Filter/Skimmer Question

Discussion in 'Filters, Pumps, etc..' started by cwop357, Jul 12, 2007.

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  1. cwop357

    cwop357 Astrea Snail

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    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.
     
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  3. MDeth

    MDeth Feather Star

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    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?
     
  4. cwop357

    cwop357 Astrea Snail

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    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.
     
  5. MDeth

    MDeth Feather Star

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    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 :)
     
  6. MDeth

    MDeth Feather Star

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    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) :)
     
  7. Sndwave80

    Sndwave80 Bristle Worm

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    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.
     
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  9. crappyballer

    crappyballer Corkscrew Tentacle Anemone

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  10. cwop357

    cwop357 Astrea Snail

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

    MDeth Feather Star

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    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)
     
  12. scott26

    scott26 Ritteri Anemone

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    I tried paint before hand but it wore off quick or scuffed easily. I put on about 5 coats to. So powder coat ftw.

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