Trouble with protein skimmer

Stepheng101 · May 13, 2018

I bought a protein skimmer today at a reef store 3 hours away and the instructions are terrible... Online was no help either. I think it is meant for a sump, but my tank is filtered through a canister. The product is a NAC 3, and I don't even know how the tubing works.

P-Dub · May 14, 2018

That is an in-sump protein skimmer and the tube that you are holding coming off the collection cup is to be plumbed to a separate skimmate collection vessel. I would remove the canister filter and set up a sump. Canister filters are fairly old school with limited application to a reef tank. I know that this is not something that you wanted to hear but really the best route to go. What size is your system and what are you trying to/wanting to keep?

Stepheng101 · Jul 24, 2018

P-Dub said:
That is an in-sump protein skimmer and the tube that you are holding coming off the collection cup is to be plumbed to a separate skimmate collection vessel. I would remove the canister filter and set up a sump. Canister filters are fairly old school with limited application to a reef tank. I know that this is not something that you wanted to hear but really the best route to go. What size is your system and what are you trying to/wanting to keep?

I have a 40B and, I am now regretting a canister, but I am going to stick with it for now. I might do a sump in the future though. Thanks for the information! I will do a sump next time!

P-Dub · Jul 24, 2018

There is nothing wrong with a canister filter per se so long as you use it more like a filter media reactor. I would return the skimmer as you have no use for it without a sump. I would get a HOB skimmer. I don't know of one off-hand that can handle the tank volume or livestock load that you have, though. Google or this site is your friend regarding suggestions.