Question: Pump Recommendations for Chiller

[KoffeeBean]

Hello everyone.
I just purchased a Coralife 1/10 chiller for my 20 gal. tank and it recommends I use a pump with a 200-300 gallon per hour flow rate. I know I'll need a filter to attach to my pump to avoid debris in my chiller but am unsure which route to take. So, therefore, I have two questions:

I'd like to avoid buying a canister filter, as my chiller cost quite a pretty penny, and have heard of people using sponge filters. Does anyone have experiance as to how efficient this is? How long do they last? What would you recommend in the realm of sponge filters (types, brands, etc)?

Also, do you have any recommendations for pumps (brand and/or type, etc), ideally something that would work well with a sponge filter. How much did said pump cost you? How was the longevity and performance?

Any input is very much appreciated!

 

[Caesar]

Hello everyone.
I just purchased a Coralife 1/10 chiller for my 20 gal. tank and it recommends I use a pump with a 200-300 gallon per hour flow rate. I know I'll need a filter to attach to my pump to avoid debris in my chiller but am unsure which route to take. So, therefore, I have two questions:

I'd like to avoid buying a canister filter, as my chiller cost quite a pretty penny, and have heard of people using sponge filters. Does anyone have experiance as to how efficient this is? How long do they last? What would you recommend in the realm of sponge filters (types, brands, etc)?

Also, do you have any recommendations for pumps (brand and/or type, etc), ideally something that would work well with a sponge filter. How much did said pump cost you? How was the longevity and performance?

Any input is very much appreciated!

I recently found out that you can use any filter type you want, the chiller doesn't have to be attached to it. :wacko:

 

[michael]

I recently found out that you can use any filter type you want, the chiller doesn't have to be attached to it. :wacko:

That is not correct. You can use an in tank sponge filter that has a pump attachment. The hoses have to go through the chiller for most chillers.

 

[michael]

I used a pump similar to this to run my chiller. I did not use this model. Make sure the pump runs the proper gallons per hour.

Internal Filter Pump 3 in 1 Submersible Fish Tank Aquarium Oxygen Pump | eBay

 

[KoffeeBean]

Thank you for the feedback!

I found a pump similar to the one recommended at my local pet shop but, unfortunately, the one with the flow rate I needed was too tall for my tank; the intake would have sat partially above the water level! I decided to purchase a canister filter (Fluval brand) for about 30 dollars more, as I live in the desert and time was of the essence. I will definitely keep the other filter in mind for future, taller tanks :]