What is this internal filter?

[kleake]

I posted this in another area as well, but figured there would be more expertise over here.

I have one of these in my tank that I will be setting up shortly. I used it about 5 years ago and was reasonably successful, but now have been running a nano tank for a short time and want to get the 55 gallon back in service. Before I do, I want to find out more about this filter so I know if I want to keep it or do something different. These pics are some I found on the net, but mine is exactly the same box and such, but i am using a different filter media. I have some rolls of fiber and some mesh type stuff in there. I also have a biobag for the center trickle chamber. Does anyone know what kind this is, and goods/bads about it or where I might find more info?

Thanks!

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[cocoa_pleco]

kinda resembles a wet/dry filter, is that what it is? does it have a skimmer in it?

[kleake]

This is what it said about it where I found the pics:

"THIS IS AN IN TANK WET DRY FILTER
IT HAS 5 CHAMBERS
1 CHAMBER HAS THE SPONGE FILTER, 1 HAS A PLACE FOR PROTEIN SKIMMER, IT HAS THE PARTS BUT NO AIR PUMP
NO PUMPS, I DO NOT KNOW WHO IT WAS MADE BY
IT HAS A BUILT IN SURFACE SKIMMER
IT MEASURES HEIGHT 21 1/4", WIDTH 14 1/2", IT IS 5 3/4" THICK
THE PROTEIN SKIMMER CUP WILL ADD ANOTHER 1 1/4" TO THE HEIGHT."

Mine has 2 rolls of filter media, one in each chamber, then a biobag in the center chamber with a trickle control coming off the return pump. The pump sets on top of the left filter drawing water from the center of the media.

[cocoa_pleco]

kinda what i thought, internal wet/dry

you can use it, but really its bulky and there are alot of good internal filters now

[kleake]

Price wise, free vs $$$ would it do the job for a 55 gallon fish/live rock/some corals or would I be better off upgrading? Could use some bioballs in it, or would it not be worth the cost? Trying to keep costs down, but yet have a good setup. I'm not expert enough to know the quality of this setup, but I agree it's pretty bulky.

[cocoa_pleco]

you shouldnt use bioballs in a reef, just a nitrate factory

the only thing i would use it for is chaeto and the skimmer, maybe some live rock rubble

[kleake]

I definitely should so some more reading, but I thought the bioballs gave a good surface for natural filtration? In my filter, it uses vanes, almost like a corogated material as the water flows into the filter. What is a good system for a 55gallon setup like this? I'm looking for inexpensive, low maintanence (as I'm sure we all are) but good quality?

[cocoa_pleco]

thats in freshwater. in saltwater, they are just a nitrate factory.

are you doing a saltwater or freshwater tank?

[kleake]

saltwater I know in it's day, this filter was supposedly one of the best, but times have changed as has technology, that's why I'm looking at feasibility now. I know my filter is at least 10-12 years old.

[The Wedge]

Live rock has all the bio filtration you need...maybe a pound per gallon should be fine...maybe some live sand...but detritus will build up in that too. I wish I would have gone bare bottom and coraline in mine.

[kleake]

So these newer small hang on the back filters and maybe a protein skimmer with plenty of live rock and live sand should do the trick and do away with this filter setup that is taking up alot of real estate?

[coachfraley]

So these newer small hang on the back filters and maybe a protein skimmer with plenty of live rock and live sand should do the trick and do away with this filter setup that is taking up alot of real estate?

Yes, the internal just takes up space that you reclaim by using HOB equipment. They make pretty nice HOB skimmers now, and VERY nice HOB refugiums (although they are a little pricey). You can also make your own refugium out of a large HOB filter like an Aquaclear 110.

[kleake]

That's funny, I was looking at an aquaclean 110. Would that be sufficient with that and a skimmer? Or what kind of refugium are you talking about? I don't mind spending a little to get a good setup, as long as it doesn't break the bank.

[cocoa_pleco]

with a AC110, just put it on the lowest flow setting, throw in some LR rubble and chaeto, and put a small PC light over it. voila