Can I get rid of my Emperor 280?

Hey everyone.  After reading the "how important is carbon" topic, I decided to get a BRS carbon/gfo reactor, and while doing so, I got a Bak Pak protein filter.  My current filter setup is pretty hodge-podge. 


What I've got:


1 Emperor 280, running 2 standard filter carts. (foam/carbon, and the filter has a bio-wheel on it.)


2 powerheads going through a under gravel filter, 1 of which runs to a Fluidized Sand Bed bio filter.  (I felt like hot poo when I got it back in 98 for my freshwater tank)








What I'm adding:  A BRS carbon/GFO reactor, run off a Maxijet 1200 powerhead


A Bak Pak 2R+, with a Rio 600RV pump. 


New T5x4 fixture


This is all running a 20-long tank, with a fire fish, a watchman goby, some sexy shrimp and a pistol shrimp.  I've got some zoo frags.  I've got crushed coral substrate, and about 25-30 pounds of live rock.  








What I'm wondering is if I can eliminate the Emperor filter, or the FSB filter, or both?  The emperor doesn't seem to do much, as I got good biological filtration from the FSB, and the carbon/gfo reactor will get the chemical.  Every time I've ever checked the actual filter itself, there doesn't seem to be much poo.  So, can I just trash it?  








Thanks,


Michael

 

Okay, that was for sure the answer I wanted. Next, do I get rid of both right away, or will that shock the system too much? As in, should I add the new stuff, wait a while and remove the old stuff, or just take out the old, add the new?

Thanks!

 

I'll be pretty happy to get rid of the emp. It's a great filter, and has treated me well for a long time, on a couple different tanks. However, most of what it does now is build up salt creep and leak a little water onto the floor. I also think that it contributes a lot to my evaporation. This tank needs a gallon every few days, whereas my biocube 8 needs a cup every two weeks it seems. Anyway, thanks a lot for the advice!


Michael

 

Alright, so I've ridded myself the emperor, the sand filter is still installed (but I think I'm going to remove it today), and the reactor and the bak pak are in place.  A couple notes/questions.  If you happen to buy the BRS media reactor, the 'hoses' that they send are more or less non-flexible, 1/2" OD water piping.  To make the thing plumbed correctly, I had to find 90 degree push-connect attachments, all plastic.  I went all over DSM, Lowes, Home Depot, but finally found them (after giving up, and going "well, it's on my way home.  not point in not stopping") at Menards.  Specifically, "WATTS P-420 Union Elbow" 3/8 CTS.  Use on PEX, CPVC, PB, Copper"  Just a word to the wise.
Second, my maxijet pump that I got with the reactor is chattering super-bad.  It's currently hanging from the PVC.  Any ideas why?
Third, my bak pak hasn't collected any foam.  I've never had a skimmer, so I'm not sure how it should behave, but the bubbles and foam that appear only go about 1/4 up the collection bucket.  What is normal?
The reactor has cleared my water up amazing.
Also, I got in my new light, a 30" Coralife Lunar Aqualight 30".  4 T-5s, 2 moonlight leds.  It's great!  It fills the whole tank left to right with light, and having the LEDs be aimable is nice.  The construction seems a little better than my old 24" CF Coralife.  rubber boots over the switches, ballasts on a removable tray, everything on quick-disconnects.
I'll throw up a picture of the tank today if I get 'round to it.
Thanks!
Michael