you change it?
With this info I or 'us' can help you

Okayy...edit - I was unable to find any info on the 150...do you remeber how many GPH it pushes?
I'd say you'll probably be fine with this filter, but you may want to look into the Hydor Korlia #1 or #2 to supplement the flow.
If you put your hand in the middle of the tank, can you feel the current in it?

[cwop357]

Originally Posted by MDeth

Skimmers are more for SPS corals and large bio-loads (fish)
What are your lighting specs? Do you have any other powerheads beside the filter? What are you running in the filter, and how often do you change it?
With this info I or 'us' can help you

Okayy...edit - I was unable to find any info on the 150...do you remeber how many GPH it pushes?
I'd say you'll probably be fine with this filter, but you may want to look into the Hydor Korlia #1 or #2 to supplement the flow.
If you put your hand in the middle of the tank, can you feel the current in it?

PF 150Pro II Size:Regular (2)Aquarium Size*:Up to 30 GalGPH:150 GPHWidth:9”
Heater:100 Watt

I have 130 watt light half white half blue. No other powerheads, filters just have carbon in them and I change them every 4-5 weeks. As far as the current I don't feel to much when I put my hand in there.

[MDeth]

First off...ditch those cartidges. They are useless after about 2 days. Get some 'pillow stuffing' and use a small amount - enough to block the filter completely - this will act as a strainer for any particulate matter.
The carbon is good (what brand are you using?)

The lighting should be good for any softies and LPS you want.

LMK if you have more questions

I'd add another powerhead. My personal fav. are the Hydor Korlias as I said. They are just a recirculating PH so they dont have 'suction' that can kill your stuff

[MDeth]

BTW, the link I sent you...they don't have any

But, those are the right ones - the Hydor Koralia - just find em anywhere (google search)

[Sndwave80]

Activated Carbon is usually only good for two weeks- three max, just a remember. Even the most expensive stuff does not last any longer; it is just cleaner out of the box/bag.

[crappyballer]

get the koralia from Aquarium Fish: Tropical Freshwater Fish and Saltwater Fish for Home Aquariums if you are going that route and use the coupon code dodge when you check out it will save you an extra 15%

[cwop357]

Thanks you guys I will definetly post some pics after I get some coral in my tank.

[MDeth]

For your filter - what I do isssss

Take a pre-existing filter you have.
Gut it completely removing all the material around the plastic.
Replace the material with the filter floss/pillow stuffing I told ya about.
Replace this every 2 days or so (or when it gets nasty)