Fluval Protein Skimmer or inTank Media for Chamber 1 Evo 13.5?

[cpalminteri]

I'm torn people. I'm def an overfeeder because I have too much of a bioload in my 13.5 tank (working on it will upgrade eventually). Parameters are all leveled and I have a protein skimmer (PS1) but honestly I don't even know if I'm using it correctly lol sometimes I see gunk which means it's working other times it's just filling with water and bubbles. Should I get an inTank Media Basket? Should I try a different nano protein skimmer? I need tip top filtration. I also do weekly water changes (about 4 gallons).

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

your water changes are more useful than that ps1 skimmer, that thing is pretty terrible. I've tried 2 different nano skimmers, they didnt work well. I've not found or heard of a good one for nano tanks that can do a better job than weekly water changes.

 

[cpalminteri]

Do you have a media basket in chamber 1?

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

I'm sorry I dont have that tank so I cant answer. I only bought the ps1 skimmer for my nano.

 

[dedragon]

the ps1 is a pretty subpar skimmer, but skimmers also dont do too much in such a small tank and are more finicky than their larger counterparts

 

[Sharkbait19]

I never used the skimmer on mine, just the baskets. As stated, a water change is as effective as a skimmer on a nano.

 

[cpalminteri]

I never used the skimmer on mine, just the baskets. As stated, a water change is as effective as a skimmer on a nano.

Fair enough, any other recommended media baskets besides inTank? I've seen a few that are 3d printed by third parties as well but they're usually flimsy.

 

[Sharkbait19]

Fair enough, any other recommended media baskets besides inTank? I've seen a few that are 3d printed by third parties as well but they're usually flimsy.

Most baskets will be an upgrade from the stock filtration. I've only ever used inTank, but I'm sure others can chime in with their experience of non-brand baskets. I don't see why it wouldn't work, though.

 

[dedragon]

i dont know of anyone doing a 3d printed part for that but its a good idea, could be done for way cheaper than the in tank ones

 

[skyeshoppe]

I have that tank but never set it up. I was thinking about making my own media basket from acrylic. But only because I have acrylic at home and a hobbyist CNC machine. You can buy 3D printed baskets on Etsy. You can also download the files for these media baskets for free on Thingiverse.com and print it yourself if you have a 3D printer or know someone that does. I do have a 3D printer but I would prefer acrylic.

 

[Crabmanns aquatics]

I'm torn people. I'm def an overfeeder because I have too much of a bioload in my 13.5 tank (working on it will upgrade eventually). Parameters are all leveled and I have a protein skimmer (PS1) but honestly I don't even know if I'm using it correctly lol sometimes I see gunk which means it's working other times it's just filling with water and bubbles. Should I get an inTank Media Basket? Should I try a different nano protein skimmer? I need tip top filtration. I also do weekly water changes (about 4 gallons).

I run the basket in chamber one and recently added a skimmer a diy skimmer to chamber two. The basket worked ok but still had issues with surface film. The skimmer was a total game changer and my tank has never looked better plus it keeps my ph between 8 and 8.3. iv never been able to get my ph above 8 in the two years of running the tank.