Skimmer Q&A Thread

[mcarroll]

If the outlet is just barely submerged or there's just a little outlet above water, try removing the gate valve altogether - you may not need it.

Generally you want to run the water level just a bit above the box to begin with, but you always make your adjustments based on quality and quantity of skimmate, wait 24 hours, then reassess and make further adjustment if needed. Do not make adjustments based on current foam status.

You may need more bio balls for ideal performance at higher flow rates (anyone have the ETSS tuning guide?), but the method outlined above will get you dialed in either way.

-Matt

 

[dkosdros]

Hello,

I found a great deal on a Bubble Magus NAC6 skimmer. I researched it and it seems it has been discontinued. I also see they sell upgrade kits for it. I will have a 75 gal reef tank and I feel this skimmer would work great for me. Anything I need to know before purchasing it? Am I missing something? I am just worried that there is a huge flaw with it or something I am not aware of. I am pretty handy so I know I can modify it if needed. Just looking for some advice on it. would like to pull the trigger and buy it tonight. Thanks in advance.

 

[Heybert2]

Hey mojo I have no room in sump and was wondering a what would be the best simmer for a125 mixed reef I am currently using a amsg1 in the sump but it really doesn't fit and way to hard to work on and so on. I have plenty of room under tank for a skimmer but they are really big money so what would be the best bang for the buck as you say any help would be awesome

 

[mcarroll]

You might consider an AquaC ev120 or ev180. Either should do the job well, but they might be shorter than the ASM, and the cup should require less room to remove - plus they are very easy to find used.

Also remember that depending how to run your reef you may not even need a skimmer - they do not work miracles and are not a requirement. :)

-Matt

 

[Eienna]

How dry should I be skimming? I've heard of skimming wet before, but then I heard it was just a fad...thoughts?

 

[Mike J.]

I would say how wet or dry you skim is dependent upon how "clean" your tank is. If you have elevated nitrates and phosphates or a large fish count I'd definitely skim wet.

 

[Eienna]

OK, thanks!

 

[mcarroll]

I would go so far as to say that unless you have a really good reason to skim dry (rare), you should skim wet. The advantages are significant. I'd try to get mine to fill the cup every day if I could be there to empty it that often.

The skimmer stays cleaner longer, and cleaner skimmers are more efficient. Wet skimming pulls more junk out, including more particulates. It also pulls out more water (duh).

Dry skimming is the opposite on all counts. The skimmer gets dirty faster, and dirty skimmers don't work as well...even returning a percentage of nutrients from the buildup back to the water. The only advantage to dry skimming I'm aware of is that it leaves more water in the tank.

I don't miss the water, just watch your specific gravity as normal and make up any differences at water change time. Alternately, measure your skimmate (my Tunze cup is graduated) and just add back that much clean seawater to the tank when you clean the skimmer.

-Matt

 

[Eienna]

I would go so far as to say that unless you have a really good reason to skim dry (rare), you should skim wet. The advantages are significant. I'd try to get mine to fill the cup every day if I could be there to empty it that often.

The skimmer stays cleaner longer, and cleaner skimmers are more efficient. Wet skimming pulls more junk out, including more particulates. It also pulls out more water (duh).

Dry skimming is the opposite on all counts. The skimmer gets dirty faster, and dirty skimmers don't work as well...even returning a percentage of nutrients from the buildup back to the water. The only advantage to dry skimming I'm aware of is that it leaves more water in the tank.

I don't miss the water, just watch your specific gravity as normal and make up any differences at water change time. Alternately, measure your skimmate (my Tunze cup is graduated) and just add back that much clean seawater to the tank when you clean the skimmer.

-Matt

OK. I clean my skimmer daily anyway because I'm a klutz XD I prefer doing that to dumping the last week's worth of gunk back into the tank when I goof up and flood the cup! Or just as bad, drop it in the sump trying to get it off!! I've done that a couple times, lol!

I do need to improve those params so hopefully skimming wetter will help me.

 

[BigMike81]

I am looking for a good skimmer to go in my sump. I have a 75g tank so what flow rate would I need and what are reliable brands?

 

[thebest14life]

I am looking for a good skimmer to go in my sump. I have a 75g tank so what flow rate would I need and what are reliable brands?

Hey I have a corallife super skimmer 220 for sale the skimmer was modded with a 90 degree piece to produce better skim mate for 120.00 ship

 

[BigMike81]

I just ordered the Vortex in-180 for my 75 gallon tank. Plans are to put it in a 30lL sump soon. what do you think of this skimmer???

Is this still a good option to consider as I also have a 75g tank.

 

[BigMike81]

Hey I have a corallife super skimmer 220 for sale the skimmer was modded with a 90 degree piece to produce better skim mate for 120.00 ship

What are the dimensions?

 

[BigMike81]

I am doing all kinds of research on this so I can make an educated decision as I am brand new to the hobby.

 

[thebest14life]

What are the dimensions?

6" x 8" x 25-1/2" high

 

[kristofferzen]

I'm in the same boat as mike looking for 75 gallon skimmer for mixed reef
In sump skimmer I have about 9x12x24 inches for room maybe more.
Budget is up to 350. I've used the classic reef octopus before and looking at a
Vertex or aquamaxx sc 150 (I think that is what it was). Any suggestions?

 

[thebest14life]

Corallife super skimmer 220

 

[kristofferzen]

Anyone using a Vortex?

 

[Jimbo662]

I've got the vortex 130 on a 75g. Once you get them dialed and broken in they work great. Gotta have a lot of patience...took me about a month. They're extremely quiet. My last skimmer had an O ring on the collection cup. These are threaded so it's easier to get the cup off without spilling or tipping the skimmer over.

 

[dereks16]

Vertex omega 150 for about 2 months.