emperor 400 or backpack

[new reefer in michigan]

I have a backpack skimmer in my spare bedroom. It is in there because the rio pump would always break. I finally got sick of replacing the pump and put it away. In its place I put an emperor 400 bio-wheel filter that I had from a previous tank. But I read a thread that said you can replace the rio with a maxi jet 1200 and it works fine. Has anyone done this? Should I get the new power head and put the backpack on or should I leave it the way it is. The tank is running good but the nitrates are at about 3 ppm. I have read that the bio-wheels may actually contribute to nitrates. Should I leave the bio-wheels on or put the backpack back on?

 

[Anonymous]

Replace the rio with the maxi jet (you'll need a venturi adapter). Emperors are good filters but not for a reef.

Glenn

 

[MIKE NY1]

Ditto with the MJ pump and the Backpack for a reef tank.

 

[JD]

I use both on my 60. So far I havnt had a problem with the Rio on the skimmer probobly because I clean it regualarly. As far as the Emperor goes, the bio wheels will eventualy cotribute to nitrate build up, if it has been in use for any length of time, I suggest removing one wheel at a time, two weeks apart, and also remove the filter pads. I use the Emperor strictly for carbon, emergency filtration and water movement only! If youre Bak Pak has bio bail in it, remove it and use the chamber for a heater... This information is typically what you do if you have a reef tank, ie; Live rock and a deep sand bed... HTH

 

[Anonymous]

Don't have a skimmer, but I do the smae thing as JD with my Emperor. I also use the "jets" that turn the biowheels for a little aereation. HTH