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
Simply Aquatics DC30 details
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.
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.