DAS 75 G Hex : Back in the Hobby

[stylEmon]

Hey all, it's been over a year since I've been on here. I moved and sold my 125G freshwater set up when I moved...

Anyway, a year later and I found my way back in the hobby. I was searching around on craigslist, and found a great 75G Hex tank.(killer price, by the way) It's a DAS system, from what I can tell, from their Eco or Eco Lux line.

I think it's great that the filter is built in, but I have a few questions before I try to set up the tank:

1. Does this system work for freshwater?

2. So I assume it pulls water in from the slots on the top... does that mean it shoots water back into the tank through that little hole on the side of the filter box?

3. Would bio filters be okay to just drop in the box?

4. Generally, how does this system work? I can't find much on the web about the actual system.

I mean, I know how a filtration system works. And I think I have this one mostly figured out. It's just, I'm used to the canister filters, like a XP or Cascade... I am assuming the water is pulled in from the skimmer in top, through the pump, and then is shoved through all the sponges/filters? Out that little hole on the side? I'd like to see a diagram or hear what your experiences are with these filter systems.

Thanks

 

[stylEmon]

So it looks like I have a DAS H99 filter system. the pump is pretty powerful. 3000 l/hr. But I think it's designed for Saltwater... I would like to know if I can use it or somehow convert it to be a freshwater filter?

Designed to operate a marine fish or reef aquarium. The built in Micro Foam Needle Impeller Skimmer is a high performance skimmer which takes the proteins out of the water before they can turn into nitrates to keep your marine tank in optimal condition. OPERATION Water enters the filter by a surface overflow [ I ]. This removes the surface debris. The water then enters the needle impeller protein skimmer through a powerful pump which also pulls in about 100 G/h of air through the air intake valve [ A ]. The large amount of micro foam air bubbles lift the proteins into the collection cup [ C ], which is easy to take off and clean when needed. Adjust the level regulator [ D ] until the water reaches the top of the mixing chamber and the foam comes up in the skimmer neck ( You may also need the air valve for regulation ). The water will now go through the slide out pre-filter foam [ E ] which can be rinsed as needed. Then it goes through the slide out carbon pad, which should be replaced about once a month. The water then travels into the bio compartment [ H ], up through the foam spool [ G ] and returns to the tank.

 

[stylEmon]

wow, no body has any info/experience with these?! I thought DAS systems where popular?

So now, my main question is, how will a protein skimmer work in/affect a fresh water tank?

Everything else seems like it will function well with freshwater, it's mostly sponge and carbon filtering. If I can't find any info on protein skimmers in a freshwater tank, I'll probably just shove some sponges in there to disrupt the siphon effect.

 

[stylEmon]

Having a nice little convo with my self, so why stop now?!

So a protein skimmer doesn't do anything for FW.

I am going to take the skimmer out and replace it with a Cascade 600 submersible filter. I'll probably get a couple of those, I've had good luck with them in the past, and they are WAY cheaper than Fluvals. (Less than half the price of the comparable model)

Now I am trying to figure out what to do with lighting. I currently have two 48" florescent tubes. Rocking a PowerGlo and a MarineGlo. They came with the set-up, and since I'm doing freshwater, I'll have to rethink the MarineGlow.

I'd like to go for a LED set up, but I'm not sure which ones will do well with Tanganyika's and plants... ?

 

[Willz]

bump

 

[stylEmon]

Here's where we are currently. awaiting the arrival of my Calvus

 

[stylEmon]

Little steps, a few more rocks, a few more plants.

 

[stylEmon]

upgraded to a real filtration system. XP3 with bio-media, sponges and carbon.

 

[stylEmon]

I came across pics of my old 125G Malawi tank, i do miss this tank

 

[stylEmon]

Calvus and Comps will be here tomorrow!!