Protein Skimmer Efficiency : Skimmate Smell and Consistency

[SoCalVictor]

I recently switched/upgraded protein skimmer from an Aquamaxx ConeS Q3 to a SImply Aquatics DC30 with the hopes to get my organics more manageable as I have a fairly heavy bioload (4 large tangs and 7 wrasses) in my SPS dominated mixed reef. DT is 180 gallon with a total of 230 volume when factoring in a sump and a frag tank that's plumbed together

Aquamaxx ConeS Q3 details

ConeS Q-3 Protein Skimmer - In Sump - AquaMaxx

AquaMaxx Q3 ConeS Protein Skimmer is rated up to 400 gallon aquariums and would make an ideal skimmer for aquariums 240-350 gallons.

fragtasticreef.com

Simply Aquatics DC30 details

Your Choice Aquatics YCA DC30 Protein Skimmer - up to 1000 Gallons

Your Choice Aquatics DC30 Specifications: Rated for Aquariums up to 1000 Gallons Light Bioload Your Choice Aquatics Item Name: YCA DC 30 Internal Specs: Skimmer Pump :SP2400 Voltage/Power: 100-240V/60W Air Intake: 2400L/H Product Size: 12.6" x 12.6" x 22.83"

www.reef2land.com

I was actually pretty happy with the performance of the Q3 but was seeing if a larger skimmer can help better manage my organics. I have low nitrates 5ppm and higher phosphate around 0.15 and I haven't seen those numbers move significantly as a result of the skimmer change. I've been able to bring my phosphate down to 0.1 with a combo of GFO and nitrate dosing.

The Q3 skimmate was dark, smelly (sewer, poopy smell). After switching to the DC30 and 'tuning it', I'm noticing the skimmate is lighter in color and the smell is more 'algae' like, if that makes any sense. lol

I've also got a second skimmer, a lifereef VS3-24 in another chamber of the sump for additional filtration and aeration. Keep in mind that the second skimmer is the constant here, before and after I switched out the Q3.

Thoughts on what might be causing the skimmate change and whether the skimmate change implies anything about the efficiencies of the skimmers? I'm tempted to get a larger size ConeS to see if that's a better route to go.

 

[ATB USA]

Most likely how you have the skimmer set. You are now getting more skim that is lighter? If you want a darker thicker skim you will need to adjust the level of the bubbles in the neck.

 

[SoCalVictor]

I've already tuned the DC30 for the 'dryest' setting w/o having to mess with the sump water level.

Even though the skim is lighter, I expected the smell to be similar, just less powerful. But the smell is much different. lol

 

[ATB USA]

Have you tried to turn the DC pump down?

 

[SoCalVictor]

Good point. I haven't done that. I just assumed a higher setting means more air is drawing in and more air means dryer skimmate.

 

[ATB USA]

Good point. I haven't done that. I just assumed a higher setting means more air is drawing in and more air means dryer skimmate.

Other way. More bubbles push up the neck faster to make a wetter

 

[SoCalVictor]

Let me give that a try. Ultimately does it matter whether I have more skimmate that is 'not smelly' vs smelly skimamte that is 'smelly'?

 

[Unregistered1]

you may have to raise or lower your skimmer height to get it to skim properly based on your water level

 

[monkeyCmonkeyDo]

I just switched skimmers too. I am used to the dark gunk. My new one does a light tea skim like your.mentioning.
Its just a wet skim. The air bubbles are smaller. The foam is frothier. I think the tea is just what was left from the gunk type skimmer.
D

 

[ATB USA]

Let me give that a try. Ultimately does it matter whether I have more skimmate that is 'not smelly' vs smelly skimamte that is 'smelly'?

I do not think so.
The lighter the skim the more you will need to empty the collection cup.
The heavier the skim you will need to empty less but when you do you need to clean and not just empty because you will have the thick residue also. It smells worse because it is more condensed.