Automatic skimmer 230/3 and Ecosystem mud filter

[Brewboy74]

I am wondering how this combo would work out? I am currently running the Ecosystem on my 110 gal and like it so far. I have been wanting to add a skimmer to the system as well. I want to have the ability to run a bit heavier bioload and am not comfortable doing this without a skimmer. Here is a link to a picture of the sump:

http://www.ecosystemaquarium.com/html/sumps_kits.html

It is basically a planktonic friendly system not unlike the automatic skimmer. I love the polyp extension I get from my corals with this system and would like to suppliment it with a skimmer that would compliment it.

My questions are:

Would this skimmer work in the sump? I haven't measured the height of the water to the lights on top of the sump.

The water level is very constant but there is grape calurpa and chataemorpha growing in the chamber where the skimmer would be placed. Would the macros cause a problem with the skimmer?

Overall what do you guys think of this idea?

Thanks
Brian

 

[StephenS]

How can a skimmer be plankton friendly and still remove disolved organics and protiens?

 

[Brewboy74]

I am not completely sure how it works. Roger can give us the low down on that. I only know what I have read on the Tunze website,

"A further TUNZE invention is the principle of contact skimming which prevents living plankton from being drawn into the pump circulation."

 

[blgreef]

the skimmer uses a closed loop for the water as such protiens diffuse into the skimmer and as such less plankton is pulled through the skimmer.

Most other skimmers have an open circuit and just pull the water through them and everything else in it.

so the tunze unit may be softer on plankton etc.

 

[rvitko]

Exactly, the skimmer pump only recirculates the water inside the skimmer. By creating an osmotic gradient of organic deficient water inside the skimmer vs organic laden water outside the skimmer, the waste diffuses in through contact openings to be removed. It absolutely works. The trouble is most of the remaining pumps and filters will destroy the plankton but it is helpful in certain applications.

 

[Brewboy74]

How much room do you need in your sump to place the skimmer? I have 8 inches from the water line to the top of the sump. Does the skimmer set down in the the water at all?

 

[rvitko]

You want to submerge 2.5-3.5" of the skimmer which is 9.2" tall. I generally submerge 3.5"

 

[Brewboy74]

Hmmm, so that might just work. How much clearnace would I need to remove the skimmate cup and work with the pump and such?


Thanks Roger.

 

[Brewboy74]

I just wanted to bump this up to the top. Curious about the space needed to get the skimmate cup out and clean the skimmer and such? Oh, and if the macros would bother the skimmer? Thanks

 

[rvitko]

Sorry about that. The skimmer cup will require 4" clearance for removal. I would give 5-6" for ease. Macros would not bother the skimmer.

 

[wfv57]

Brewboy I use the next size larger ecosystem sump and use a Tunze comline skimmer and Tunze calcium reactor. Both fit in the third chamber. measure your third chamber but I suspect the comline skimmers will fit. Also measure your water depth but I had no problem accommodating the skimmers requirements. If you have any further questions please feel free to ask. Regards Bill

 

[Brewboy74]

Thanks roger and Bill. I will do some measuring and see where I am at. Bill where do you return you water from the skimmer? I will take a look at the comline skimmer. I have my eye on a schruan jet stream calcium reactor, no offense Roger.......lol, I know you don't care and have proported schuran to be a good product as well.

Thanks for the help