Could use a boost - 40B Fiji AIO Drop-in or Tidal 110 HOB

[mdpitts]

I PROMISE I've been searching for an answer both here and on the webs in general but I've got an Aqueon 40B sitting in my already cramped living room just staring at me while I try to decide what's best.

I'm already outgrowing my Fluval Evo and all I can afford or maintain all by my fifty something self is a 40 gallon tank. I think I've decide against a sump because it's going to be too expensive and confusing.

What are the clear advantages of the AIO drop in unit and will a Seachem/Sicce Tidal 110 be good enough. Also, how much will a HOB skimmer help - does it really matter in a tank my size? I know a 40B is a tiny tank but it's the best I can do on my single person budget and space available in my house.

Any tips are SUPER appreciated - videos, blogs, R2R threads. I pretty much watch YouTube for reefing info pretty much nonstop when I'm not cleaning my 10 tanks, or doing yard work. I'm pretty amazed at how much there is to learn compared to the freshwater world.

 

[FUNGI]

A skimmer regardless HOB, In Sump, or standalone, is better then no skimmer.

 

[Sump Crab]

I would suggest a hob skimmer over a large hob filter. I personally would not suggest a drop in aio as it will reduce your space inside the aquarium too much.

I would potentially add a smaller hob filter to run carbon.

 

[FUNGI]

I would suggest a hob skimmer over a large hob filter. I personally would not suggest a drop in aio as it will reduce your space inside the aquarium too much.

I would potentially add a smaller hob filter to run carbon.

or go canister

 

[mdpitts]

or go canister

ooooohhh, I could go canister. I have two that haven't been put to use yet for freshwater tanks. Good tip!

 

[mdpitts]

I would suggest a hob skimmer over a large hob filter. I personally would not suggest a drop in aio as it will reduce your space inside the aquarium too much.

I would potentially add a smaller hob filter to run carbon.

Good point about taking up room in the tank. Realistically, unless I win a lottery, I'm probably not going any larger so this has got to do. I'll look at hob skimmers.

 

[Sump Crab]

Good point about taking up room in the tank. Realistically, unless I win a lottery, I'm probably not going any larger so this has got to do. I'll look at hob skimmers.

I just bought the aquamaxx hob 1.5 which I like so far. I have used the Reef octopus hob and the small eshopps nano skimmer as well. The aquamaxx seems like a better skimmer than the other two so far but it does make more micro bubbles than the others so far. BRS has had them on sale lately.

 

[mdpitts]

I just bought the aquamaxx hob 1.5 which I like so far. I have used the Reef octopus hob and the small eshopps nano skimmer as well. The aquamaxx seems like a better skimmer than the other two so far but it does make more micro bubbles than the others so far. BRS has had them on sale lately.

I was JUST looking at that on on BRS! It's pretty affordable too. I think I'm going to order it.

 

[Sump Crab]

I was JUST looking at that on on BRS! It's pretty affordable too. I think I'm going to order it.

Just be prepared for bubbles. My tank is large enough that they dissipate pretty quickly. In a 40b you might need to do something about them.

 

[FUNGI]

I was JUST looking at that on on BRS! It's pretty affordable too. I think I'm going to order it.

I would buy used.....and add a elbow to the outlet....this forces the water (and bubbles) to the surface

 

[Sump Crab]

I would buy used.....and add a elbow to the outlet....this forces the water (and bubbles) to the surface

Brs had them 50% off the other day,not sure if the price is still that good though. Have you tried the elbow trick? Have any pics?

 

[FUNGI]

I have the elbow on several skimmers including my current my IceKap K3-250...a little bigger then the 1.5, but still works.

 

[mdpitts]

Are the bubbles inside the unit? I get those tiny bubbles in my tank now sometimes. I just used a baster and blew them off a frag rack about 20 minutes ago. I didn’t know they were a “thing”. I’ll have to look them up and the elbow deal.

I bought that skimmer at BRS open box for $120.00. I really appreciate the suggestion.

Just to clarify - does a skimmer take the place of the Tidal 110? I have a Hygger canister also. I can return the Tidal 110 because I just got it from Amazon yesterday. I have 2 good wave makers too. I get stuff “free” on the Amazon Vine program to review and I always choose the fish stuff.

 

[Sump Crab]

Are the bubbles inside the unit? I get those tiny bubbles in my tank now sometimes. I just used a baster and blew them off a frag rack about 20 minutes ago. I didn’t know they were a “thing”. I’ll have to look them up and the elbow deal.

I bought that skimmer at BRS open box for $120.00. I really appreciate the suggestion.

Just to clarify - does a skimmer take the place of the Tidal 110? I have a Hygger canister also. I can return the Tidal 110 because I just got it from Amazon yesterday. I have 2 good wave makers too. I get stuff “free” on the Amazon Vine program to review and I always choose the fish stuff.

The tidal is more for mechanical filtration (pulling large chunks of crud) and running media like carbon. If choosing only 1 I would pick skimmer but both are even better.

 

[mdpitts]

Ok cool. That’s why I picked the Tidal because you can shove so much in there. Thanks for your advice!

 

[mdpitts]

One more bit of advice - the AquaMaxx HOB 1.5 skimmer is arriving tomorrow, I received the Tidal 110 yesterday - I guess I’ll use it mainly for skimming, carbon pouches and maybe filter floss. I’ll have 2 wavemakers on the two ends of the tank.

Is this overkill? Before I open the box for the tidal should I downgrade to the Tidal 75? I thought I read that you need more oomph for saltwater tanks but I can’t find that info now.

One more thing - if I get the BioGems media out of my Fluval Evo tank and use it in the Tidal will I be instantly cycled? I have Fritzyme 900 and a skull I’ve been trying to encrust I was planning to add as well.

 

[mdpitts]

Bump - because I’m hoping to get this going today