Help! I'm in full blown panic mode!!

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My piece of crap JBJ Reaction canister filter just failed. Earlier tonight I replaced the filter pads and carbon and when i put the lid back on it was leaking all the way around. I fiddled with it for an hour and nothing worked. I also heard the hose "quick shut off valve" sucking air. It's a mess and prob not worth trying to fix, so im going to move on. Problem is I now have a 50 gal with fish and corals and no filter running at the moment, just the skimmer and my 2 power heads. My questions are:

1. does any reading this post have a filter i could use or know someone that does that would work for my set up? or where on the forum would you recommend i post to see if someone has something suitable for sale?

2. If i cant find something local quickly, I may end up ordering a new filter (Magnum 350 Pro) on line and wont have it for a few days...how long can i go without a filter before corals and fish could be harmed? And any opinions on the 350 Pro

I really cant afford a wet/dry and I'm too much of a newb to set up a sump on my own. Are there other options I haven't though of? Any help or recommendations would be appreciated!
Thanks!!
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[SharkLover]

I can't speak for everyone but... i had a skimmer for a little over a year. And i've been skimmerless for about 3 months now. I haven't noticed the difference. Just stay diligent and do water changes once a week and your all set. I use to run GFO, had a sump with a fuge and chaeto, external octopus skimmer. the works.... I'm sure someone could prove the otherwise but I think its safe to say you'll be ok until you get your new filter. just change the water weekly and don't overfeed.

 

[Behrmon]

I agree, no need to panic. Water changes and a good clean up crew. How much LR do you have in what size tank?

 

[pillowfish]

I only run a skimmer, no filters(wet/dry, etc..) I also do not run Carbon or GFO 24/7. You also should be just fine without a skimmer for a bit if that should crap out as well one day on you. No reason to panic, your tank will be fine, just keep up with regular maintence and check your parameters.

 

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52 gal hex front with about 50-60 lbs of rock

 

[susyq458]

My 29 softie tank has a hang on skimmer and I just noticed the pump has been dead for at least a week(since I last emptied the skimmer cup).

Regular water changes and be vigilant of your fish and corals. Any changes or death calls for a water change. Just regular monitoring should keep you safe until you can get your filter back up and running. Like Kevin and Tabi said, no need to panic yet.

 

[Blueflu1]

I agree. You don't need a filter. Live rock will "filter" the water for you and the skimmer will take out the waste. I had a filter on my tank and I ditched it and haven't noticed a difference.

 

[Blueflu1]

BTW if you really want a filter, I have a Eheim Pro2 for sale lol

 

[jamesdong009]

+1 on what everyone else has said. You should be all set as long as you have water movement and aeration from the skimmer.

If you're in a bind, I have a magnum 250 and kent phos reactor you could borrow.

 

[pop]

Gave me a lot to think about. I might try running w/o it for a few days and see how stable it is. Then make a decision on whether to replace the filter or not after I check my levels. I may just add a phos reactor and upgrade my skimmer. Just installed an RO/DI last month and that's helped out a lot.

Rob, do you have a model number on the Eheim 2? I'd like to look it up on line. And if I end up heading down the filter road again, I'll PM you.

Good stuff everyone, thanks!

 

[sciknen]

yea i've never run a phos reactor, filter or anything really


i have a fuge and skimmer lol no need for anything else

 

[Blueflu1]

Rob, do you have a model number on the Eheim 2? I'd like to look it up on line. And if I end up heading down the filter road again, I'll PM you.

Good stuff everyone, thanks!

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produ...ubref=AA&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=0016058000000

Its the kit like this with all the biomedia in it. It's the 2028 Model.

 

[jackthestrat]

Don't Panic. This is my #1 Reefkeeping Rule.

 

[RayD]

Don't Panic. This is my #1 Reefkeeping Rule.

+1 The biggest problem in this hobby is panic. It will get you every time.

Take a deep breath and move slowly. Too much change too soon is worse.