Another Skimmer question

[HornetMech242]

How do you know that your skimmer is taking out everything that it can? I see people that can make there skimmer skim wet and dry foam. Mine seems to make the same no matter what. I just want to make sure mine is taking out all it can. And what exactly does a skimmer take out? Mine is a Via Aqua multi skimmer that is HOB. I do have a fuge but can only spare about 5-6 inches in it. So any suggestions for a 26G tank (40G total in system) would be great.

Chris

 

[jim48442]

re

re

to be honest you need a differant skimmer there are many types and stylic like a needle wheel out performs regular pump but the skim mate really depends on you bio load like my tank a heavily populated sps tank i pull out a 2 litter every 3 days but i have a huge bio load and a euroreef skimmer if you run yours wet it should look like a pale green/yellow skim mate if not get a differant skimmer coral life makes a needle wheel skimmer that is a hang on

 

[HornetMech242]

I there a in sump that i can put into my fuge that is about 5"x5" foot print?

Chris

 

[BLockamon]

Take a look at the Aquc C urchin skimmers. They are about the smallest in-sump skimmers out there.

Another option would be to use an external needlewheel (Turboflotor Multi, Coralife Super Skimmer, Pacific Coast Reef Octopus, etc.) that sits beside the sump. You just need room for the water pump and return line in the sump.

 

[HornetMech242]

Does it matter if the skimmer is going to be after the fuge sitting next to the return pump?

Chris

 

[BLockamon]

Depends on what you are using the fuge for. If you're using it for nutrient export via macro-algae, then skimmer placement doesn't matter much. If you're primarily using it for pods, placing the skimmer after the fuge will suck (and blend) up some of your pods. Of course, they're already going through a quisinart with your return pump.

Bottom line is placing the skimmer after the fuge will work fine. Just make sure that any microbubbles from the skimmer don't find their way to the return pump. If you have bubbles returning from the skimmer, you can always run the water over a sponge or through a filter sock to get rid of the bubbles.