Can't get protein skimmer right

[Jmunk]

This is my first reef tank, and this April comes up on two years it's been running. However in that time, I have NEVER felt like I've really dialed in my protein skimmer.

I'm still not exactly sure where I need to adjust the bubble line to, not sure what color of skim I'm supposed to be getting, and it doesn't seem like it's working up to it's full potential.

I don't have an ATO, which makes me sump water level fluctuate quite a lot, which I'm guessing could be a majority of the problem of why I can't get a consistent result out of my skimmer? Should I invest in an ATO to keep my water level constant and then maybe I can actually dial it in?

 

[outy]

Either baffles in sump or ATO will make all the difference.


Some skimmers never are right for any one system. I had a euro reef just like that and I tried everything and it would never skim well in my set up.

Ended up getting a SWC and it skims like crazy. [similar to octopus]

 

[BrandonFlorida]

To me an ATO is a must have. I just use a 10 gallon kitchen trash can and gravity feed it to my sump. Just a simple float switch to control when it needs to fill up.

I have never used a eshopps skimmer, I use a reef octopus and the skimmate is usually brown. I run it a tad bit wet as well.

Have you tried to google your skimmer and see if you can find a video on how to set it up properly? Google is your friend. Good luck man..

 

[KafudaFish]

Yes and start watching the for sale forum. Many people will be selling better skimmers from now until the end of January.

Read the skimmer threads too in the meantime.

 

[Reel North]

Buy a lifereef. You will never regret it

 

[Jmunk]

Buy a lifereef. You will never regret it

Man, $550 isn't cheap at all. I guess you get what you pay for though, huh?


I'm not even entirely sure it's my skimmer that's bad. It could be the inconsistent water level, or maybe it is performing and I think it's not.

 

[Jmunk]

What do you guys think about the Reef Octopus Diablo XS-160? Guy is selling one with the pump for $175.

 

[Reel North]

If your water level in the skimmer section isn't consistent, you will always have issues. Consistent level is key.

 

[slief]

Man, $550 isn't cheap at all. I guess you get what you pay for though, huh?


I'm not even entirely sure it's my skimmer that's bad. It could be the inconsistent water level, or maybe it is performing and I think it's not.

An internal skimmer will never be consistent without consistent sump levels regardless of the skimmer model. For an internal skimmer to work properly and in order to get it adjusted properly, you need to address the sump level issues and at ATO is by far the best way to address that problem. It also makes your salinity more stable which results in a more stable system. In my opinion and experience, a decent ATO is a must have. Once you get your sump levels stable and consistent, then and only then will you be able to properly adjust your skimmer and formulate a true opinion on how well it actually works.

Bottom line, get an ATO. You won't regret it and it's one small step in a more stable system that requires less maintenance.

 

[insane]

In your sump you need a minimum of one baffle for the return pump section the height of what your skimmer needs. That way only the water level in the return pump section will fluctuate. That is also where you will install your ATO.

 

[Jmunk]

An internal skimmer will never be consistent without consistent sump levels regardless of the skimmer model. For an internal skimmer to work properly and in order to get it adjusted properly, you need to address the sump level issues and at ATO is by far the best way to address that problem. It also makes your salinity more stable which results in a more stable system. In my opinion and experience, a decent ATO is a must have. Once you get your sump levels stable and consistent, then and only then will you be able to properly adjust your skimmer and formulate a true opinion on how well it actually works.

Bottom line, get an ATO. You won't regret it and it's one small step in a more stable system that requires less maintenance.

Great reply. Thanks so much for the info.

Getting an ATO now. Any recommendations for a solid one, maybe from BRS?

 

[slief]

Great reply. Thanks so much for the info.

Getting an ATO now. Any recommendations for a solid one, maybe from BRS?

Glad to help. In the absence of a controller like an Apex, my suggestion would be a Tunze Osmolator. It's one of the best standalone ATO that includes everything you need.

 

[JamesHolt]

Glad to help. In the absence of a controller like an Apex, my suggestion would be a Tunze Osmolator. It's one of the best standalone ATO that includes everything you need.

Are they really better than the Hydor with the aqualifter pump... I have one I need to replace is why I am asking, tired of rebuilding aqulifter pumps...

 

[Jmunk]

Glad to help. In the absence of a controller like an Apex, my suggestion would be a Tunze Osmolator. It's one of the best standalone ATO that includes everything you need.

Shucks, thought they were cheaper than $200.

What about the JBJ controller one?

 

[Drewl117]

I run the smart ATO and love it, there are no moving parts to worry about. It was a little expensive but it works and has never failed me.

 

[slief]

Shucks, thought they were cheaper than $200.

What about the JBJ controller one?

The JBJ requires a pump and I always advise using a slow dosing type pump with cheaper ato controllers just to be safe. I had the JBJ on a smaller tank and didn't trust it very much. The Tunze has a really good pump and a great controller. They aren't cheap though as you found out but they are extremely dependable.

 

[Jmunk]

The JBJ requires a pump and I always advise using a slow dosing type pump with cheaper ato controllers just to be safe. I had the JBJ on a smaller tank and didn't trust it very much. The Tunze has a really good pump and a great controller. They aren't cheap though as you found out but they are extremely dependable.

Yeah, think I'll go with that one, want one I can trust.

Now I just need to figure out what my reservoir will be.

 

[JamesHolt]

Shucks, thought they were cheaper than $200.

What about the JBJ controller one?

The Tunze Osmolator Universal 3155 Auto Top Off ,, $206-$210 everything included, electric eye as primary, float switch as backup, 10 minute safety..

Hydor ATO $80-$100,, must add own pump (Aqualifter, I get about 6months from one $20-$25) works by thermal sensing switch, 5 minute safety..

JBJ A.T.O. Water Level Controller,, $80 must add own pump, works by float switches, adjustable safety..

I wouldnt mind getting the Tunze but thats $200 and tossing a $100 Hydor..
My problem with the Hydor I have is the pump lasting more than 6 months, alot of the Tunze reviews on Amazon have its pumps lasting only a year also ($30 to replace).. With the float switches I wouldnt touch the JBJ..

 

[JamesHolt]

But back to the OP's question,, I changed the salinity on my 40g (dropped from 1.026 to 1.025) and my reef octopus went nuts..
I did it by raising my sump level about 1/4 inch, it looked fine at first then I checked it two hours later and I had foam running out of the top, out of the sump everywhere..
All I needed was Lawrence Welk to start singing and I would have been set....lol

 

[BrickFishHouse]

For the money, I've had best results with the Reef Octopus line (but not the Diablo for some reason).

Once your water level around the skimmer is consistent, you'll be much more able to dial it in.

I run my skimmers in relation to what I want done. If I'm on it every day, I'll skim wetter (liquid as opposed to ooze), but if it's going to be a few days, I skim dryer (ooze as opposed to liquid).

If I'm doing a deep cleaning of the tank, I'll crank that thing up and empty it over and over again as I go.