Skimmer Q&A Thread

[mojo]

I am looking to over skim if possible and can't afford to spend a lot on one so what do you recommend. I have coralife 125 on my 75 right now it does ok. I had a seaclone and it is my pugs chew toy now. any input is welcomed.

you cant really over skim... you will simply shut down your skimmer. it wont skim anymore. Will it work, yes. its a bit over the top.

for 150g The Sea side aquatics cs2, the Avast CS1, the Aquamaxx am 250 and the SRO 2000 are all good choices. The Avast cs1 DIY kit might be the way to go if you are a diy type and want to save a few $$ it would be great on that size tank

 

[mojo]

Mojo and others. I currently have a SWC 160 cone on my 125 gallon with 30 sump. Lighter bioload and newer tank (3-4 months) fish Kole Tang, one clown, chromis, bi-color blenny, small hogfish/wrasse that I never see.

Anyway I am having a hard time getting my SWC to produce anything more than a dirty neck and tea colored skimmate. It also never starts up going forward without blowing into the airline, even though I have one of Lukes impellers.

Looking at the Seaside Aquatics CS-1. I like the fact it is for the most part a hydrofoamer pump and it similiar to a NAC7 which I had on my 75 gallon and loved it but it was noisy.

If I get a new skimmer should I get a CS-1 or CS-2?
Is the CS-2 the same quality as the CS-2 and as quiet?
I plan on adding a few more fish in the future (another clown, maybe hawk fish or wrasse, goby etc) nothing big like Tangs. I also like LPS and softies more than SPS.

The sea side cs2 would be the way to go. The pumps are great. quiet and all in all they are gerat value skimmers. Not cheap but great pumps good balance ect...

The problem with so many skimmers now days is Too much air and not enough water flow. as a pump pulls more air it pulls less water. When this happends they have a hard time feeding themselves. The pumps run hotter and louder.

 

[odie]

Thanx Mojo.
What would be a good depth for the sea side cs2 ? Would 8 1/2 inches be ok?

 

[Murfman]

Mojo, currently have an Aqua Euro Classic 400 with 3 pumps feeding it. I find I have to clean the volutes daily to keep salt creep from restricting the air holes. I am thinking of upgrading to a cone and have found an SWC 230 and a Royal Exclusiv Alpha 200. Both are used. This is for my 300 with 125 sump and frag system. It is lightly stocked with fish. Also considered the Black Pearl with swabbie. Any input would be great!

 

[westreef]

Hi Mojo,
Some people like to do over skim (light skimmate) and some like to have thicker or darker skimmate. What is actually happening to the nutrient in the tank for each case? I heard lighter skimmate took more nutrient from the tank than the thicker one. Is this true?

 

[mojo]

Thanx Mojo.
What would be a good depth for the sea side cs2 ? Would 8 1/2 inches be ok?

That shouldnt be bad. I would say 7 to 9,10 ish would be best. Never tested th high end. But I would imagine 8 would be good.

 

[mojo]

Mojo, currently have an Aqua Euro Classic 400 with 3 pumps feeding it. I find I have to clean the volutes daily to keep salt creep from restricting the air holes. I am thinking of upgrading to a cone and have found an SWC 230 and a Royal Exclusiv Alpha 200. Both are used. This is for my 300 with 125 sump and frag system. It is lightly stocked with fish. Also considered the Black Pearl with swabbie. Any input would be great!

The swc 230 would be great, I would also look at the SRO 5000. Heck even the new ASM cone coming out with the sedra 9000 or 15000 pump. Those would be good as well.

 

[mojo]

Hi Mojo,
Some people like to do over skim (light skimmate) and some like to have thicker or darker skimmate. What is actually happening to the nutrient in the tank for each case? I heard lighter skimmate took more nutrient from the tank than the thicker one. Is this true?

well a lot has to do with your feeding and how much carbon you use. Carbon will pull just as much or more than a skimmer can. With that said running a lighter tea skimmate is just fine. Running it dry or darker is fine too. as long as it isnt too long and not skimming at all. its a matter of what you like to do bet. I find a happy medium and go with it. Not really a right or wrong answer here IMO.

 

[Murfman]

The swc 230 would be great, I would also look at the SRO 5000. Heck even the new ASM cone coming out with the sedra 9000 or 15000 pump. Those would be good as well.

Thanks, Mojo! I picked up the SWC ;-)

 

[westreef]

well a lot has to do with your feeding and how much carbon you use. Carbon will pull just as much or more than a skimmer can. With that said running a lighter tea skimmate is just fine. Running it dry or darker is fine too. as long as it isnt too long and not skimming at all. its a matter of what you like to do bet. I find a happy medium and go with it. Not really a right or wrong answer here IMO.

Thanks a lot Mojo.
About a year ago, due to the limitation of the sump dimensions, I followed your advice to get the SWC150. I have been very happy with it. Thanks again for the recommendation.

Bernie

 

[mojo]

That's great . Glad to hear. Merry Christmas.

 

[jfb2]

skimmer

What's a good skimmer for a 290gal tank that won't break the bank.
New set-up, plan on mostly fish.

 

[nicodim55]

hey Mojo when they say bioload, does that include the corals? I've been using a ASM G2 for my 150g and I was wondering if you think its enough for my size of tank. My tank is fully stocked with corals and fish. I know they say the G2 is rated up to 200g and some ppl have told me that I need something up to 300g. Just want to know if corals are included in the bioload of things:)

 

[Murfman]

Anyone try and Avast Swabbie on the SWC 30 cone skimmer?

 

[mojo]

What's a good skimmer for a 290gal tank that won't break the bank.
New set-up, plan on mostly fish.

290 g...... SRO 5000,octo xs350, and the jns sk5 would be the twoI would be looking at for the $$

 

[mojo]

hey Mojo when they say bioload, does that include the corals? I've been using a ASM G2 for my 150g and I was wondering if you think its enough for my size of tank. My tank is fully stocked with corals and fish. I know they say the G2 is rated up to 200g and some ppl have told me that I need something up to 300g. Just want to know if corals are included in the bioload of things:)

everything alive, produces waste in your tank. I would get something with a little more power behind in. The aquamaxx am 250, sro 2000 xp, the JNS sk3 are all nice options. The asm g3 would do a little better than the asm g2 if you would like to stick with them. they are simple and work fine.

 

[nicodim55]

everything alive, produces waste in your tank. I would get something with a little more power behind in. The aquamaxx am 250, sro 2000 xp, the JNS sk3 are all nice options. The asm g3 would do a little better than the asm g2 if you would like to stick with them. they are simple and work fine.

Thank you for your input, I was actually leaning towards the new ASM cones. Didn't you do a small review on them or was it the Avast? What is your take on the new ASM cones? Which model would be the right one for my set up? Thx

 

[mojo]

I have the ASM gc3 cone on my tank right now. I am letting it break in more before I post more on it. you would have to go with the one iwth the psk 1000 pump or probably o with the gc 9 for your setup. that skimmer would do well. The ASM.. All Seas MArine skimmers have always gotten a good rep. I dont think you will be dissapointed with the new line as well. The new line will run in deeper water than a lot of the skimmers out there. I would suggest 10 to 11 inches of water level for the gc 3 I am running.

Hope that is helpful

Mojo~

 

[nicodim55]

What is the gc9 rated for if you don't mind me asking?

 

[mojo]

IT uses the sedra 9000 pump. IT will move much more water and air. Its a beast really. these are the ratings

GC-9
Capability : 1200L-1700L(315G-450G)
Pump: Sedra 9000
Pump power: 110V 60Hz
Air intake : 1400L/H
Dimensions: 230*310*600MM (9.0″ * 12.2″ * 23.6″)
Cylinder: 20CM
Water Level :9.5″-11″