Fluidized Filter

[ilikualot]

Does ne1 know if these are good? I am buying a tank with one and I have no idea what they are for. Do they replace the skimmer or are they in addition to the skimmer? anyone with experience let me know.

Jarod

[wsonner]

I think the general consensus is that they are TOO good. That is, they are so efficient at converting ammonia that they become a nitrate producer. I think they are COOL but I haven't heard of a lot of people using them with great enthusiasm. I tried one for a while and it was tough to get adjusted but I might have had a cruddy model. Anyway, you would still want to have a good skimmer.

[dbrooks]

Are you talking about a fluidized bed? I used one until my live rock matured. It now sits full of water - but cut-off from circulation. I just had a look at it...it's got a bunch of black crap growing in it...perhaps it's anoxic?

If you are going to have a tank with a fair amount of live rock, I wouldn't bother.

[ilikualot]

So would it be best for a Fish only setup?

[wsonner]

So would it be best for a Fish only setup?

You'll likely find that it isn't recommended by too many people. Anyone??

[Doorag]

If you pull the plug on the lifegard fluidized bed filters, the sand goes up the intake tube. It doesn't restart when you plug it back in.

[Dakota]

IMO, only good for fish only setups. Too many nitrates for reefs, plus the live rock will do ALL the biological filtration you need. So for a reef, NO, for fish only, YES.