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#1
11/18/2007, 03:28 PM
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Rapids Pro Filter
Hi Everyone,
This is my 1st post on this site. I have been lurking for a long time. Does anyone have experience with this filter system http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...7&pcatid=16747 It is going to be used for a 45 Gallon take that has fish, live rock and some inverts. If you guys think it is junk, make a reccomendation please. Thanks Alan |
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#2
11/19/2007, 09:04 AM
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http://archive.reefcentral.com/forum...ghlight=rapids
http://archive.reefcentral.com/forum...ghlight=rapids heres a couple threads about them. ive been thinking about one for about 3 weeks now. they have a really good price at drsfostersmith.com right now. i had one ordered but cancelled when i found a good deal on a T5 fixture. ive discussed it with a couple other people over at nano-reef.com too. one guy actually just got his yesterday, and from what i hear its been working well for him heres that thread if youre interested |
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#4
11/19/2007, 12:16 PM
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Personally, and I think most would agree, you would be better off using a good overflow and a sump.
When you use an overflow with a sump you will have 'surface skimming' of the display tank (which the filter above does too). Your sump can be a simple Rubbermaid tote, an inexpensive glass tank, or even an inexpensive acrylic sump (on eBay). You could use a tote until you decide to shell out for something else in the future. With a sump you can simply use a Filter Sock for mechanical filtration. Filter socks are dirt cheap, VERY effective, and most importantly reusable. I never saw a 'built in protein skimmer' that was effective. Given the size of this filter system ... I highly doubt the skimmer is going to be effective enough to make an impact. A sump will allow you to use any skimmer you want. A sump will allow you to hide your heater and keep it out of the display tank, along with all other equipment. I don't want to come off like I'm 'product bashing'. I'm sure the filter will filter water, but in comparison to a simple sump I doubt it would stand the test of time. If a single part or piece breaks or wears out you're stuck buying specific replacement parts. Not if, but when your filter elements expire you are truely stuck purchasing overpriced filter elements or trying to jerry-rig your own. I can see how a 'do all' unit can seem apealing, but there's a reason why most do not use them. |
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#5
11/20/2007, 10:00 PM
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I would not bother, get a cheap tank or rubbermade container, use it as a sump, get a decent U-tube overflow if your tank is not drilled (those non-tube overflows often break siphon, aqualifter or not) and get a decent skimmer the one at that unit is junk. An aquatraders ps75 or ps160 would be a great skimmer for a 45 and cheap too
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#6
11/21/2007, 06:33 PM
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do your research. the rimless tank forum is very good reading as a few of us are following along to decide as well. the fellow there enjoys his rapids pro 4 and reports the skimmer working well, his heater is in one of the compartments and that he is very happy with it. There is even a company rep following along to find any problems with the unit.
__________________
A man's country is not a certain area of land, of mountains, rivers, and woods, but it is a principle; and patriotism is loyalty to that principle. ~George William Curtis |
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