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Today during Boris' regular weekly water change my Aquaclear died! Boooooooo! I wanted to upgrade power filters but I decided against it and was just going to save up for the big upgrade a little later. Damn Murphy's Law! So, I'm on the market... But I have a few questions first.

1st. I was thinking of upgrading the tank in a few months to at least a 75 gallon and getting either an XP3 or XP4 but right now I have a 30 gallon tank 3/4 of the way full. How small is too small a tank for the Renas? Is it a problem of water flow with smaller tanks?

2nd. Has anyone had any experience with the Skilter filters?
http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp19169/si1379789/cl0/supremeskilter250powerfilter
I have been noticing an oily film on the surface of the water and was thinking about one of these. And then when I upgrade I can use it as a secondary filter? Other then the included cartridge what else do I need for media?

3rd. Well not really a question but a concern. Money is an issue, but I would love as much advice as possible!

Thanks guys!

You could probably use the XP3 in a 30 gallon if you want. I don't know about the Skilter, but the Aquaclear seems to be a better value. They also sell replacement parts for the Aquaclaer, so that should be an option as well.

If you use the XP3 in a 30-gallon, you could use the spray bar and angle it so that the water hits the side of the tank to lessen the current. There's also a valve to control the flow, although constantly keeping the flow really low wouldn't be that good. Big Als sells some replacement parts for the Aquaclear. What went on it, the motor?

Thanks for your suggestions guys!

I'm not exactly sure what went wrong with it. I did get it gently used a few months ago but it worked fine up until Thursday. I was doing my partial water change. I took out the media to rinse it in the old tank water and when I did I noticed some floating particles in the bottom of the part where the media was. So I dumped the water and gunk out. From there it didn't work. Could it have been from turning it upside down?

I decided to go with a Skilter 250 and plan on using it as an addition to a Rena canister when I upgrade. I didn't have the money for a canister right now and all the media I would've wanted to add to it. And I like the fact of having a part filter/part protein skimmer.

I'll be sure to post on the 'equipment reviews' after I use the filter for awhile.

Thanks again. I know, not the most exciting post but the problem has me all wound up!