New protein skimmer (UK)

[Fry1992]

Hi All

My aqua one protein skimmer has given up (I got it 2nd hand and it's never worked well) was just wondering when I get a new skimmer what do I need to look out for to make sure it fits within my sump ? Also does anyone have any recommendations at all ?

Current tank - aqua one 195L aquareef 2

 

[Aquariumaddictuk]

Hi All

My aqua one protein skimmer has given up (I got it 2nd hand and it's never worked well) was just wondering when I get a new skimmer what do I need to look out for to make sure it fits within my sump ? Also does anyone have any recommendations at all ?

Current tank - aqua one 195L aquareef 2

Check footprint of tank/skimmer.
What's your budget?
Are you looking for new or second hand?
More details would be needed for recommendations.
Lots of options out there from adequate to good to great.

 

[Dorsetsteve]

Basically does it fit, will the water level it sits in be appropriate and is it adequately sized. I recently replaced by Bubble Magus C6 with a Reef Octopus Essence. No complaints on it. Don’t over think it.

 

[Bruttall]

Just did a post about skimmers, and what I think about them.
I switched from a Needle wheel type to a Venturi driven skimmer I re-built and the differences are Night and Day. I'll never even look at another needle wheel skimmer.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/skimmers-best-of-202x-and-they-are-always-junk.1069631/

 

[Fry1992]

Hi guys thanks for the reply. This is my sump at the minute. I managed to temporary fix the skimmer but it's gone again now it's the motor connection I think so takes some fiddling then works again. I still want to replace it as it is a pain. I'd say I'm in the budget price range I'd love a fancy one but the bank balance cannot cope with it. I don't mind new or second hand just depends what is available

 

[Dorsetsteve]

Have a trawl through the U.K. classifieds from the main U.K. forum or FB Marketplace. A Bubblemagus will do you fine.

 

[Jasongtr]

Have a trawl through the U.K. classifieds from the main U.K. forum or FB Marketplace. A Bubblemagus will do you fine.

Just out of interest where's the 'main uk forum'

 

[Fry1992]

Thanks. Bubble magus 3 seems OK, is it easy to set up etc ?

 

[Dorsetsteve]

Thanks. Bubble magus 3 seems OK, is it easy to set up etc ?

I haven’t used that particular one, I had a C6 for many years. They’re all much of a muchness to be fair.
Make sure you check the dimensions for fit and that the water is a suitable depth. Aka read the instructions.

 

[Aquariumaddictuk]

Bubble Magus will do the job.
You have to be a little careful with them as build quality isn't as strong as some of the top tier but hey, it's a quarter of the price.
Perform well too

 

[Fry1992]

Hi all

My LFS has a curve 5 used that I'm interested in but it says the sump level should be 9 inches. I currently keep mine at approx 6.5 due to overflow in case of a power cut would that be OK or do I need to either look elsewhere or raise the sump level ? Attached is a picture of my sump also

 

[Fry1992]

Bump

 

[reeftivo]

Check out the reef octo classic 110 sss. It is recommended to run at 7 to 8 inches. You should be able to get good results if you bring up your sump level to 7 or 7.5. your sump looks like it has room.

You mentioned concern for overflow and that's why you keep it at 6.5inches?

When you shut down the return pump how full does the sump get? I'm just thinking if your return nozzles in the display are pointed downward then the siphon will pull more water into the sump and you may want to raise the nozzles so the siphon breaks earlier and the sump doesn't get as full. that way you can run more water in the sump and have it deeper for more skimmer options. Just a thought!

Tivo

 

[reeftivo]

the simplicity 120dc would also be a good option that runs at 7 inches

 

[Fry1992]

Check out the reef octo classic 110 sss. It is recommended to run at 7 to 8 inches. You should be able to get good results if you bring up your sump level to 7 or 7.5. your sump looks like it has room.

You mentioned concern for overflow and that's why you keep it at 6.5inches?

When you shut down the return pump how full does the sump get? I'm just thinking if your return nozzles in the display are pointed downward then the siphon will pull more water into the sump and you may want to raise the nozzles so the siphon breaks earlier and the sump doesn't get as full. that way you can run more water in the sump and have it deeper for more skimmer options. Just a thought!

Tivo

When I shut down the return pump some days it fill to the point I have to turn the pump back on to stop it overflowing and some days it doesn't get close. By nozzles do you just mean the return pump head ? If so I never realised this could cause overflow and this could could definitely explain the overflow issue and why its so random as i change the position occassionally! Thank you very much Tivo

 

[reeftivo]

When I shut down the return pump some days it fill to the point I have to turn the pump back on to stop it overflowing and some days it doesn't get close. By nozzles do you just mean the return pump head ? If so I never realised this could cause overflow and this could could definitely explain the overflow issue and why its so random as i change the position occassionally! Thank you very much Tivo

Yes, these nozzles that direct the water back into the aquarium can cause sump floods if they are fairly long and pointed down too much. If they are pointed down even an inch on a bigger tank, then you could be looking at 10's of gallons being siphoned back down into the sump until the siphon breaks. Some people drill a small hole pointing down underneath the first locline coming off the overflow box or back wall to immediately break siphon. This allows people who run longer locline fittings to keep their nozzles deep and more directional and the small amount of water coming out the hole doesn't affect any output pressure. i would recommend just raising the output nozzles closer to the surface and use stream pumps (power heads) pointing up a bit for surface agitation and flow.

 

[Fry1992]

Yes, these nozzles that direct the water back into the aquarium can cause sump floods if they are fairly long and pointed down too much. If they are pointed down even an inch on a bigger tank, then you could be looking at 10's of gallons being siphoned back down into the sump until the siphon breaks. Some people drill a small hole pointing down underneath the first locline coming off the overflow box or back wall to immediately break siphon. This allows people who run longer locline fittings to keep their nozzles deep and more directional and the small amount of water coming out the hole doesn't affect any output pressure. i would recommend just raising the output nozzles closer to the surface and use stream pumps (power heads) pointing up a bit for surface agitation and flow.

This all makes complete sense. I will keep the nozzle facing more upwards as I have a wavemaker that I can send lower in the tank ! Think with doing this I should be able to get the 9 inches to go with the curve 5 that my LFS has in stock 2nd hand

 

[reeftivo]

my guess for your random overflow scares are that you are gett

This all makes complete sense. I will keep the nozzle facing more upwards as I have a wavemaker that I can send lower in the tank ! Think with doing this I should be able to get the 9 inches to go with the curve 5 that my LFS has in stock 2nd hand

sounds good. i run a 75 gallon display with a 22 gallon sump. i dont use my return nozzles for anything but surface agitation using wider flare tips.

My stream pumps provide all the circulation;)

enjoy the new skimmer and happy reefing

tivo