seaclear tanks?

[chris stevens]

has anyone had any experience with the seaclear tank w/built in skimmer box? i like the dimensions of this aquarium and i've read that a skimmer with the assistance of live rock, sand and a powerhead is all that is needed - no additional mechanical filtration system needed. is their a difference between the "skimmer box" shown and a "skimmer"? is it simply a housing for a skimmer? thanks any help appreciated.

( http://www.petsmart.com/global/prod...<>ast_id=2534374302023693&bmUID=1112194639797 )

 

[skipm]

The skimmer box is simply a surface skimmer, it is not and does not take the place of a protien skimmer. It is still a good idea to have some mechanical filtration that is either cleaned or replaced at least weekly to help prevent nitrate build up. The skimmer box is not a housing for a skimmer, it is more like a housing for the tank drain and the return is also usually plumbed in through the skimmer box. This tank is designed to be used with a sump or wet/dry filter below the tank. HTH, Skip

 

[Biotoper]

I have a 75g Seaclear System II that I got used for quite cheap and am using for FW. I'm not sure what skipm is referring to - it might be a different Seaclear series. I of course have never tried out the protein skimmer that came with it, but I have not heard good things about it (although I don't know if those reviews have come from direct experience or just looking at it and feeling it's not sufficient). It is not pre-drilled or anything for a sump, but being acrylic, you could do that. The main compartment in the back is for a bioball trickle filter, which is doing great for my FW, but if I was going to use the tank for SW, I'd remove the bioballs and trickle tray, maybe put a little LR rubble and macroalgae to serve as a small refugium - the compartment is pretty narrow, so putting live sand or a lot of LR in the back would be a bad idea. I'd keep the heater where it is now, in the skimmer compartment, remove the pre-filter floss, put LR and DSB in the main tank, and get a hob skimmer. That said, IMO buying a new seaclear tank is a waste of money. For almost the same price, you can do a proper set-up and buy an all-glass tank with built-in overflow/pre-drill, sump w/ skimmer, etc.