meagan1823

Has anyone ever used this filter?
http://www.freedomaquarium.com/site/...t-features.cfm

is it worth the money? does it work well?

Oil_Fan

I've never seen this one but it is interesting. I'd be curious to read a review and know the cost of one.

meagan1823

it was $175 at Petco

agsansoo

I looked at these a few years ago. I liked it because if it overflowed, it was in the tank and not on living room floor ! At the time I was using a CSS-65, which overflowed all the time, usually at night.

Matt

that must have been terrible Andy.

-Matt

meagan1823

Actually these are $145 at petco.
So should I buy it a check it out?
How would I know if the protein skimmer was working properly?
Thanks

agsansoo

First check if it's going to fit in your tank, depth wise. Once the skimmer is running in a tank (either at the fish store or in your tank ), it will produce foam that collects into the top chamber of the protein skimmer. Also known as the "collection cup". This foam should not overflow that cup, but collect a nice dark green tea color.

agsansoo

Also you have to buy a pump for that skimmer. The web-site states "Pump not included".

meagan1823

Yea i know the pump is not included.
So I guess you would just stick with a protein skimmer and not worry about getting this all in one?
Thanks

meagan1823

I went back to Petco and looked at this filter again.
On the box it says the pump is included so it is $145 for the filter + pump.
It seems like a good deal to me but im new at all this.
what do yall think

cerianthus

Never used this product before but i always stayed away from Internal compact units. Check to see if replacement parts are readily available (impeller, waste cup, etc) and wont cost an arm and a leg!!!lol

I would like to stay with reputable manufacturers with whom replacements parts are readily available even if they cost an arm and a leg.

Look into Seaclone, although their coupling mechanism are not that great but for the money, I think it's worth it.
I do not know how good you are w/ tools. You can modify waste cup of HOB (drill holes to apply hose nipple) in a way so that waste can collect in larger Waste Collector (DIY using PVC, and ping pong ball) thus no need to worry water water on the floor.

agsansoo

How big is your tank ?

meagan1823

55 gallon

agsansoo

I'm researching these today. Will post my thoughts today.

agsansoo

After a little digging around, reviews were not that positive. Most complained about noise, hard to change filter pads and how they really were not that great of a skimmer. The positives were, they are well built and kept water clear. All recommended investing in a sump and using a in-sump skimmer. If that's not a option, to try tunze HOB skimmers or even the new Octopus HOB skimmers (like the one Mike reviewed).