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Plans for new 340 gallon tank.
Big Skimmer Advice – 01/26/09
Eric,
<<Adam>>
Looking for some advice on a skimmer,
<<Okay>>
having trouble because of the multiple tanks hooked into it.
<<Oh?>>
If it was just the display and the sump I could look for something
around a 500 gallon capacity with a medium/heavy bio-load. Given the
fact that the system will contain a 400 gallon SPS display, a 110
sump/benthic zone, 120 gallon macro algae tank (with possibilities for
sea horse or pipefish in the future), a 110 gallon fuge (6"+DSB), a 40
gallon frag tank and a 40 gallon anemone tank I am kind of at a loss on
how to gauge skimmer load.
<<I see… Do consider that once the
seahorse and anemone tank are stocked they too become “displays.” Were
this me, I would total the volume for all you have listed here and
obtain a skimmer (or skimmers) rated to handle such>>
There would be
230 gallons refugium space (tank volume, not included the DSB's in them)
<<Once you stock macro predators in the 120 it is no longer a
“refugium”>>
and the 110 gallon sump/benthic zone that would actually
be processing waste themselves more than producing, correct?
<<A moot
point here, in my opinion... I would simply consider this as ancillary
filtration and go ahead and include the volume in the calculation to
determine the size of the skimmer…especially considering many makers are
a bit “optimistic” in their ratings re>>
So do I shoot for a skimmer
capable of the actual water volume of the system or one gauged for the
bio-load on the system?
<<I am a big proponent of large sumps,
refugiums, and DSBs…and use them myself. But I also believe a quality
protein skimmer is a huge benefit to ANY marine system, and that over
sizing is much better than under sizing when it comes to this piece of
equipment. You can do what you want here… But “I” would base the skimmer
on the TOTAL system volume>>
One thing to consider is the fact that
the 400 gallon display and the 110 gal sump/benthic will be on one loop.
The second loop will be fed by a PCX 40 from the main displays sump. The
Macro tank, fuge, grow out and anemone tanks will be on this loop with
the fuge tank being the common "sump". This "sump" will be gravity fed
back into the main display sump.
<<Indeed… So ALL are sharing the
same water/metabolites>>
The skimmer is planned to be fed via one of
the overflows on the display. Flow will be controlled via a ball valve
<<Do consider a gate-valve…much greater control/flexibility>>
and I
am looking at recirculating skimmers.
<<Okay>>
Some of the ones I
have been looking at are the Reeflo Orca 250, Octopus FNDW 400, and
Euro-Reef CS12-3.
<<Ah! I have a ER CS12-3 (is non-recirculating)
which I have upgraded with Eheim pumps versus the original Sedra pumps.
I love it...but I don’t think it is manufactured any longer, although it
may still be available from some retailers>>
Those with the exception
of the Euro-Reef (which is a bit more expensive) are about where I'd
like to keep my price range at. Although if I get feedback from multiple
people thinking I need to spend a little more to handle things like I
would like to I guess I can open up the wallet a little wider. I'm just
stuck on this subject, I don’t want to over skim,
<<Small
concern/likelihood…but I do understand not wanting to pay for more
skimmer than you need>>
but I DEFINILY don’t want to under skim.
<<Agreed>>
Given the systems complexity it’s been getting a little
tricky.
<<You may find separating/isolating the seahorse & pipefish
and anemone tanks necessary for success in the long run>>
LFS doesn't
seem to want to give me much of an opinion
<<Funny you should say
this. I was visiting with the owner of one of my local stores this
weekend and he was griping to me about people coming in to the store to
ask questions about equipment/products and then leaving and ordering the
goods on the NET…told me he’s now telling people there’s a $50 charge
per question (I don’t see that doing his business much good). I wonder
if your store’s reaction is based on the same attitude. I can understand
the store owner’s frustrations re…but I also understand the consumer’s
desire to save what is often more than a few bucks when it comes to
purchasing equipment and dry goods off the internet. No simple
answers…>>
so I'm stuck having to muddle through the billions of
opinions on the WWW.
<<Mmm, no shortage of them “here” for sure>>
Looking for some info I feel I can trust.
<<Ah well, thank you for
that (I hope I/we live up to the expectation). The Reeflo and Octopus
skimmers look to be nice pieces of gear, and though I haven’t used
either I hear goods things about them. I have an affinity for
needle-wheel skimmers…and among those, the Euro-Reef skimmers in
particular. Mine has worked well from day one, and requires virtually no
“fiddling” between cleanings to keep it set. I’ve also met and dealt
with the folks who own the company. For your system I would give the
Euro-Reef CS12-2RC some serious consideration>>
Thanks for all your
help,
Adam
<<Happy to share. Please do keep me posted on your
selection. Cheers, Eric Russell>>
Re: Please help. Skimmer sel. for lg. SW
Bob,
i just
woke up to do further reading on skimmers...and came across a reference
to your new book reef inverts. i looked it up and realized that this was
the first book id ever read on reef inverts. haha. i worked at the local
Petco about 3 years ago after getting into the hobby...the store manager
used to live in LA and lent me the book...it certainly contributed
greatly to my addiction. Thanks!
PS. If u
<...>
were to set up
a 450 gallon sps grow out tank..and would maintain every part of it very
thoroughly. which skimmer would you use?
-Nate
<Likely a
Euro-Reef... RMF>
Tunze 9010 For A 200g Reef? – 01/15/08
Hi,
<<Hello Marcus>>
I have just setup up a new 4 x 4 x 2 reef, upgraded from a 4 x 18” x 2.
<<Neat!>>
I am using my skimmer from my last tank which is a<<Tunze>>
9010, which I was pretty happy with.
<<I too like Tunze skimmers>>
I am copping a fair bit of flack in my build thread about how undersized
this skimmer is for a 200g reef.
<<Really? Hmm, even though your new
tank specs out at about 239-gallons (actual true “empty” volume depends
on the thickness of the panel material)…the Tunze 9010 has a “usage”
rating of up to 264-gallons>>
What is your opinion?
<<I saw many
of the “classic” Tunze skimmers in action overseas years back, and well
before similar quality skimmers were available in the States...they were
awesome. I don’t have any direct experience with the new Comline
skimmers like the 9010, but have heard positive comments from others… I
suspect you/this skimmer will be fine>>
Should I consider upgrading?
<<Is up to you, but I would probably wait to see how this skimmer
performs with the new system>>
I am only stocking with a medium to
light load of LPSs/sps and fish, with a pretty open aquascaping.
<<Still…best to plan/install filtration components for a “heavy” load,
in my opinion. Even when we plan for/know better…we sometimes can’t help
adding “just one more fish”>>
If I upgraded to a 9015 or even the
foaming cup for the 9020, how much of a difference would this make,
given that, other than the collection cup and chamber height, the
skimmers are exactly the same?
<<Hmm, the 9020 is a “double” unit,
though the 9015 does appear to be identical (air/water flow
specifications) to the 9010 but for the size of the collection cup…which
may indicate the smaller unit is just as efficient on larger tanks (i.e.
– can handle the same “bio-load”) but is limited by the amount of
skimmate it can process/hold before needing attention. In other words…if
you’re willing to empty the cup more often, the 9010 should serve as
well as the higher capacity-rated 9015 on larger systems>>
Many
thanks,
Marcus
<<I do think your Tunze 9010 will serve your new
system…but, give it a try first and see what “you” think…you can always
upgrade or add a second skimmer at a later date if necessary. Regards,
EricR>> Skimmer Selection
1/15/08
Crew,
<Joe>
I am currently setting up a 210 gallon
sps tank and I <Ah, another broken shift key.> am trying to make a
decision regarding my skimmer. I know this is one of my most important
pieces of equipment so I <I> don't mess this up. I don't really have
much sump space so I <I> am looking for a external skimmer. I like the
EuroReefs but for my application I would need the RC-500 which is like
1200 bucks. I was wondering if there is a good skimmer that won't cost
me a grand. I have been looking at the Lifereef brand of skimmers, in
particular the VS3-36. Jeff from LifeReef talks a good game about his
skimmers and says he would put them against a Euroreef anyway. So I
would like to know if you have any experience with Lifereef products?
Also, if you don't like Lifereef what skimmer model would you recommend?
If the expensive Euroreef or similar is my only option to keep the high
water quality I will need so be it, but I want to know for sure before I
spent the money.
<Joe, no experience with Lifereef products but I
hear they are quality products and have heard no negative feedback on
them. As for other brands of skimmers that would work well in your tank,
this would be my choice list.
AquaC EV240 (around $400)
Precision
Marine PM Bullet 2 ($400)
Tunze Master DOC Skimmer, comes with two
hydrofoamers and rated for tanks up to 1000 gallons, pricey, but an
excellent skimmer. Keep in mind here that there are no pumps to
buy.($960)
ASM G-3 with a modified Sedra pump. ($310)
Hope this
helps you out.>
Thanks for the help.
<You're welcome. James
(Salty Dog)>
Joe Skimmer help sel. 2/2/06
Dear crew,
<Robert>
I am currently under way with an expansion
of my existing 300 gallon reef to a new 560 gallon reef with 200 gallon
refugium and 300 gallons
of grow out for frags.
<Some project
now!>
I have looked at a number of large skimmers and am concerned
about the mega pumps required to properly run a unit such
as an Aqua
C EV2000. I have been reading Anthony Calfo's book on coral propagation
and he discusses venturi style countercurrent skimmers as a viable
option.
<Don't be thrown by such descriptive terms... there are very
junky Venturi types, Countercurrents...>
What I can't figure out is
how many units (linked in series) would I need, and how much flow would
be required to skim the
1100 gallons or so in my total
system? Power consumption is a big problem out here in California and I
am trying to find a balance between
the necessary equipment, and the
high cost of electricity.
<I would look to the fine folks at
EuroReef here... or Deltec... even RK2... an investment, but worthwhile.
Thanks,
Bob McCook Lifereef Skimmer, sel. period for a 600
gal. SW 2/27/07
Just one quick question today, I
have had a 180 gallon for 6 months now. My skimmer is Lifereef VS3-30
powered by a Mag 12. I love my skimmer and everyone has their opinions
on which is the best. The Lifereef is simple to use and keep tuned and
pulls a full 1-2 cups of nog per week.
Million dollar question: If
you were going to set up a 600 gallon reef what skimmer would you use?
<Mmm, either one or more Euro-Reef products, but would consider a
Deltec...>
I am thinking to just go with what I know and get a
Lifereef VS3-72 (rated to 1500 gallons--I always double what its rated
for) But there are so many custom and well known high dollar skimmer's
out there that seem to work just as great. Deltec is seen many times on
huge beautiful tanks. IMO the skimmer is the engine and I want to make
sure there's not a diesel out there I would be more happy with even
though my V6 is doing just fine. thanks Jeff
<And am hoping still
for the advent of RK2 hobbyist sized units... Bob Fenner>
Double Skimming? – 5/19/07
Hello,
<Hi, James>
Is it a
good idea to run two skimmers at the same time?
<Sometimes. It
depends on your situation.>
I have recently built a new 920 gallon
system.
<Ooh, nice!>
I am using an aqua-medic 5000 baby skimmer,
which is rated at 528 gallons.
<Does sound like it's a little
undersized.>
It is producing dark good quality skimmate non stop.
<And you are wondering how much it is leaving behind...>
So, I am
looking at the AquaMedic 5000 twin which is rated for 1320
gallons. Should I run the twin along with the baby or just use the
twin?
<If you have room to run both while you get the new one
tweaked and broken in, you will have a chance to see what both will
do. If they both continue to produce significantly, then you may want
to keep both if serious skimming is your goal. If the larger skimmer
makes the original obsolete, it will be obvious. I am running a similar
experiment myself, and am soon to remove the original, as the new
skimmer is removing enough that the original is not earning its keep.>
Many Thanks in advance,
James.
Large marine filter gear 6/6/07
First, thank you in advance for
your time and expertise. I live in FL and building a 300gallon, 375 with
refugium filter reef system.
<How nice!>
An ETSS 600 Pro skimmer
was recommended to me.
<Mmm, there are better choices... Posted on
WWM...>
Is this the best and should I use ozone to a new system.
Regards, Shawn Sturm
<I would definitely look into and use Ozone (and
maybe even a desiccator to go with it) if this were my large marine
system. Bob Fenner> Big Tank-Big Plans!
I have
a custom 275 gal (=empty) tank. It is in a wall, made of plywood and
coated with epoxy, the front is glass. It has a sink, drain, place for a
sump, etc.. It is set up pretty well. I want fish only. I have spent a
large sum of $ on imitation coral that has also been epoxied to the rear
wall of this tank. I must tell you that it looks great.
<Sounds
terrific!>
Imitation corals made today are, in my opinion, very
realistic. My question to you is this. Can I simply add live sand to the
tank floor (and if so how much) along with a very large protein skimmer
( I like Aqua C - what size would you recommend)
<I'd look into an
EV-400>
and have enough filtration?
<I'd go for at least a 3-4
inch sand bed, right on the tank floor>
I purchased a wet dry trickle
filter with bio-balls but now am afraid of using this wet dry filter
because I belief that the resulting nitrate will ultimately lead to
excess algae growth. I do not want any algae to grow on these beautiful
corals.
<Well, you're probably better off removing the bioballs from
the filter and just using it as a sump- the "nexus" of your water
processing system. Throw in some live rock to provide additional
"filtration". You will probably always have some algae growth on the
corals. Regular, careful maintenance and some snails and other
herbivores will help a bit>
I of course will treat all water using
something like a Kent max60HiS four stage Ro/Di or even Spectra Plus
five stage Ro/Di ( Do you recommend any thing better here?), and perform
regular maintenance. Can someone please help!
Chris
<Well, Chris-
sounds like the basis of a good setup. Either of the RO/DI units you
describe are fine for producing quality source water, as long as you
change the membranes and prefilters regularly. I've used both.
Currently, I use a Kent Maxxima "Hi S" model, and it does just fine.
Keep researching a bit more on sumps, and I think you'll find that your
tank will be better off for having one. Good luck! Regards, Scott F>
Protein Skimmers (No SeaClones Here!) - 04/29/05
Hi,
< Hello
again Mohamed! >
Thanks for the information on the pump, I will buy
Tunze and Eheim pumps.
< Can hardly go wrong. >
I need some help
with protein skimmers.
< A common occurrence. >
I am looking for a
skimmer for a tank holding 2000l of water.
< Uh...guess a Remora Pro
is out.<G> >
I was looking at the Tunze automatic skimmer 240/3 or
Kent Marine Nautilus EX Skimmer 30" but before buying one I need to know
which makes are the best skimmers on the market doing the work it
should.
< Wouldn't even consider the Kent skimmer...but that's me.
For a system this size I would go with the Tunze skimmer, or a large
Euro-Reef (my current fave). I have a ER 12-3 on a 375g display with a
system total of about 500g (1900l) and it works great. Other skimmers
could do the job for sure, but I'm confident that a Tunze or a Euroreef
will fill the bill nicely here. >
Thanks
Mohamed.
< Regards,
Eric R. >
Redundant Skimmers For A HUGE System!
Hello,
<Hi there! Scott F. with you today!>
I am planning a 1400 gal.
saltwater tank.
<Woooww! That's a SERIOUS system! Should be awesome!>
The size is of the main display, not to mention the sump, separate coral
tank, etc. All in all 2000 to 3000 gallons of water. Would it be better
to go with one large RK2 unit or many smaller Euro-Reef units plumbed so
that each takes on a portion of the load?
Thanks,
Corey
<Well,
Corey, in a system of this size, I think it would be a better idea to
have some redundancy. I like the idea of 3 smaller, yet capable
skimmers. This way, you could clean them in sequence, assuring you of
clean, capable skimmers at all times. Yes, this may add a bit to the
necessary plumbing, but I think it's a much better idea than to rely on
just one skimmer in a system of this size. Hope this is useful to you!
Regards, Scott F.>
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