Looking for a new skimmer

[zemuss]

I am looking to replace a Tunze 9002 and wanted some suggestions on a skimmer.

What do you think about the Bubble Magus Nac3+ or Nac3.5?

Thanks,

 

[mojo]

good small skimmers

 

[zemuss]

Yes I just purchased a Nac3.5. I hope I receive it this week. I will post some pictures on it once I get it and do a small review of the skimmer.

"Z"

 

[Harry_Y]

Look into an Algae scrubber

 

[zemuss]

What is the purpose of a scubber? To remove the algae?

 

[Harry_Y]

What is the purpose of a scubber? To remove the algae?

A scrubber is basically a method to Scrub the water using Algae.

In short it is just a screen with water flowing down it and lights shining on it.
I have been using on for about two months and so far so good.

I would suggest reading up on them, from my reading
they seemed like a more natural way to go.

Some people also run both a skimmer and a scrubber.

 

[zemuss]

Ok this topic came up on another forum. The big question was always if you have algae growing on the screen you still have phosphates. If you still have phosphates isn't that a problem? Too much nutrients in the water column can have ill affects on your coral correct? For instance I believe one of the issues I am having with RTN SPS frags and not keeping SPS healthy is mainly related to GHA in my tank. Wouldn't the Scrubber also have an affect on my SPS coral?

Thanks for your help on the subject.

 

[_Alex_]

there was a guy on my local club that had a algae scrubber on his 1500gal display and ran a skimmer taht stood about 5ft tall (cant remmber what it was) and his tank was amazing had everythign from zoas/palis to sps and lps, and not one bit og bad algae in his DT and he had i think 11 MH over it ranging from 250-400 watts. he used a 90gal as a algae scrubber with 4 columns in it and loved the results he had with it. i have debated on it but i dont have the room for it.

 

[zemuss]

Yea i don't have the room either. Only way i could do it is to build a new stand for my 34 gallon cube. Right now that isn't an option so i will go with the Skimmer and Media Reactor for now.

 

[aslmx]

I just got the nac6 and its doing fine now that its ran a few days. I got mine from nuocean.com $168 shipped.

 

[zemuss]

Aslmx,

Could you post some pictures?

 

[aslmx]

Aslmx,

Could you post some pictures? It is super quiet. You cant hear it running

 

[zemuss]

Are you skimming wet or is this the break in period?

 

[Harry_Y]

there was a guy on my local club that had a algae scrubber on his 1500gal display and ran a skimmer taht stood about 5ft tall (cant remmber what it was) and his tank was amazing had everythign from zoas/palis to sps and lps, and not one bit og bad algae in his DT and he had i think 11 MH over it ranging from 250-400 watts. he used a 90gal as a algae scrubber with 4 columns in it and loved the results he had with it. i have debated on it but i dont have the room for it.

Go look at some of the designs, There are many ways of doing this.

I even thought about one that could be built into a light hood.

 

[aslmx]

Are you skimming wet or is this the break in period?

Its only been running 3 days at this height in the sump. Its pretty wet now but getn better each day. I'm happy with the results so far. It pulls out some big stuff along with the other crap. I'm still new at this game so i'm still learning as I go. This one was refered to me by the guy I buy my corals from and he has yet to steer me wrong, plus by the looks of his tanks, I trust his opinion. For $168 I cant complain. This is a piece of equipment that you can sink alot of money in but this one works great for me.

 

[zemuss]

Cool! I can't wait to get the Nac3.5 but paid a bit more for it. I hope it works out and isn't as touchy as the Tunze 9002 was.

"Z"

 

[aslmx]

Cool! I can't wait to get the Nac3.5 but paid a bit more for it. I hope it works out and isn't as touchy as the Tunze 9002 was.

"Z"

My nac6 has settled in and is sucking out some thick dark crap. So far its working great.

 

[zemuss]

Nac 3.5 is pulling some dark tea / coffee colored skim. I have cleaned it out twice already. I am using a 4 + on the dial for the level. What are you using? I find that anything between 2 and 4 fills the cup up way to fast.

I am very happy with the skimmer and should have bought this originally before the tunze mistake.

 

[aslmx]

Nac 3.5 is pulling some dark tea / coffee colored skim. I have cleaned it out twice already. I am using a 4 + on the dial for the level. What are you using? I find that anything between 2 and 4 fills the cup up way to fast.

I am very happy with the skimmer and should have bought this originally before the tunze mistake.

Mine seems to work its best 2.5 to 3. I put a spacer under it to get it to 9" in the water. Its doing a great job, not as wet and sucking some nasty mess. I also got a Bulk Reef Supply reactor. With the new reactor and skimmer my nitrates are 0 to 5 and I have never had them that low in the 3 years we've had our tank and I have a heavy fish load.