What type of aquarium can I use with the AMT Filter System?
Any glass aquarium will work. The aquarium must have an "open" top back edge where the Outside Filter can be attached. You also need clearance to insert the lift tubes into the aquarium. Acrylic aquariums will work it meets the above criteria. Most acrylic aquariums have a molded top cover, this type of tank will not work.

Is there any drilling involved in setting up an AMT System?
No drilling involved. The System can be up and running in about one hour. Tools needed: razor blade for cutting tubing, screwdriver for tightening clamps, hacksaw blade for cutting the spraybar to custom width of your tank.

Are any water changes needed?
The main reason for doing water changes is to remove nitrates and organics which build up in any closed system. With the AMT High Flow System detritus (fish waste) is swept out of the aquarium into the disposable micron pad.   With the detritus removed the major cause of nitrates is eliminated. Though water changes are not eliminated,  the frequency and quantity are reduced.

Where can I buy the resins included with the AMT System?
The resins can be purchased from Aquarium Instruments or any Pet Dealer that stocks salt water supplies.

Where can I buy the micron pads supplied with my AMT Reef System?
The proprietary micron pad is available from Aquarium Instruments for a nominal charge. You can use other material in a pinch, but the micron filter pad is designed for use in the AMT Filter System and you will get optimal performance by using them. Pad (54" long x 4" wide) is cut to size of your system by you.  Four or more pads per roll depending on size of your filter.

What is the ongoing cost of this system?  How many pads do I need every 7 to 10 days?   I'm just trying to anticipate what supplies I might need and how often I would need to reorder.
The Micron filter roll is $5.95 and it is four pads per roll. Costs approximately $25.00 a month for micron, calcium additives, frozen food etc. Micron roll makes about six pads which you change every seven days.

What else do I need to get the AMT System up and running?
You will need a high quality air pump for the hang-on counter-current protein skimmer. A Tetra Luft pump or similar top of the line pump will do.

Is there a need for live sand in the tank, or does this filter eliminate the need for live sand as well?
We would recommend live sand with any filter.

How noisy is the unit?  This isn't my primary concern, but with a high water flow, I'm assuming that there would be a high noise level as well.
You cannot hear the insert filters.The external filters have a slight sound of the motor running. There are no loud splashing noises as with a wet dry.

If I wanted to have an extra Rio pump on hand in case of failure, what model number of pump is used?
We use either 2100 or 2500, depends on the size of the tank.

How often so I change the Resins and Micron filter pad?
The resins are discarded every three months and replaced. The Micron filter pad should be replaced weekly.

What are your recommendations or water and sand?
R/O or a deionizer for you water--don't ever use tap water. Use Samoa live sand.

How much time will I spend per week maintaining my AMT Filter System?
No filter maintenance is needed other than changing the Micron filter pad which takes about two minutes.

How is the surface "skimmed"?
The spraybar has two rows of holes for water movement. The row with the most holes should be angled at the surface. This will create a "rippling" effect breaking the surface tension, allowing gas transfer and surface sediment to be swept out of the system. The "rippling" of the water surface also has an added feature of creating a shadowing effect from the light shining on the moving water.

Do I need Bio-Balls for a bacteria bed?
No, if you have a Reef Tank with live rock, the rock is the best bacteria bed available. If you have a fish only aquarium, a foam block is supplied for use as a bacteria bed.

How many siphon tubes are used?
1MDTurbo - 5 tubes, GXMD - 6 tubes.

What other hardware would I need in addition to yours to have a running?  I'm going to need an aquarium, heater, live rock, some kind of sand or other substrate for the bottom of the aquarium, livestock, and your filter system. Anything I'm missing?
A good lighting system. Depending on your budget VHO works well.

The Outside Filters use Siphon tubes. What happens if there is a power outage? Does the water continue flowing into the filter box? Does the system need to be manually restarted? Does the system loose siphon?
No to all the above. The siphon tubes incorporate check valves so the system never loses siphon. Once power goes back on the system starts running as usual.

Can I place the heater inside the AMT filter?
With the Outside AMT System the heater should be inserted in the aquarium. With the AMT Insert System the heater can be placed in the filter.

Can I use an UV Sterilizer with my filter?
Yes, you can connect an ultraviolet sterilizer between the pump output and the input to the protein skimmer.

Can I use the resins supplied with the Turbo Filters for my Cichlids?
Yes, the resins supplied are compatible with Cichlids.

What type of substrate and what depth should it be for a Cichlid Aquarium?
Marine sand can be used at a depth of 1/2" to 1".

Do your have a warranty?
AMT Filter Systems  have a 3 year warranty, we never had any returns.  Rio TAAM gives 180 day  warranty on Rio Pumps, we have used Rio pumps for years with no problems.