Skimmer Q&A Thread

[s2nhle]

Your tank has nothing for it to skim. the tank is too young. You don't have to do anything. Just turn your skimmer off and turn it back on when you have your fish in the tank for 3 weeks.

 

[crankbait09]

I have been doing some researching on what type of creatures I'd like to have in my tank. Right now, its nothing but a 135 gallon tank with two overflows. A 40B will follow later for the sump. Right now I am shopping for a in sump skimmer (USED or NEW) that would be sized accurately for what I will raise.

I was thinking of having live sand, live rock, soft corals, and obviously the finned friends.

If I were to house all that, what size in sump skimmer can I get away with? I know, big as I can afford. But is there a size that I should'nt go any less than, to be able to keep this environment clean and healthy?

as well as skimmer brands that I should stand clear of

 

[townjas]

Crank it's really going to depend on how many, how big and what species of fish you want. I have a 150 with a 55 sump and reef octopus skimmer rated for 150 gallons, but I also have a bio pellet reactor and a phosban reactor plus 3 kinds of macro algae. 40b will work fine for a sump. I would get a skimmer rated for 150 gallons or more if you can. There is more than 1 way to keep your tank clean.

 

[ahmirmalik]

hello guys
newbie in some way to marine aquariums used to do it about 15 years ago and the bug has returned
ok with advancement in technology etc etc i have a 480 liters tank that was sitting idle i want to convert it to a marine tank i was wondering if there are any protien skimmers that can be hanged on the back of the tank and if any available please let me know the best in the market
p.s i am in dar es salam tanzania

thanks :squigglemouth:

 

[drubatuba]

Hey everyone,


I'm starting to piece together my 100 gallon saltwater tank and I came across a protein skimmer on craigslist. Wanted to get your advice.


It's an AETech ETSS Sump Buddy 40 Deluxe Protein Skimmer w/ Sedra KSP-9000 Needle Wheel Pump


I've read it has a "downdraft" design. Not sure what that means.


He's selling it for $100. Looks to be well taken care of.


Thoughts/Opinions?

 

[mcarroll]

It's a good deal! I liked the one I had.

 

[mcarroll]

Forgot to add:
Water is "fired" by the pump down into the box of water, drawing air down with it (hence downdraft) to form bubbles

 

[s2nhle]

It also requires special venturiesfor the air.

 

[mcarroll]

It also requires special venturiesfor the air.

There is no venturi valve on ETSS skimmers....not a discrete one anyway. The whole top of the injection tower is effectively the venturi "site" - the hardware up there is more to hold the pump plumbing in place than for air intake. Typically they did include a 90° barb fitting on the air-inlet, but it's not required for use.

 

[drubatuba]

Thanks for all the advice.

 

[luke33]

But why would they sell that with a needle wheel pump? I'd use a diff pump if you are planning on using that skimmer.

 

[s2nhle]

There is no venturi valve on ETSS skimmers....not a discrete one anyway. The whole top of the injection tower is effectively the venturi "site" - the hardware up there is more to hold the pump plumbing in place than for air intake. Typically they did include a 90° barb fitting on the air-inlet, but it's not required for use.

I have a lifereef skimmer and it is used custom mazzei [SIZE=+1][SIZE=+1][/SIZE][/SIZE]venturi for more air and bubble.

 

[mcarroll]

Guessing it's really a plain ksp9000, but I'd make sure before purchase. Maybe there's more to the story.

 

[luke33]

I'm guessing there is more to the story! lol. Worst case is he just goes and gets a new impeller for 30bux.

 

[glb]

Skimmer 101 help: I just got a coralife nano skimmer for my 12g nanocube. It was basically free so I decided to check it out. It produced skimmate within 12hours. The color was tan but it definitely pulled out something. So I have a few questions. Should the bubbles in the tube be pretty small? I get some big ones but basically microbubbles. Also, what level exactly should the foam rise to? Is it right at the rim with the center foam a little lower? Or should it be level on the edges with a little dome in the center. I don't know if this makes sense, but I want to have it at the right level. Also, any other skimmer hints for a skimmer newbie?? You don't need to tell me this isn't the greatest skimmer-I read the reviews. [emoji4] I also know that in a 12g a skimmer isn't required. My nitrates are 5-10ppm without it. I have some SPS in there now so I'm being a little more careful. Also, the aeration provided by the skimmer seems to be helping my water quality. Any advice is welcome!!!

 

[glb]

Also, can someone tell me the difference between wet and dry skimmate, what causes both, which is better, and how to tune in a skimmer to get the best skimmate?

 

[glb]

Finally, where is the best water level for the skimmer in relation to the collection cup?

 

[glb]

Bump for last three posts.

 

[luke33]

Also, can someone tell me the difference between wet and dry skimmate, what causes both, which is better, and how to tune in a skimmer to get the best skimmate?

Wet skimmate is tan or water skimmate, dry is very dark. The higher you raise your foam head or water level will cause it to be wet or dry. Skimming wet pulls more out but may also pull out salt, skimming dry dirties the neck quickly so more maintenance is required. I prefer a brown skimmate, kind of inbetween. You'll just have to play with the skimmer until you are happy with the skimmate color. And being so small of a tank, you may not get a lot of variance in skimmate.

 

[prdubois]

Also, can someone tell me the difference between wet and dry skimmate, what causes both, which is better, and how to tune in a skimmer to get the best skimmate?

Wet is just that. More water and like a green tea. Bubbles come up faster. Skimmer cup will fill up faster.
Dry is the bubbles coming up slower. Dark green liquid. paste forming on the collection cup.