Lifegard Filtration

[nate9]

Just looking at differant filtration options for my 55 gallon and was just taking a look at the Lifegarn inline filtration systems. Was hoping to hear some reviews from people who use these systems. Thanks

[kar93]

IMO a simple DIY sump.

[nate9]

Roughly how much would a simply DIY sump cost? and could someone like myself who isnt all that handy do it?

[nate9]

also im looking at protein skimmers and pumps and am a little confused on the gph ratings. could i run a Quiet One 2200 pump
(581 gph) with a Coralife Super Skimmer 125 (on Dr. F and S it says its flow rate is 500 gph)

[nate9]

bump

[tkeracer619]

Lifeguard sand bed filters are complete junk. Stay away.

Check out an octopus 110 or 150 skimmer. They are a much better choice then the Corilife SS. They need to be in sump so you will need one of those. http://www.aquacave.com/searchresult.aspx?CategoryID=222


A sump can be any small tank that give you room to put stuff in it and not in the display. You end up with a cleaner better looking tank.

[mikesommers]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13028123#post13028123 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by nate9
also im looking at protein skimmers and pumps and am a little confused on the gph ratings. could i run a Quiet One 2200 pump
(581 gph) with a Coralife Super Skimmer 125 (on Dr. F and S it says its flow rate is 500 gph)

Stay away from Quiet One pumps. Ocean Runners are much better and much quieter. I run a OR-6500 and a Mag 12 in my sump. You cant hear either pump running. I tried a QO 9000 and it was the loudest pump I have ever seen. Also Octopus skimmers are the BOMB. They work great. I would go with a NW-150 for that tank. As far as a DIY sump, its a piece of cake. Just look at some of the post on this site and you can figure something out. I just use a 20 gallon tall for my sump. No baffles, just a water chamber with pumps and room for water to rise when I shut the tank off.

Good luck and Happy Reefing!

[kar93]

Ocean Runners will add heat to the system. Go with Eheim.

[mikesommers]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13031448#post13031448 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kar93
Ocean Runners will add heat to the system. Go with Eheim.

Mine runs cold as can be. Also Eheim dose not make pumps that will move near as much water as and OR. They are also very expensive.

[nate9]

alright thanks for advice everyone. could someone possibly point in the direction of a thread on how to do a giy sump with baffles. ill prob just go 20 long but i have no idea where to place the baffles and will need some advice on that. i was thinking just a simple 3 or 4 chamber design with a chamber for a PS, a refugium, buble trap, and a return chamber

[nate9]

im also a little confused on the pump situation. i see the PS comes with a pump which has a very low gph rating. this pump does not effect the size of the return pump i can use does it?

[mikesommers]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13031756#post13031756 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by nate9
im also a little confused on the pump situation. i see the PS comes with a pump which has a very low gph rating. this pump does not effect the size of the return pump i can use does it?

No your return pump is seperate.