Skimmer Q&A Thread

[mojo]

I do like it. I check in usually everyday. Thanks for the welcome and I think all we need now is a t shirt..... lol.

 

[birdsnest]

I found a deal on a Bubble Magus BM100 to replace my CSS65 and was wondering if I have to adjust the water height in my sump or can the BM100 operate in 7" of water?

 

[mojo]

it should run at 7 in fine.

 

[NauticaC4]

I have a Grey Seas Aquatics GS1 skimmer that I am not quite happy with due to the outlet fitting coming loose and falling out causing the level in the skimmer to fall. I want to tackle this minor issue but was thinking since I have to buy the plumbing why not make it a recirc.

Does recirculating really provide an improvement?
How much improvement?

Will a Sicce PSK-2500 with the PPW work as a recirc pump?

Thanks in advance for the help​

​

 

[luke33]

I'll give you my opinion on that. Yes you can run the sicce as a recirc just fine as long as its ran internally. They do not work as an external pump unless you drill it for a cooling loop. I have ran them both ways. There are only two things diff as a recirc sicce. The sicce pump will run like its unrestricted pulling a bit more air as it doesn't have the head pressure like an in sump skimmer. The other diff is the outside water level will not make a diff in internal water level in the skimmer. Is it worth the trouble to mod it, not imo.

 

[makingbubbles]

Hey MOJO! I was thinking about buying a aquaC urchin, or a aquaC remora For my 75 gallon and up grading the pump. Which one is better? or is there a skimmer out there about the same size and in the same price range that is better?

 

[akabryanhall]

I recently bought a royal reef aquariums skimmer, not realizing it worked best in 4-5 inches of water, my sump is about 7-8 inches deep so it was skimming extremely wet, filling up the cup quickly, within an hour or so. I built a platform with pvc and eggcrate to raise it 3 inches or so. I got a week or so of thick sludge before it started skimming wet again. It almost killed me and my family the other night because the cup filled up to such an extent that water was spitting out the top of the collection cup straight into my power strip I have taped to the inside of my stand and started burning. What gives? The valve is all the way open...

 

[mojo]

Hey MOJO! I was thinking about buying a aquaC urchin, or a aquaC remora For my 75 gallon and up grading the pump. Which one is better? or is there a skimmer out there about the same size and in the same price range that is better?

if you have the room you could get a SRO int1000, BM nac 6 or 5, SWC 160

The urchin is in sump and remora is hang on. Not sure what way you are trying to go.

 

[mojo]

I recently bought a royal reef aquariums skimmer, not realizing it worked best in 4-5 inches of water, my sump is about 7-8 inches deep so it was skimming extremely wet, filling up the cup quickly, within an hour or so. I built a platform with pvc and eggcrate to raise it 3 inches or so. I got a week or so of thick sludge before it started skimming wet again. It almost killed me and my family the other night because the cup filled up to such an extent that water was spitting out the top of the collection cup straight into my power strip I have taped to the inside of my stand and started burning. What gives? The valve is all the way open...

its a nice skimmer and I am not sure whats happening with yours. MAybe something cought in the venturi ? I was able to run mine at 6 inches of water ok. MAybe trim back the mesh on the pump a little this will help tune it back a little.

 

[mojo]

I'll give you my opinion on that. Yes you can run the sicce as a recirc just fine as long as its ran internally. They do not work as an external pump unless you drill it for a cooling loop. I have ran them both ways. There are only two things diff as a recirc sicce. The sicce pump will run like its unrestricted pulling a bit more air as it doesn't have the head pressure like an in sump skimmer. The other diff is the outside water level will not make a diff in internal water level in the skimmer. Is it worth the trouble to mod it, not imo.

I totally agree with Luke on this as well. Not worth it IMO

 

[tran]

Hey Mojo. Wanted to get your thoughts on a skimmer for ~260 total water volume. Was thinking about an ATB Medium or BK SM 250? Are their any others that I should be looking at? I was entertain an H&S A250 for a while too but not sure it will fit. Here are some of the things I am looking for: strong build (for the oops! moments), heavy bioload, reliable pump and serviceable parts, sensitivity after feeding, easy/low maintenance to keep clean, a SCH fitting for the future. Great info here and thanks for your input.

 

[Troylee]

Try a atb 1050 deluxe they rock!!!!^^^^^

 

[ginak_27]

Hi mojo as well as other who might want to chime in,

I have a 60 gallon tank, fluval 305... and are looking for a HOB Skimmer. We have 70lbs of live rock and have a few fish that we transfered over from our 14 gallon and some LPS ... yes we made the mistake of not purchasing a skimmer right away.. but we are trying to purchase one right now. We have T5's/4-54 watts. So far tank is managing but algea galore =/ Anyway, I purchased a WARNER Marine H2 HOB SKIMMER but the company just received a phone call saying they are all out and are wanting to sell us the Reef Octopus BH 2000. I read some reviews about it giving people some probs. Anyway we are trying to purchase the best skimmer possible under $300 bucks. We can maybe go as far as 320 but that is our limit. I personally emailed MOJO and he referenced the WM so it was my first ultimate choice. I read nothing but respect and good things about MOJO so I trust his advice. So what to do next not sure? What do you suggest as a comparable HOB Protein Skimmer?

 

[mojo]

Yea that MOJO guy knows his stuff ... ;)

I still believe the wm h1/h2 is a top choice in HOB skimmers in your budget and size of tank. DAS/Deltec made some that were really nice as well that you could probably get used in that range. MCe 500 I think it was correct me if I am wrong but if memory seve me correct that was the model from deltec. The Bermuda rogue is good but a little noisier and uses a bigger pump.

 

[ksed]

I think you can find the Warner Marine unit under a brand called JNS at Marine Depot, I believe it is the same unit. Perhaps Mojo can verify.

 

[mojo]

wm are built by JNS but they will do a couple things specific for the wm skimmers.

 

[eland]

Hey guys I need a skimmer for a 315 gallon tank that I plan on putting a couple of rays and some corals in. The tank is 48" x 96" x 16" and the sump is about 70 gallons. I have been looking at the Hurricone Cat 2 but I really like the Octopus 6000SSS or any other suggestions. I would really like to stay around this price range if possible ( 600 - 700 )

Thanks

 

[Troylee]

i would take the octo over the hurricone..... or look at used ones like a bk or atb.....

 

[Poeticlydead]

What is your opinion of the SWC Xtreme 160 Cone Protein Skimmer versus SWC Xtreme 160 Protein Skimmer?
The cone seems to have lower scfh and is listed with a smaller capacity then the regular other then that it looks to be a great price on a true cone.

Still looking to upgrade that skimmer on my 90G dt (had to wait for cash - tight budget) and these seemed to be cheaper alternative then the Reef Octo Extreme 160 or Vertex 180.

Any input is appreciated or if anyone has a suggestion for another skimmer to look at.

 

[Antonias1391]

hey was wondering what your opinion on the vertex IN-80 skimmer is im running it on my 75g display with a 20g sump atm. my total water quantity is about 65-70g i think. ive had a weird time getting it tuned in right, but im also new to in sump skimmers. so is it my newness to them or the skimmer? thanks also suggestions for different skimmers would be awesome im running a sps dominated system so i want my water skimmed heavily