Protein filter question

[Kim guinn]

Hey all,
I am new to the forum but have been reading for a while.

My guy and I are setting up a 75 gallon reef aquarium. He has over 25 years of tank experience and has a 10 year old 90 gallon at his house, and he is teaching me.

But I have come up with a problem that even he doesn’t know the answer too, so I figured I’d ask here.

We have fluval filter system on the tank. I am looking at hang on protein fixtures and with its location, I need a protein skimmer that has a slim design.

I have found the Bak-pak system. They have a few options, but would require buying two systems, because it is only for 60 gallons. They also have a more advanced one that is for up to 100 gallons, but it has an added filteration system.

Buying the all in one would save almost $75.

So the question of the day is will having two filtration systems on a tank be bad for the tank, or do I just pay the extra and get the two skimmers without filtration?

 

[Tahoe61]

Hi and Welcome to R2R.

Is this tank going to just house fish and simple corals and inverts?

If able it would be great if you could post some images of the system to show how much room you have to work with. Having mechanical filtration is equally if not more important than having a skimmer (really depends on the bio-load). There should be no need to buy two protein skimmers.

 

[Kim guinn]

Hi and Welcome to R2R.

Is this tank going to just house fish and simple corals and inverts?

If able it would be great if you could post some images of the system to show how much room you have to work with. Having mechanical filtration is equally if not more important than having a skimmer (really depends on the bio-load). There should be no need to buy two protein skimmers.

I can when I get home.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

FWIW, a skimmer does a lot more than remove protein, so I wouldn't call it a protein filter. Many folks won't even now what you are referring to.

As to more "filtration", if you are talking about some kind of media chamber, it all depends on what you put into it (if anything).

 

[Ty Hamatake]

Welcome to R2R! Having a variety of filtration is never a bad thing. Have you taken a look the Reef Octopus hang on back skimmers? They seem to be similar in size to the one you're looking and some with a higher rating. https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/protein-skimmers/hang-on-skimmers.html here is a link if you're interested. Also, as it has been said, the need for mechanical filtration is really up to your bioload and maintenance schedule. There are many successful reefers that only use a skimmer, some (usually with smaller tanks) don't use filtration period and rely solely on water changes to keep the water clean, and then of course there are some whose setups are so elaborate that I get confused just looking at them ;Bored. It's all up to you and the needs of your tank. Though if I had to chose one method of filtration it would have to be a skimmer

Good luck in your decision! Keep us posted in the progress you make. We always enjoy a good build thread with a lot of picture

 

[Kim guinn]

FWIW, a skimmer does a lot more than remove protein, so I wouldn't call it a protein filter. Many folks won't even now what you are referring to.

As to more "filtration", if you are talking about some kind of media chamber, it all depends on what you put into it (if anything).

This is the one I’m looking at...

For the one without the filter added, I would have to buy two. With the filter added I would only need to buy one and it fits my space.

http://m.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+4392+4409&pcatid=4409

 

[Kim guinn]

Welcome to R2R! Having a variety of filtration is never a bad thing. Have you taken a look the Reef Octopus hang on back skimmers? They seem to be similar in size to the one you're looking and some with a higher rating. https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/protein-skimmers/hang-on-skimmers.html here is a link if you're interested. Also, as it has been said, the need for mechanical filtration is really up to your bioload and maintenance schedule. There are many successful reefers that only use a skimmer, some (usually with smaller tanks) don't use filtration period and rely solely on water changes to keep the water clean, and then of course there are some whose setups are so elaborate that I get confused just looking at them ;Bored. It's all up to you and the needs of your tank. Though if I had to chose one method of filtration it would have to be a skimmer

Good luck in your decision! Keep us posted in the progress you make. We always enjoy a good build thread with a lot of picture

That is amazing and perfect! Thanks!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

This is the one I’m looking at...

For the one without the filter added, I would have to buy two. With the filter added I would only need to buy one and it fits my space.

http://m.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+4392+4409&pcatid=4409

I can't tell what exactly you mean by a filter, but you may not need a filter other than a skimmer.

 

[Ty Hamatake]

This is the one I’m looking at...

For the one without the filter added, I would have to buy two. With the filter added I would only need to buy one and it fits my space.

http://m.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+4392+4409&pcatid=4409

If I am understanding you correctly you're debating whether or not to get the one with the "blue stuff" in the middle? If so (and if I'm understanding their specs), that's for biological filtration. Additional biological filtration is unnecessary in a reef tank with adequate live rock and a reasonable bioload.