More FAQs about Skimmer Selection
for Sumps and
Refugiums
Related FAQs: Best Skimmer FAQs, Skimmers 2, To Skim or Not to Skim, Best Skimmer Selection FAQs, Skimmer Selection, Skimmer Selection 2, Skimmer Selection
3, Skimmer Selection 4, Skimmer Selection 5, Skimmer Selection 6, Skimmer Selection 7, Skimmer Selection 8, Skimmer Selection 9, Skimmer Selection 10, Skimmer Selection 11, Skimmer Selection 12, DIY Skimmers,
Hang-On Models, Best Skimmer Op./Maint. FAQs, Skimmer Maintenance, Skimmer Operation/Maintenance 2, Algae Control, Corallife Skimmers, CPR Skimmers, Deltec
Skimmers, ETSS Skimmers, Euro-Reef Skimmers, Prizm Skimmers, SeaClone Skimmers,
Skimmers for
Eclipse Systems, Skimmers for
Small Systems, Skilter
Skimmers, Tunze
Skimmers, Algae Control
Related Articles: Skimmers by Steven Pro, Protein Skimmer
Impressions By Steven
Pro, Marine
Filtration,
Mechanical, Physical & Chemical, Get Thee To A
Refugium by Bob Fenner, Refugia: What They're
For And How To Build Them by Forrest
Phillips,
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Keep those intakes
screened!
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Refugium before skimmer
11/13/19
Dear team
<Hi Srinivas>
Please let me know the disadvantages of having the protein skimmer after
the refugium and before the return line.
<Not really a disadvantage, I personally place it before the refugium,
just right after the drain discharge but I think it should do pretty
much the same job on either location.>
Am currently facing issue in placing of my protein skimmer for my nano
tank.
Only the above flow sequence is possible unless i make a new sump
altogether
<Don't worry, place it after the refugium. Cheers. Wil.>
Return Pump & Skimmer Placement
5/22/12
Hi! Im having a 34 gallon main tank & 7 gallon sump. The sump has 2
columns, the overflow comes in on right & flows to 2nd column to the
left.
I can't fit in the skimmer in the 1st column (due to flaw in design).In
the 2nd column, Im having a 1920 lph return pump and I'm planning to
install a AquaC EV-120 skimmer with Rio 10H (700 gph) in the same
column. Can I do this?
<Yes... you'll have to be a bit careful re keeping the water level about
the same in this second chamber... as the skimmer works best when it's
adjusted for one height.>
I'm upgrading the skimmer because the existing one (Resun 300lph) one
failed to clear off the oily surface of my main tank and no skimmates
for weeks. I feel like the Resun skimmer's pump is losing to the return
pump hence the water bypassing the skimmer. Would you think it would
work?
<Mmm, well, the AquaC product/line is superior; but your system may just
not have much to skim>
Can you please suggest anything?
<A hang-on skimmer (e.g. Remora?) perhaps>
Many thanks for your help
Afsham
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
<As many welcomes. Sama sama. Bob Fenner>
Re: Return Pump & Skimmer Placement – 5/22/12
Hi! Thanks for the prompt reply. when you said 'but your system may just
not have much to skim',
<Yes>
is it normal to have an oily surface?
<Not unusual, and quite a common cause of troubles in captive aquatic
systems. Do search, read re:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FilmTopofH20.htm
Thank you in advance.
<Welcome. B>
Re: Sump skimmers
3/14/12
Thanks again Bob. I think I was out thinking myself. I
couldn't find anything on the internet about running a skimmer with
a pump that was bigger than the return pump. Everything was about
running a bigger return pumps vs. a smaller skimmer pump. Finally
it occurred to me. (The skimmer is in its own section of the sump and
its water level is controlled by the baffle. So long as the
skimmers return isn't pushing all of its water directly into the
next section of the sump, the skimmer section wont pump itself
dry).
<Correct>
So I suppose I could run as little as a couple hundred gph return
pump with no worries related to the reef octopus skimmer with a 550gph
pump. I do wonder though if this will greatly affect skimmer
efficiency?
<Nominally... i.e., not much. B>
re: Sump skimmers 3/14/12
Thanks again Bob. I think I was out thinking myself. I
couldn't find anything on the internet about running a skimmer with
a pump that was bigger than the return pump. Everything was about
running a bigger return pumps vs. a smaller skimmer pump. Finally
it occurred to me. (The skimmer is in its own section of the sump and
its water level is controlled by the baffle. So long as the
skimmers return isn't pushing all of its water directly into the
next section of the sump, the skimmer section wont pump itself
dry).
<Correct>
So I suppose I could run as little as a couple hundred gph return
pump with no worries related to the reef octopus skimmer with a 550gph
pump. I do wonder though if this will greatly affect skimmer
efficiency?
<Nominally... i.e., not much. B>
Aqua C skimmer IN the sump 10/21/11
Greetings!
<Hello Sara>
I have consulted the archives of WWM many, many times in the
process of setting up and maintaining my aquarium, and I have
appreciated it very much.
Thank you for taking the time to help fellow hobbyists!
<You're welcome.>
I searched the archives but didn't find what I was looking
for. if it's in there, please point me in the right
direction.
I recently upgraded from a stock 55 with a Remora Aqua C HOB
skimmer (no sump), to a 50 breeder with a 50 gallon sump and I
would like to use my Remora in the sump. I have it hanging on the
back of the display right now, but it's making a lot of micro
bubbles and I would like to get it out of the display for
aesthetic reasons as well. However, there are issues with putting
it on the sump that have been covered here (waterfall noise, etc)
and I have another issue, which is that I'm not sure if I
have the head space needed to remove the skimmer cup if it's
hanging on the sump since the sump is quite tall in the stand. I
was wondering if I might be able to put the skimmer totally
inside the sump. I measured the skimmer body and the water level
in my sump and the numbers work out. It seems like the water
level is just about perfect for just setting the skimmer body in
the sump instead of hanging it on the outside. Is there some
reason I can't do this?
If I were to try it, how would I ensure the skimmer body
doesn't tip over?
<It's worth a try, I do not see any reason why it would
not work. The Remora is basically the hang on version of the
Urchin. The Urchin has an acrylic stabilizing leg to keep it
upright in the sump. Take a look here.
http://www.proteinskimmer.com/Product%20Pages/Urchin%20Series.htm>
Thanks!
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Sara Re: Aqua C skimmer IN the sump/Follow up
2/15/12
Happy Mid-February Day, Crew!
<And to you Sara>
I know it's been quite a while since my original question,
but I wanted to report back after giving it a good test
period. After getting the green light, I went ahead and put
the skimmer right in the sump and it works wonderfully! The
water level in the sump is the perfect height. It comes up
to about the lip of the outlet on the skimmer, as it would if it
was hanging on the back of the tank as it is meant to. The
skimmer seems to be functioning totally normally and I
haven't noticed anything out of the ordinary with it.
<Good, didn't think you would see any difference in
operation.>
I just wanted to let you know in case anyone else out there is
thinking of doing this.
Thanks again for the encouragement to try it!
<You're welcome Sara and thank you for the follow
up. James (Salty Dog)>
|
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New system equipment - question... Sump skimmer
sel., ozone use 1/22/12
Mr. Fenner,
<David>
I am newbie to marine aquariums and reef
systems. In an attempt to get educated before purchasing and setting up
a system I am reading your book, The Conscientious Marine Aquarist 2nd
Ed. in preparation for building my first marine reef aquarium
system.
<Ahh; I know you will gain from its perusal>
I plan to keep fish, invertebrates and soft corals. I wanted to
get your opinion on the best in sump protein skimmer I can get for
around $300 - $400?
<Mmm, for a 75 gallon mixed reef now and who knows what down the
line...
There are quite a few choices; as you can read re here:
http://wetwebmedia.com/skimrs4sumpsf.htm
For ease of maintenance... I am still a fan of Aqua-C's
line>
My display tank is going to be 75 gallons. I plan to have a 29 Gallon
sump - refugium with live rock.
<Mmm, anyway to fit something larger?>
I was looking at the Super Reef Octopus 1000 internal.
<Also a good unit, make>
However I did want to get a skimmer that is compatible with ozone
use. As you mention in your book that ozone increases a skimmer's
efficiency.
<And has many other substantial benefits>
I was told by the CoralVue people that in their opinion it would
not be best to couple ozone use within that skimmer as the chamber was
too small for anything significant to occur to increase the efficiency
and they recommended first of all waiting till I had more experience
and then using a totally separate ozone reactor.
<Good advice>
Also, in their opinion using ozone will not increase the efficiency of
the skimmer.
<This is non-factual>
I am confused. What do you think about this? Also what type of
ozone system do you recommend?
<There are a few variations to be considered... Please review here
re an overview: http://wetwebmedia.com/redoxinst.htm
and the linked files above and on sites like ReefBuilders.com re recent
events>
Thanks for your book and your advice,
David LaRocca
<Certainly welcome. Bob Fenner
Plumbing and Placement of Refugium, skimmer
placement in sumps 1/20/12
Hi Crew
where s Bob
<A common appellation>
REFUGIUM PLUMBING
One crew member said;
Ideally' the drains from the tank would flow to a compartment on
one end from which the skimmer would draw'¦water would then
flow through the refugium compartments and in to the chamber where it
is returned to the tank
....allows the skimmer to process raw tank water with a minimum impact
on the biota in the refugium compartments (due to the flow of water
coming 'from' the skimmer compartment to the refugium
<Ideally, yes... but this arrangement/placement of skimmer and
newest water isn't really a big deal... nominally will result in a
percent or two greater efficiency... vs. locating the skimmer more
distal to new water>
Duh! what does that mean? If the drains flow first to skimmer
<area> then to the refugium then how exactly does the refugium
receive raw from the display tank?
<The skimmer will not "take up" all new water... Again,
the difference in your understanding is a matter of degree, not
absolutes... the universe is more like calculus than arithmetic>
I note the from is parenthesized so does it mean that not all of the
water draining from the display travels via the skimmer but
"overflows" or by-passes the skimmer?
<Good; yes>
Also does it mean that the skimmer refugium and sump are all in
the one compartment?
<Mmm, well, the sump is the whole kit and caboodle... the refugium
just the area w/ the biota, substrate... and the skimmer simply a tool
that can/may be located in or near an area/portion of the sump>
Would the tee off the drain + gate valve to refugium then to sump
by pump idea not be better ?
<Nah; not in actual practice IMO/E>
regards
Robert
<And. BF>
Euro-Reef Integration, sump
1/29/11
Hello Crew,
<JD>
I have just upgraded my old reef devil skimmer to an RC-180
Euro-Reef.
Yeah...it's pretty cool. But, I will have to modify my plumbing
considerably to get this guy oriented into my setup. Because of
it's size, it will not fit inside the stand below my 130 gallon
half cylinder tank.
<Mmm>
The show tank has one overflow in the back of the tank. There is a
standpipe inside which drains out of the bottom of the tank. This drain
is about 28" above the floor. For filtration, currently, I have
the overflow emptying through a series of sponges as the water travels
into the sump currently in the cabinet beneath the tank. The skimmer
resides in the sump, and is currently driven with a mag7 pump. There is
a Mag 9 return to the display, also located in the sump.
<Ok; with you so-far>
As a refugium I have an AquaPod tank that is converted to use an
overflow. The refugium is fed from a Maxijet 1200 out of the sump. I
think it is a 3/4 inch overflow mod on the back of the AquaPod, if it
matters. The refugium has a good six inch DSB and some Chaeto in it.
The flow through here is pretty slow, and I am not sure that the
current overflow mod can take much more.
<Me neither; not advised to increase>
Now, the conundrum is how to get this Euro-Reef integrated...hopefully
without the need to introduce an additional pump into the system. The
skimmer has a good size Eheim circulation pump on it that I clearly
cannot live without, so I am hoping to find a way to eliminate the mag7
(or the 9). I would welcome any input on how to go about achieving
this.
<Mmmm, w/o modifying the current stand/tank I take it>
It seems to me, that the only way to go about this, is to gravity feed
the skimmer. As I see it, this would eliminate the sponge filtration
and allow the tank overflow to drain directly into the skimmer. Is this
optimal?
<No, is not>
Do you think that elimination of a few filter pads will reduce the
efficiency of the system?
<Yes>
Do you think it would be more advantageous to maintain the current
sponge filtration and just live with the addition of yet another pump
to feed the skimmer?
<If necessary, yes. Is there no possibility of remoting the current
sumps?
as in off to the side of the tank/stand (which might have to be
relocated)?>
Having moved the sump outside of the cabinet, next to the tank will
certainly need to be done.
<Ahh!>
I plan to continue to feed the refugium with the 1200 pump, but gravity
feed directly into the skimmer would eliminate one of the Mag pumps. I
have also considered the possibility of replacing all the pumps with
one Blueline 40 HD external pump.
<Mmm, do retain the current pumps for back-up>
Any advice on the subject is much appreciated before I start tearing my
plumbing apart. :-)
-Jd
<I do think moving the sump outside the stand, placing the skimmer
distal from the intake from the tank area, using its Eheim pump is
best. Bob Fenner>
Re: Euro-Reef Integration 1/30/11
Hi Bob,
Always nice to talk to the man himself. Thanks for the quick reply, and
all your great advice as always.
<Certainly welcome Jonny>
Yes, you are right, I would very much like to keep the current tank and
stand in place, as I have just gotten the display the way I like it,
and I just cannot imagine tearing it apart right now.
Okay, filters stay, and I don't drain from the tank directly into
the skimmer.
Sump certainly needs to come out from under the display tank. I am
clear on those.
Not sure I understand this completely though...Apologies for my
density.
<I do think moving the sump outside the stand, placing the skimmer
distal from the intake from the tank area, using its Eheim pump is
best.>
I believe you are suggesting that the discharge of the skimmer should
be as far from the return pump as possible. Correct?
>>Correct<<
I am still unclear what you feel is the best way to feed water into the
skimmer. Keeping the Mag 7 in the system as a feed to the skimmer as
well as the Eheim for circulation and the nine for return?
<Please read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/skimrs4sumpsf.htm
for various input re pros, cons, places>
I had also considered connecting the overflow of the refugium to the
skimmer, but I didn't expect that the flow would be fast enough to
get the best use of the skimmer. Thus, I shelved that plan.
-Jd
<Life is a series of compromises... A good lesson fo' sho'.
Cheers, BobF>
Hard white worms 1/24/11
Hello,
<Hello Paul>
I have hard white worms in my sump, on the glass, on the pumps.....
Would adding a 4 line wrasse to the sump be a good way of getting rid
of the worms....
<These are beneficial filter feeding/ plankton generating
organisms.. good to have>
I have plenty of room for it to roam.
<I would not.. this sump is acting as a refugium.. adding a predator
negates this benefit>
Also.... I have read many things about Refugiums.... People say no
skimmer with them, others say always use a skimmer even with a
refugium... May I ask your opinion and others you have talked to about
this question.
<I use a skimmer and would advocate using one on most all marine
systems..
the best set up for such is utilised before the refugium, not in it as
shown here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/refugium.htm>
Thank you,
<No problem>
Paul
<Simon>
Best Placement of Skimmer Pump in First Stage of
Sump -- 11/16/10
I have an AquaC EV-180 skimmer driven by a Mag 7 pump.
<<A fine skimmer choice>>
Currently raw tank water enters the first stage of the sump. In the
first stage I also have the Mag7 pump and the skimmer exit.
<<Not an atypical setup>>
The pump is on the bottom of the sump. The water level in the first
stage of the sump is 10 inches deep and contains 6.5 gallons of
water.
<<Okay -- and I'm assuming you have the skimmer body elevated
so as to sit in no more than 8' of water, as recommended by the
manufacturer>>
I am wondering if it would be advisable to either move the pump to just
below the water level or to build a box to sit the pump in the first
stage of the sump to feed the pump water directly from the surface of
the water in the first stage sump.
<<Not needed'¦ The incoming rush of water keeps
everything 'mixed' -- little or nothing to be gained by
repositioning the pump here re its height in the water column, in my
estimation>>
From an organic richness perspective to feed the protein skimmer does
it even matter in this setup?
<<Not really>>
Right now with the main tank exit, the protein skimmer exit, and the
protein skimmer pump all in the first stage of the sump the water is
very well mixed anyway.
<<Indeed'¦>>
Any recommendations?
<<I would leave things as they are'¦ EricR>>
Skimmer operating depths: Skimmer configuration
& Skimmate production 1/6/10
Hey Crew,
<Hi Matt.>
I'll try to stick to the short story - not my strength. I ran
through various skimmer FAQs like "to skim or not to skim"
and whatever else turned up on the searches I tried.
<OK>
I recently upgraded so to speak to a modified Solana from a JBJ -
turned into an empty cube with external overflow and custom sump - 44g
total system volume. I'm in love with this tank. One of my goals
was to set it up to
handle a mixed reef of some LPS and SPS. Knowing I'd need great
water quality for SPS, I built a custom sump, and got a skimmer - Reef
Octopus NWB 110.
<A nice skimmer>
While I was curing base rock for this new setup, I ran the skimmer to
try and get it to break in a bit before setting the system up. When it
was running with the curing rock, this thing was fantastic. Had to
empty the cup every day or two, nice dark skimmate - wet, but dark,
couldn't see through the stuff. At one point it was actually
pushing foam out of the holes in the cover of the collection cup! I was
very excited about the possibilities of being able to keep pristine
water with this thing.
<Sounds like it was doing what it was supposed to do.>
Well, system has been running for a few weeks now and I'm barely
getting anything.
<OK>
Sometimes the foam gets to the cup and I get a clear liquid with chunks
of stuff in it. The neck gets consistently covered in gunk though -
cleaned it once or twice to see if that'd help, didn't seem to
do much.
<You could be running the foam a bit too dry.>
I've been trying setting it to varying heights, and adjusting the
"valve" so to speak on the outlet to adjust the water level
in the skimmer body. Get the same result all the time, not much
skimmate.
<Well, that isn't exactly true - you are getting solids - that
is the gunk, just not dissolved in water.>
So, to the questions:
1 - Is this lack of production due to light stocking and just plain
lack of things to skim? I do feed a fair amount, love to spot feed my
LPS and keep my fish fat and happy. This theory is the only one that
makes sense to me since I saw this thing working it's tail off
while the rock was curing and the water was chock full of
nutrients.
<I'm certain that there was plenty to skim while you were curing
rock, so I would expect production to drop once everything is
cured.>
I'm planning on adding a light and macro to my fuge, maybe
that's is all I need for nutrient control until I get
more heavily stocked?
<I would still keep the skimmer..>
Current stock:
Black Ocellaris Clowns (pair)
Bicolor Blenny
Neon Goby
Duncan (6-7 heads)
Blasto (8-10 heads)
2 morphs of a Euphyllia (Branching Hammers)
Dendrophyllia (3 heads)
Acan (4 heads)
Various Zoanthids
More corals coming this week.
<So you are moderately stocked for a 44 gallon.>
2 - Do you have any clues on why depth of water a skimmer sits in
effects it's production?
<Yes. For a venturi skimmer, the lower pressure around the impeller
allows air to get sucked in through the air tube. The deeper the pump
is in the water, the higher the pressure, so less air gets sucked in.
Most skimmers have a recommended depth for the pump. This can be offset
either by putting the pump in shallower water or use a bigger
pump>
Is it just a matter of more water means the foam starts higher and is a
wetter skimmate and fills the cup faster, or is there a water to air
ratio thing going on?
<Two separate issues - higher water in the sump will result in less
air being sucked into the skimmer and less foam. The water height in
the skimmer controls how 'wet' the foam will be. A lower water
level will result in a drier foam that give a darker skimmate or even
solids. Wet skimmate will be lighter, and you will go through water at
a slightly faster rate.
<In theory, drier foam is more efficient because it 'wastes'
less water, but I have never seen anything definitive that one is
really better than the other as far as pulling nutrients out of the
water was concerned. For what it is worth, I tend to keep my skimmer on
the drier side.>
<So in short, you will need to place the pump at the height that
produces the best amount of foam - this is usually anywhere between 1
and 4 inches below the surface, but again, consult your manual. Once
you have that set, then adjust the water height in the skimmer to where
it produces the type of foam you are looking for. It may take some
time, but you will in time, find the 'sweet spot' for both.
Once you do, mark your sump level and adjustment valve with permanent
marker >
I'd like to understand this, the better I understand the workings
the better I'll be to adjust it and really dial it in.
Oh, and the skimmer is set in the sump, with a chamber sectioned off
for consistent water depth, it's in the same chamber as the inlet
from the overflow.
<The only trick is to keep the water level in the sump as consistent
as possible.>
If you're curious, last time I tested my water (yesterday):
Ammonia - 0
Nitrite - 0
Nitrate - 5-10ppm
Phosphate - 0
<Looks good.>
Appreciate any info and insight.
<MikeV>
Protein Skimmer Help: Skimmer adjustment After
moving from HOB to Sump 10/7/2009
Hi WWM crew!
<Hi Mark.>
I moved my protein skimmer from the hang on position in the back of my
tank to in my sump yesterday.
I removed the hard plastic tubing and put the pump directly on the
bottom attachment of the protein skimmer then submerged the pump, and
about 1/4-1/3 of the protein skimmer, in my sump.
<Is this a SeaClone? If so, please read here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/seacloneskimfaqs.htm >
Since then I can not get a great bubble cyclone in the cylindrical part
of the protein skimmer. I must have spent 2-3 hours adjusting the valve
on the end on the air tube line but no success. I can get a tiny, not
well formed, semi chaotic cyclone but not what it used to be when it
was hanging on the back of the tank.
<That sounds more and more like a SeaClone.>
I checked everything is tight, no leaks. Any trouble shooting
suggestions?
<How deep is the pump? If it is a SeaClone, and it is more than
about 3" below the surface of the water, it will not 'suck
air' very well at all.
One issue with venturi skimmers is their performance is dependent upon
the depth of the water in the sump. Each pump\skimmer combination has a
'sweet spot' that works the best. You really have four options.
First, you can live with it, or put the skimmer back where it was.
Secondly, you can try a bigger pump, which may or may not work. Third,
you can connect an air pump to the air line and force air in. Finally,
you could get a better skimmer. There are several good ones out there.
The linked page I gave you earlier has links to several articles on
different skimmers.>
Thank you,
<My pleasure>
Mark
<MikeV>
Freshwater to Saltwater Sump 4/11/09
Hi guys, and girls, I'm back with another quick question.
<Hello! I hope I can be of some help.>
I found online the Marineland model 4 new sump that a guy had been
using for 6 months in his freshwater tank. What do I need to do, as far
as the bio wheels having freshwater bacteria compared to saltwater
bacteria, to make it work in my 125 gallon reef ready saltwater tank
that has been going for 3 years. Can I rinse off the bio wheels in
saltwater and let them sit in my sump for a month and let new saltwater
bacteria grow on them.
Plus what do you think of the new Marineland acrylic sump model 4, and
also the Marineland pro 300 skimmer...??
Thanks for all your past, present and future help.
Aaron
<Aaron, I would not reuse the bio wheels. They are fairly
inexpensive so I see no reason to expose your tank to possible
contamination. Especially since you do not know the current owner and
have no clue as to what he/she may have dosed.(medications, additives,
etc.....) The model 4 looks a bit expensive to me considering the price
of a glass aquarium with a similar footprint. Building your own with a
new or used aquarium, acrylic and some time could save you a nice bit
of those hard earned dollars. It would also
give you a bit of room for a refugium. Here are a couple of links with
good refugium DIY info and ideas.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/refugium.htm
http://www.melevsreef.com/29g/sump/design.html
After doing a bit of research on the Marineland skimmer it seems to be
pretty good bang for your buck. You should also consider The Reef
Octopus Extreme 200. Very nice skimmer for the price. I think you
should be fine either way. Adam Jenkins>
ASM G2 Or AquaC Remora Pro? 2/12/09 A HOB Skimmer
Or A Sump With Skimmer Hi guys! <Hello David> First, and
always, thanks for all of your help--you guys do a tremendous service
and I truly appreciate it. <You're welcome.> I'm in the
process of setting up a 92 gallon corner tank for the living room. The
current plan is FOWLR, and I doubt I'll be going reef any time in
the next year or two. The current set-up (all bought used but in fine
working condition): 1. 92 gallon All-Glass tank, not pre-drilled 2.
Odyssea PC lights, 4x65 3. Rena Filstar XP-2 4. 40lb of Live Sand
(looking to add another 40lb) 5. 60lb of Live Rock 6. 29 gallon
quarantine tank with BioWheel 200, and 3-4 inch layer of sand/crushed
coral. The tank is currently cycling, and the livestock consists of a
six hermits, six snails, and a shy peppermint shrimp. Next on my agenda
and before any fish is choosing the right protein skimmer. <Yes.>
Because the tank is not pre-drilled, I was not originally planning on
using a sump. Instead I was going to invest in the pricey, but highly
touted AquaC Remora Pro to do my skimming. I had some good skimmate
with a CPR BakPak with an Acella pump on an earlier 75 FOWLR, but
always found that my nitrates were high. So I did some research at your
site and others and AquaC looks like a very good company. <It is and
very good customer service.> I asked some friends what they thought,
though, and they said I'd be better off with a sump than an HOB.
One guy I know is downgrading and selling a CPR overflow, 30 gallon
sump, and ASM G2 for about $100 less than the Remora Pro. (It's
been used, obviously.) I like the idea of the sump because of the
possibility of having a refugium, and although the tank is a corner
unit, it's already off one wall 5 inches because my original plan
was to have a HOB skimmer. What are your thoughts on the ASM G2--is it
comparable with the Remora Pro (better/worse)? What do you recommend?
<If it were me, I'd take the used package with the sump,
overflow and the ASM G2. A sump offers increased gas exchange and a
place to put your heater and protein skimmer. The HOB Remora has no
external drain connection on the collection cup. That scares me, there
is always the chance the cup may overflow getting the nice brown
skimmate on your floor or carpet. If you go the HOB route, I'd
suggest installing an external drain to the collection cup. As to which
skimmer is better, I've never used an ASM skimmer so my first hand
knowledge is nil, but from what I've learned about them, I'd
say the G2 would have an edge over the Remora Pro due to your tank
size. The ASM G2 is advertised to handle up to a 200 gallon tank where
the Remora claims 75+. How far does + go, I don't know. I've
also heard the ASM's are overrated as to the tank size they will
handle. Just hearsay mind you, I have no facts. The ASM G2 also comes
with a Sedra pump which in my opinion is a much better pump than the
Rio 1400 that is included with the basic Remora Pro package. You
will be much happier with a sump and an in-sump skimmer.> Thanks
always! <You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)> -David
Good short skimmer, sel. 1/21/09
Hola Crew. <Como estas John?> I have a 75 gallon tank with a 30
gallon sump refugium combination. The skimmer chamber is approximately
12 by 14 and currently holds an ASM G2. While I like this skimmer I
have a quandary. <OK> The cabinet is only about 23-24 inches tall
and the cabinet trim and the sump height make it difficult to do
cleaning and maintenance. <All too common my friend.> In
addition, when I set the sump water level at 8-9 inches I have a lot of
microbubbles. When I elevate the water level, the bubbles subside but
the skimmer doesn't function well. I cannot elevate the skimmer
within the tight height of the cabinet. I have decided to rebuild the
sump with a shorter longer sump tank to maintain capacity but make
maintenance easier. I would like to replace my skimmer with a shorter
model, making maintenance, and perhaps elevation, easier. However I
know that in general tower height increases efficiency. <Yes, but it
is just one factor.> Do you have any recommendations on skimmers
which support a 150 gallon capacity with SPS coral standards but which
fit in a shorter environment? <Quite a few out there. Many of the
Becket type skimmers are shorter and will serve you well. For my money
in this situation it is time to look either the AquaC EV line or the
ATI Bubblemasters. Both are great skimmers in short packages.>
Thanks in advance. John / Fishnu <Welcome, Scott V.>
Re: Good short skimmer, sel. 1/28/09
Thanks Scott. <Welcome.> Any recommendation under 20"?
<The Aqua C EV120.> What do you hear about Turboflotor 5000
Shorty? <It works fine, a descent skimmer. But for my money the
AquaC is the way to go. Scott V.>
Re: Good short skimmer, sel. 1/28/09
Thanks Scott. Hadn't looked at the 120. I like the cup drain and
the ball valve.... I had to mod my own ASM G2. This will give me SPS
quality skimming for < 100 gallons? <Oh yes, definitely. A fine
choice for your setup.>
Refugium <skimmer use f'), (Red Slime Algae) and ODD
Blue/Green 12/17/08 Chromis behavior, Hi Guys,
<Howsit Chris?> I have a 1.5 year old 110 gal reef tank with a 30
gal sump and have just added a 30 gal refugium that is cycled off of
the sump via a pump that operates my UV sterilizer and gravity flows
back into my sump. The problem is that I have followed many other
peoples advise <advice> and taken my skimmer OFF my tank after
adding the refugium and this has caused some huge NITRATE problems.
<Even my friend Leng Sy, owner/operator of EcoSystem Aquarium, the
originator of (Miracle) Mud filtration endorses skimmer use
nowadays...> Really Bad Idea. I went from 10 ppm to >50PPM ! I
know. So I researched more on your site and saw Bob's great advise
is to KEEP IT ON (the skimmer that is). <Ah yes> I can verify
this, keep skimming! So I added my Aqua-C EV120 back and am skimming
like a madman, still high on NitrAtes though. In seven days I have
changed out 45 gal of water and still have high NitrAtes though! I
added a NitrAte reactor to try and reduce the nitrates will take a week
or 2 to get working correctly will let you know if/how it works out.
<Takes a while...> Anyway Tank Param.s are: 110 Gal 1.023 sal
78.5 degrees F 0 NitrIte >50ppm NitrAte 8.2PH 3meq/l Alk 480 Calcium
0 Ammonia <.10 PO4 4" live sand 130 lb live rock
"Vanuatu" and "Fiji" mix Livestock: 7 blue/green
chromis 1 maroon clown 1 scopas tang 1 yellow tang 1 chevron tang 1
powder blue tang 1 coral banded shrimp 2 blood/fire shrimp 1 serpent
star 10 turbo snails various snails and hermits Corals: 1 red bubble
tip anemone 1 huge hammer coral various mushrooms and Zoanthids
Question #1 Anyway about 9 months ago I battled a problem with RED
SLIME algae and took a long time to get rid of, using some mix product
( I don't recall the brand) that didn't seem to work but after
a month it finally did eradicate the red slime algae from the display
tank. So to my question. After adding the Refugium (25 lbs miracle mud)
and Gracilaria and Halimeda algae with good water flow, I started
getting the dreaded RED SLIME algae in my refugium only and on the
macro algae. What's the deal with that? Main tank is fine. Other
than stated high NitrAtes. <Cycling in a word... succession...
opportunistic Cyano... Again, mostly time going by will solve this>
Question #2 Also, I have 1 of the 7 blue/green chromis that is the
largest of them all (about 3") he has started to get a really blue
tail that is markedly darker in blue than his body, this is new. Also
he swims into a vertical position (head up) in a specific area of the
tank and scares off all other intruders. <Dominance...> Including
a blood shrimp that walks over to his hang out and the Chromis nips his
legs and pincers and he tries to use a mock spine in his tail to strike
the shrimp (does not hurt or even intimidate the shrimp). My Chromis
have learned this behavior from mimic-ing the aggressive tang behavior,
<Interesting> its kind of funny watching the chromis try and
strike each other with their tails like the tangs do. I would normally
think that this chromis is a pregnant female or egg watching but I have
yet to see any eggs or anything like that. What's the deal?
<Summat as you say... this is reproductive behavior...> Chris
Edwards <Thank you for sharing. Bob Fenner>
Refugium skimmer use/ Bluethroat Trigger feeding
12/14/08 Hi again guys and gals <Hello again Si!> Just
to let you know after a long debate I finally got myself a refugium
built to fit my tank <Great.> after lots of research and chatting
to the people who know, I have been told with the refugium on the tank
that I wouldn't need to use a skimmer on the tank? <Hmm, I do
not subscribe to this. A skimmer and refugium are both tools for
increasing your water quality, using both makes it just that much
better.> Oh well there goes the idea of skimmer as the overflow
inlet, but as you previously said Co2 problems makes sense to. I'm
going to let the refugium establish (once it arrives) and keep a check
on the parameters of my tank to see if it works out (fingers crossed
and toes), got miracle mud at the ready and a nice bloom of feather
Caulerpa and red grape algae to put in. <These macros will generally
compete, with the former likely to win out in time.> Oh well see how
it all pans out. Just hope the new pair of Bluethroat triggers
appreciate it :) Any ideas on feeding these pair? <Many!> Been in
only two days, they've come out from hiding but haven't touched
a scrap as yet, the female is definitely the brave one, is it just
persistence and different food trials :(. <Part of it. Do read here,
much useful information re feeding triggers, Sufflamen albicaudatus in
particular: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/trigfdgfaqs.htm. They are fairly
timid for a trigger, give it time.> Thanks for the feedback once
again, ever grateful Si <Welcome, Scott V.>
Refugium and Skimmer Placement -- 08/04/08 I have a 90gal
reef to be tank; first of all I'd like to say I screwed the whole
thing up... <<'¦?>> But now for my question; I
have a protein skimmer and it hangs on the edge of my tank but you
can't even see my tank with all of the bubbles. <<Something
is amiss. Either the skimmer requires some adjustment'¦or you
need a different/better skimmer>> I am currently constructing a
refugium with the help of your web site, here goes: I want to take my
overflow hose that is currently hooked up to my sump tank, put a T in
it with one side going into the sump and the other side going to my
refugium with a valve to limit flow. <<Okay>> This
eliminates the need for another overflow box. So now water is going
into the sump and into the refugium, at the same time as water passes
through the refugium (17in tall) it will then overflow back into the
pump chamber of my sump (12in tall) and then be pumped out thus saving
me a pump. <<A good methodology>> If you're not totally
lost by now, I wanted to put the protein skimmer in the refugium but
I'm not sure about the bubbles, will it affect refugium?
<<Indeed'¦ Aside from the bubbles (which need to be
addressed), it will extract and destroy much of the beneficial life by
its proximity re. It would be much better to place the skimmer in the
sump where the raw surface water enters from the tank>> And what
do you think about my refugium? <<What you have described is
fine>> Thanks, I love your web site. <<Happy to share.
EricR>>
Running Protein Skimmer Outside
Sump 2/28/08 Hello <Hello.> I have a new 65 gallon reef
ready all glass set up. I also have a 11.5 gallon refugium.
<Great! A refugium is a nice addition to any tank.> My
problem is that my skimmer is too wide to fit into the
compartments... how can I plumb the skimmer outside the refugium
or use a container to place it into? I have a 38 gal reef set up
I am moving to the new 65 gallon. Thanks <As far as externally
plumbing the skimmer, it will depend on which skimmer you have.
Some simply cannot be run like this. You can easily get a
container (tank, plastic bin, 5 gal bucket if it will fit into
it) to run it in. You will need to have your overflow feeding the
skimmer container and then have the container overflow into the
rest of your sump/refugium system via a bulkhead (Uniseals are
nice if you use the 5 gal bucket) and PVC. There are many ways to
do this, all different for each situation. It all just requires a
little innovation. Good luck, Scott V.>
Re: Running Protein Skimmer Outside Sump 2/29/08 Okay
the skimmer type is a aquatic life support systems by optimum
aquarium mtg. already has a place for the inlet to screw into and
a outlet. <I am not familiar with this particular skimmer. You
may be able to externally plumb it if the skimmer is a quality
recirculation model (does not leak). If you have questions about
its suitability to run externally I would contact the
manufacturer.> Not sure what a Uniseal is? can you explain?
<It is a flexible bulkhead; more accurately a pipe grommet.
They are handy for running pipe through irregular or round shapes
such as a bucket. A simple Google search will show you exactly
what they are.> I read I should cut two holes in the return
pipe in the overflow.. is this correct? <You mean your sump
return line? You can drill two small (1/8' or so) holes just
below the waterline to act as a siphon break in the event of a
power outage. > Thanks <Welcome, Scott V.>
|
Low(er) Cost in-Sump Skimmers and reliability
In-Sump Skimmers Of Quality -- 12/07/07 While you review several
hang-on skimmers for low-volume systems, I've found myself at a
complete loss for a skimmer suitable to my system.
<<Hmm'¦with the better manufacturers (Euro-Reef, AquaC,
H&S, Schuran, Tunze, others) the manufacturers recommendations are
a good guide>> I have a 125 glass system with overflow to a 50
gallon sump, actually my former tank drilled. There's usually at
least 30 gallons down there, though I let it fluctuate a bit. I've
found a fairly hands-off approach to be immensely successful. I
haven't lost a fish or coral in approximately six months.
<<Very good'¦but do realize this time-frame is but a
fraction of the natural lifespan, for most. True success will be
measured in years, even decades>> The skimmer from my old tank, a
Coralife rated for a 65 gallon tank, was woefully inept, <<Not
surprising>> and in any case broke during the installation. I
need a skimmer capable of handling this system. <<Several come to
mind>> I need a couple brand names that are reliable, that I
could perhaps pick up used. <<Have listed several
above'¦will take some work on your part to find the
'used'>> There's a huge number of brands out there
with no explanation or history, and most of what's there has
conflicting reviews, claims of incredible skimming prowess followed by
several scathing denials of its usefulness. <<Ha-ha, indeed! And
will tell'¦Euro-Reef skimmers are my current fave. I have an
old-model CS12-3 running on my 500g (en toto) reef system>> When
I worked in a LFS, which fell apart due to the owner's insanity and
Xanax abuse, <<'¦!>> we used large scale
"G" skimmers, big effective things that sat in tubs and sump
and produced mountains of the foul smelling stuff we all know and love.
<<Ah yes'¦for the most part a cheaper version of the ER
skimmers>> Enormous collection cups made management easy. I'd
like a few recommendations on what's solid, as I'd hate to blow
a few hundred bucks on something as trashy as my old Coralife.
<<Euro-Reef gets my vote'¦nor do I don't think you
would be unhappy with the price/quality of an AquaC either>> Hey,
they make good PCs, they must know what they're doing on skimmers
right? Wrong. <<Mmm'¦>> While I probably won't
pick up new, scouring Craigslist and eBay for a cheap second hand is in
my budget, and I'd like to know a worthwhile deal when I see it.
Thanks! Eric Jackson