Protein skimmer issue

[rachelrwc]

Hello hello,

I keep Dungeness crab in our crab tank for our community and are currently looking to get a skimmer for our tank. We usually have around 200 gallons of water and our tank can hold at most 250 crabs (we usually are not at maximum capacity. We hold 150 crabs most of the time). We do not have a separate compartment for the skimmer so the skimmer is sitting in water.

We are currently using an OCTO Classic 150ext Recirculating Protein Skimmer. It was working fine for a long time but start forming crazy recently and overflowing the cup but not forming any skimmate. We could not get it to work. Any one know why is it happening? Here's a photo of our skimmer going crazy:

Anyone know if this is the correct protein skimmer size for tank? Do we need a bigger skimmer for our set up?

Thanks!!

 

[tbrown]

I think the 150 is for up to 150 gallons with a medium/normal bioload. Also, depending on how high the water level in will affect how much makes it into the skimmer.

If the water level recently raised (even just a half inch or an inch), that could be the problem.

If the nutrient level recently increased, that could be the problem as well.

As far as which skimmer to use, again, that depends on your nutrient levels and how much skimming you want to do.

 

[Rocks reef]

I agree with @tbrown . The reef octo skimmers have a 'recommended' water level. They also have a recommended bio load. I'm assuming 150 crabs produce quite a bit of waste which needs to be exported. On the nutrient levels, have you increased feedings? Did one of the crabs die? Spawning event?

 

[rachelrwc]

I agree with @tbrown . The reef octo skimmers have a 'recommended' water level. They also have a recommended bio load. I'm assuming 150 crabs produce quite a bit of waste which needs to be exported. On the nutrient levels, have you increased feedings? Did one of the crabs die? Spawning event?

Thank you so much for replying! We do not feed the crab... they are usually ok in our tank for two weeks before people come collect them and cook them.

We do get one or two dead ones from time to time but we fish it out right away. The skimmer has been like that for the past week.

I was told since this is a recirculating skimmer water level does not matter too much, is it right?

Thanks!

 

[tbrown]

Thank you so much for replying! We do not feed the crab... they are usually ok in our tank for two weeks before people come collect them and cook them.

We do get one or two dead ones from time to time but we fish it out right away. The skimmer has been like that for the past week.

I was told since this is a recirculating skimmer water level does not matter too much, is it right?

Thanks!

Recommended water depth: 6"-8"

https://www.coralvue.com/classic-150int-protein-skimmer

 

[BryanM]

Most skimmers have a recommended/required water depth to operate properly.

I didn't know this when I got mine, and of course didn't read the instructions, and I struggled with it for a few days before googling, and reading the instructions, and then getting it in the correct depth of water - Then it worked great.