Mini reef Vs back pack

das · 05-17-2006, 04:06 AM

G'day all,
I pose a question to you all:

Two tanks both with the same amount of LR and H2O, the same corals and fish, the only difference one has a mini reef and the other has a back pack filter, which one would give better quality of life for the inhabitants?

Woodstock · 05-17-2006, 06:58 AM

I am not familiar with "mini reef" nor "back pack" filters... so I'd have to answer by saying... the best home for inhabitants would be the one with the cleanest water and best flow.

mempho reefer · 05-17-2006, 07:27 AM

Hey das, do you mean a sump on one tank and a hang on filter on the other? I have an Aqua Clear 70 on my 36g and I love it. It doesn't take up alot of space and I like the filter options.

mps9506 · 05-17-2006, 11:54 AM

I'm not familiar with mini reef filter. The bak pak is an adequate skimmer for smaller tanks (I would say under 30 gallons).
HTH...

Dragon Wrasse · 05-17-2006, 12:42 PM

Are you talking about the CPR Bak Pak???

das · 05-17-2006, 09:58 PM

G'day all,

There's a bit of a language difference, yes I think a mini reef is what you guys call a sump and the bak pak is the hang on filter.

KeyserSoze · 05-17-2006, 10:40 PM

I have a Bak Pak and I've said some pretty bad things about it in the past. I did an airstone modification to it and now think that it's working great. (for a Bak Pak) As for the sump I've heard people rave about the benefits. I would ask, why not both? Each has an important role and if you're thinking of a smaller tank it's even more important to do everything you can to maintain consistent water quality. IMO

R.yumaDaddy? · 05-17-2006, 10:48 PM

The sump hands down because of the higher total volume allowable. I dont think anyone has even consideder haning a sump off their tank.

blue_eyes53813 · 05-17-2006, 10:54 PM

I know people are gonna kick me out of here,,,,, but,,,,, I dont have a sump and I do have an awesome hang on skimmer with awesome water quality... I want more water in my main tank and not under the tank.... so sorry,, boot away.... yikes...

Woodstock · 05-17-2006, 10:56 PM

I think that's fine Blue_eyes

You have a beautiful reef!

blue_eyes53813 · 05-17-2006, 10:56 PM

blue eyes runs for the door ducking her head

whew thanks woodstock

mempho reefer · 05-18-2006, 06:41 AM

Hold your head high blue eyes!! There are others who are sump free and livin' la vida loca. As I mentioned earlier, I'm using a hang on filter and.....are you ready for this......a hang on skimmer too!!!!! oh yes, it's true. I'll put a sample of my water up against sump water any day

blue_eyes53813 · 05-18-2006, 07:57 AM

HI mempho. Im glad your tank perimeters are turning out good. I do believe sumps are probably the way to go, but I never had anyone to help me with one or quite understood them...(hookups that is).. I do like the idea that all equipment is in the sump and out of sght, But it works both ways... Tanks can be successfull without a sump too.

mempho reefer · 05-18-2006, 08:48 AM

Yeah, I would like a sump to hide everything, to make water changes easy, and to add suppliments, but my space is very limited. Most die hard reefers would consider nothing but a sump however you can have very good success with hang on equipment. There have been some great advances lately in the technology of the hang ons. Its also much easier. No need for all the plumbing which I have trouble comprehending as well.

Dragon Wrasse · 05-18-2006, 10:10 AM

I have a SeaClear II tank, no sump but I have a HOB skimmer and HOB Refugiium...the SeaClear has a built in Wet/Dry filter also...my tank is HIGHLY modified.... perameters are great! ....

05-17-2006, 04:06 AM	#1 (permalink)
das Star Polyps Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Sydney,Australia Posts: 174 View Gallery Karma Komment	Mini reef Vs back pack G'day all, I pose a question to you all: Two tanks both with the same amount of LR and H2O, the same corals and fish, the only difference one has a mini reef and the other has a back pack filter, which one would give better quality of life for the inhabitants? __________________ *Member "Crabs Are Evil" Society*

05-17-2006, 06:58 AM	#2 (permalink)
Woodstock The Wand Geek was here. ;) Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 23,199 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Mini reef Vs back pack I am not familiar with "mini reef" nor "back pack" filters... so I'd have to answer by saying... the best home for inhabitants would be the one with the cleanest water and best flow. __________________ ~Doni Marie~ *GOT ICH???* *My QT/Hospital Tank* ~120 Reef Chronicle ~ *~Breeding Picasso Clownfish~* "Energy and persistence conquer all things." Benjamin Franklin __________________________________________________ ______________________________________________ 120 mixed reef, dual Reeflux 10k 250 MHs, dual Geiseman Actinic T5s,Neptune AC III, ASM g3, 2x Korallia #3, Mag 9.5 return

05-17-2006, 07:27 AM	#3 (permalink)
mempho reefer Pistol Shrimp Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Memphis Posts: 243 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Mini reef Vs back pack Hey das, do you mean a sump on one tank and a hang on filter on the other? I have an Aqua Clear 70 on my 36g and I love it. It doesn't take up alot of space and I like the filter options.

05-17-2006, 11:54 AM	#4 (permalink)
mps9506 They misunderestimated me Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Wilmington, NC Posts: 7,408 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Mini reef Vs back pack I'm not familiar with mini reef filter. The bak pak is an adequate skimmer for smaller tanks (I would say under 30 gallons). HTH... __________________ Mike "The Bandwith Bandit" Help Build Reefpedia Premium Membership Available! Support Reef Sanctuary Sponsors

05-17-2006, 12:42 PM	#5 (permalink)
Dragon Wrasse Harlequin Tuskfish Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Southern California Posts: 991 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Mini reef Vs back pack Are you talking about the CPR Bak Pak??? __________________ *Member "Crabs Are Evil" Society* "A wise man learns more from a foolish question, then a fool learns from a wise answer" - Bruce Lee _____________________________ 75 gal SeaClear II Reef Tank (softy tank) - Coralife 125 Super Skimmer - Little Giant 2-MDQX-SC - Angstrom 2537 UV 15W - HOB Refugium - Eheim Pro 2228 - Red Sea Wave Maker w/Maxi-Jet 600 (X4) - 100 lbs Live Sand (DSB) - 100 lbs Live Rock - 260W PC lighting - 470nm lunar lights (X15) - AquaController II Custom 75 gal Starphire glass tank (SPS/LPS tank) - Custom 24 gal Refugium - Tuzne Wave box - JBJ Chiller - 390W PC lighting - 175W MH (X2) - Knop Cal. Reactor - AquaController 3 Pro - Aqua C Skimmer - Phosban Reactor - 18W Turbo-twist UV sterilizer - Sump - Sony Computer 5 gal Nano Hospital Tank - Eheim 2213 - Red Sea Prizm Skimmer - Live sand - Live Rock - Built in Refugium - 36W PC lighting

05-17-2006, 09:58 PM	#6 (permalink)
das Star Polyps Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Sydney,Australia Posts: 174 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Mini reef Vs back pack G'day all, There's a bit of a language difference, yes I think a mini reef is what you guys call a sump and the bak pak is the hang on filter. __________________ *Member "Crabs Are Evil" Society*

05-17-2006, 10:40 PM	#7 (permalink)
KeyserSoze Midas Blenny Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Kansas Posts: 111 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Mini reef Vs back pack I have a Bak Pak and I've said some pretty bad things about it in the past. I did an airstone modification to it and now think that it's working great. (for a Bak Pak) As for the sump I've heard people rave about the benefits. I would ask, why not both? Each has an important role and if you're thinking of a smaller tank it's even more important to do everything you can to maintain consistent water quality. IMO

05-17-2006, 10:48 PM	#8 (permalink)
R.yumaDaddy? Torch coral Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Easton, PA Posts: 513 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Mini reef Vs back pack The sump hands down because of the higher total volume allowable. I dont think anyone has even consideder haning a sump off their tank. __________________ The early bird gets the worm, but what about the early worm?

05-17-2006, 10:54 PM	#9 (permalink)
blue_eyes53813 Hey!Its not my fault Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Lancaster, Wisconsin Posts: 6,590 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Mini reef Vs back pack I know people are gonna kick me out of here,,,,, but,,,,, I dont have a sump and I do have an awesome hang on skimmer with awesome water quality... I want more water in my main tank and not under the tank.... so sorry,, boot away.... yikes... __________________ 265 Gallon Reef built into basement wall. Lighting = 6x250 watts MH, 2x96 watt PC ,and 2x140 watt VHO for a total watt of 1,972 watts . New addition on 4-14-07 of 100 gallon sump and 100 gallon refugium. I think I have lost my mind. Gotta love this hobby Vicki Life is like a pathway of untrodden snow. Be careful how you step in it for every mark will show Definition of FRIENDSHIP: All lives touch other lives to create something new and alive My tank chronicles. http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/...wall-reef.html

05-17-2006, 10:56 PM	#10 (permalink)
Woodstock The Wand Geek was here. ;) Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 23,199 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Mini reef Vs back pack I think that's fine Blue_eyes You have a beautiful reef! __________________ ~Doni Marie~ *GOT ICH???* *My QT/Hospital Tank* ~120 Reef Chronicle ~ *~Breeding Picasso Clownfish~* "Energy and persistence conquer all things." Benjamin Franklin __________________________________________________ ______________________________________________ 120 mixed reef, dual Reeflux 10k 250 MHs, dual Geiseman Actinic T5s,Neptune AC III, ASM g3, 2x Korallia #3, Mag 9.5 return

05-17-2006, 10:56 PM	#11 (permalink)
blue_eyes53813 Hey!Its not my fault Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Lancaster, Wisconsin Posts: 6,590 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Mini reef Vs back pack blue eyes runs for the door ducking her head whew thanks woodstock __________________ 265 Gallon Reef built into basement wall. Lighting = 6x250 watts MH, 2x96 watt PC ,and 2x140 watt VHO for a total watt of 1,972 watts . New addition on 4-14-07 of 100 gallon sump and 100 gallon refugium. I think I have lost my mind. Gotta love this hobby Vicki Life is like a pathway of untrodden snow. Be careful how you step in it for every mark will show Definition of FRIENDSHIP: All lives touch other lives to create something new and alive My tank chronicles. http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/...wall-reef.html Last edited by blue_eyes53813 : 05-17-2006 at 10:57 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost

05-18-2006, 06:41 AM	#12 (permalink)
mempho reefer Pistol Shrimp Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Memphis Posts: 243 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Mini reef Vs back pack Hold your head high blue eyes!! There are others who are sump free and livin' la vida loca. As I mentioned earlier, I'm using a hang on filter and.....are you ready for this......a hang on skimmer too!!!!! oh yes, it's true. I'll put a sample of my water up against sump water any day

05-18-2006, 07:57 AM	#13 (permalink)
blue_eyes53813 Hey!Its not my fault Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Lancaster, Wisconsin Posts: 6,590 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Mini reef Vs back pack HI mempho. Im glad your tank perimeters are turning out good. I do believe sumps are probably the way to go, but I never had anyone to help me with one or quite understood them...(hookups that is).. I do like the idea that all equipment is in the sump and out of sght, But it works both ways... Tanks can be successfull without a sump too. __________________ 265 Gallon Reef built into basement wall. Lighting = 6x250 watts MH, 2x96 watt PC ,and 2x140 watt VHO for a total watt of 1,972 watts . New addition on 4-14-07 of 100 gallon sump and 100 gallon refugium. I think I have lost my mind. Gotta love this hobby Vicki Life is like a pathway of untrodden snow. Be careful how you step in it for every mark will show Definition of FRIENDSHIP: All lives touch other lives to create something new and alive My tank chronicles. http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/...wall-reef.html

05-18-2006, 08:48 AM	#14 (permalink)
mempho reefer Pistol Shrimp Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Memphis Posts: 243 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Mini reef Vs back pack Yeah, I would like a sump to hide everything, to make water changes easy, and to add suppliments, but my space is very limited. Most die hard reefers would consider nothing but a sump however you can have very good success with hang on equipment. There have been some great advances lately in the technology of the hang ons. Its also much easier. No need for all the plumbing which I have trouble comprehending as well.

05-18-2006, 10:10 AM	#15 (permalink)
Dragon Wrasse Harlequin Tuskfish Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Southern California Posts: 991 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Mini reef Vs back pack I have a SeaClear II tank, no sump but I have a HOB skimmer and HOB Refugiium...the SeaClear has a built in Wet/Dry filter also...my tank is HIGHLY modified.... perameters are great! .... __________________ *Member "Crabs Are Evil" Society* "A wise man learns more from a foolish question, then a fool learns from a wise answer" - Bruce Lee _____________________________ 75 gal SeaClear II Reef Tank (softy tank) - Coralife 125 Super Skimmer - Little Giant 2-MDQX-SC - Angstrom 2537 UV 15W - HOB Refugium - Eheim Pro 2228 - Red Sea Wave Maker w/Maxi-Jet 600 (X4) - 100 lbs Live Sand (DSB) - 100 lbs Live Rock - 260W PC lighting - 470nm lunar lights (X15) - AquaController II Custom 75 gal Starphire glass tank (SPS/LPS tank) - Custom 24 gal Refugium - Tuzne Wave box - JBJ Chiller - 390W PC lighting - 175W MH (X2) - Knop Cal. Reactor - AquaController 3 Pro - Aqua C Skimmer - Phosban Reactor - 18W Turbo-twist UV sterilizer - Sump - Sony Computer 5 gal Nano Hospital Tank - Eheim 2213 - Red Sea Prizm Skimmer - Live sand - Live Rock - Built in Refugium - 36W PC lighting

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