Overhead Filter for Marine

[rapalla]

I'm newbie at marine setup, due to budget constrains i will like to use OHF for my 2ft marine set up. Any comments?

[Gouldian]

If you are thinking of 2 Clowns some LR, 2-3pcs of Mushroom and 2-3pcs of Feather Duster in a 2' x 1' x 1', it should be able to manage.

The key word is "minimum bioload" OHF are not reccomend for tank that have heavy bioload.

[rapalla]

Hmm.. thanks for your adviced. so watt would you recommend me? Not to expensive bit budget!

[Gouldian]

Actually from what I know the most budget one is the Via Aqua Multi-Skimmer / Filter. You can check out the price from Reborn or Yishun.

[rapalla]

Where is reborn?

[auberon]

Errr... are you guys talking about hang-on filters or overhead filters like those used for quite a number of lou han tanks?

Anyway the shop mentioned is at Lavender St.

[rapalla]

Is it ok if i just use the overhead filter?

[Gouldian]

Is it ok if i just use the overhead filter?

It is alright if wanted to just use overhead filter if you bioload is very low. This is provided if you already have an overhead filter that you want to reuse.

However, if you wanted to buy, I would suggest get an entry level filter which is the Via Aqua Multi-Skimmer / Filter loh. That's my 2 cents.

If not buy overhead filter for maybe $30+ then discover need skimmer, buy skimmer with pump for $60. Might as well get the Via Aqua.

But anyway, thats is just my suggestions, there is more than one way to skin a cat.

[rapalla]

Roughly how much is the Via Aqua Multi-Skimmer / Filter?

[Gouldian]

Roughly how much is the Via Aqua Multi-Skimmer / Filter?

Can't remember liao. But definitely below $100.

[SoTongBall]

I think I saw it at Clementi 328, should be less than $80 I guess.... Interesting filter

[xiggie]

as a newbie i would suggest u read up about what u are going into before starting anything ... understand the basics of reef keeping .. u can find alot of information in the internet and especially in here SGreef

u need to understand stuff like water parameters ,filtration , lightings ,the nitrogen cycle etc etc ...

help u get started read the sticky thread

http://www.sgreefclub.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=2032

[jesperlam]

I'm wondering if using OHF to keep FOWLR ok not?...since the those hardy fishes doesnt need very good quality water condition.

[xiggie]

all fish needs good water condition .... even hardy fish will die if kept in bad condition water over period of time ...

[shiraz]

agree...

don't bother trying out OHF.. either everything would die.. or you would upgrade later on.. get something that you'll keep and not want to upgrade later... trust me, when u look at some of the tanks here, and you find out u cant keep any of those stuff, you'll start upgrading... might as well invest in good stuff early

[Gouldian]

Actually he started this thread is because he wanted to know whether it is possible to use OHF to keep marine fish. The fact is, it is possible.

But since he does not have a OHF, it was proposed that he get something affordable to him yet more suitable to marine. That is why he was reccomended Via Aqua.

Via Aqua is not a OHF, it is a HOT filter / skimmer.

Off course there is always better equipement out there but I believe his concern is affordabilty.

Besides, most of us have recently read that one guy in Reef Central with a 32 yrs reef using under gravel filter.

Lets not forget Berlin style which propagate LRs bare bottom with protein skimming and Kalkwasser!

I feel that it is not a matter of the best equipment will do the work. But the most suitable filter for the kind of set-up you want.

That's why the bro needs to know that for the basic equipment, he has to keep his bio-load very low.

But if he can afford a better system - why not.

[rapalla]

Thanks... bro. i used a OHF for my 2ft tank. Now the tank with DBS and 2 damsels undergoing the tank cycle for nearly 2 weeks! Keep u update on my OHF tank

[Gouldian]

Wish you all the best.

I think if you keep your bio-load low and you have frequent water changes. You will do fine.

You never mentioned LR, do you have any in your tank?

[rapalla]

Nop... think will stock up the LR onced the tank have completed its cycle.

Just stock up 2 more damsels!

Here's my simple OHF marine tank in it's cycling stage.

[terryansimon]

urh.

dude.

you need live rocks for cycling! (=

[typrobin]

dun think u should keep fishes when your tank is not properly cycled...damsels are hardy but its quite cruel to do so..

as terryansimon, u need to cycle with LRs...if u add LRs after that, u'll need to cycle again cos there will be die-offs in the LRs tat will cos another round of ammonia spike..

[rapalla]

Oops

Getting the LR ASAP bro...

Thanks!

[Gouldian]

Yah loh, LR are very important in cycling. If you place the LRs in after your cycling you will trigger another cycling this time iniated by the LRs.

Actually Damsels or any Amonia generator should come after LRs and sands.

What you could do now is to add the LRs and collect 2 or 3 cups of live sand to seed your new sand.

If you have no other place for the Damsels then leave it in your tank, but as Typrobin has mentioned it is cruel cuz the damsels are on the receiving end of the amonia and nitrite spikes.

[Gouldian]

Also, please note that OHP cannot handle too high a bio-load. So please refrain from adding two many LS.

I believe you already have 3 damsels liao.

If I were you, no more fishes liao, many just 1 cleaner shrimp and 2 feather duster.

[35Cents]

I think I saw it at Clementi 328, should be less than $80 I guess.... Interesting filter

Hi all, FYI the ViaAqua filter ###### skimmer is going for $69 at the clementi LFS, but read from some reviews online that the skimmer is pretty noisy, not recommendable if the tank is in the bedroom unless you turn it off when you KO...