nano fission skimmer
- Thread starter Mel-E-Mel
- Start date
(bs....its a day)The reviews in the nano forums are very negative on the skimmer. The unit itself was highly anticipated because it promised protein skimming in a compact unit that would fit in the back sumps of the nanocubes.
However, the water levels had to be almost perfect in order for the skimmer to work, and any variation in the tank water level messes it up.
Some mods were tried to get more air or water into the skimming tube, but that came at the expense of the compact size of the unit. In the end, most people ended up just using the pump as a powerhead.
If you want to try it out, most people who bought one will gladly sell it to you to get rid of it. Otherwise, the Tunze nano units work better, but are much more expensive.
Also, search for arguments for and against using skimmers in nano-tanks - the current consensus is that skimmers aren't necessary if you do regular water changes.
However, the water levels had to be almost perfect in order for the skimmer to work, and any variation in the tank water level messes it up.
Some mods were tried to get more air or water into the skimming tube, but that came at the expense of the compact size of the unit. In the end, most people ended up just using the pump as a powerhead.
If you want to try it out, most people who bought one will gladly sell it to you to get rid of it. Otherwise, the Tunze nano units work better, but are much more expensive.
Also, search for arguments for and against using skimmers in nano-tanks - the current consensus is that skimmers aren't necessary if you do regular water changes.
3 inch foot print about 7 inches tall...something like that.
(I'm at work, so I can't measure it)
keeping it clean is not the issue.
It needs a really stable water level. that's how it controls the
foam level. (And really, how many people put an auto top off on a 10g or less. *Shrug*)
The construction is not great, so it can come apart easlily. ( sometimes too easy)
You need to put in an area where micro bubbles have a place to disapate. the exaust is at the top, 360 degrees just under the cup. Running it un-sheilded filled my 10 gal pretty good.
I've heard the foam filter/bubble trap fouls pretty quick.
(I haven't used mine that long)
I've thought about putting a float on it to keep the water level stable.
But I haven't gotten around to it.
(I'm at work, so I can't measure it)
keeping it clean is not the issue.
It needs a really stable water level. that's how it controls the
foam level. (And really, how many people put an auto top off on a 10g or less. *Shrug*)
The construction is not great, so it can come apart easlily. ( sometimes too easy)
You need to put in an area where micro bubbles have a place to disapate. the exaust is at the top, 360 degrees just under the cup. Running it un-sheilded filled my 10 gal pretty good.
I've heard the foam filter/bubble trap fouls pretty quick.
(I haven't used mine that long)
I've thought about putting a float on it to keep the water level stable.
But I haven't gotten around to it.
Qwiv
Persistant Perspective
I have to say a skimmer in a 5 gal tank is quite silly. You really only need water changes.
Take what that skimmer costs + the electricity to run it.
Now calculate how much salt you can buy for that amount of money it would sost to buy that skimmer and run it. Now calculate how long that salt would last you in a 5 gal tank. Years!
Take what that skimmer costs + the electricity to run it.
Now calculate how much salt you can buy for that amount of money it would sost to buy that skimmer and run it. Now calculate how long that salt would last you in a 5 gal tank. Years!
Mel-E-Mel
Active member
Thanks for the info all, i was thinking the same about needing a skimmer for a 5 gallon. no skimmer it is!
Qwiv, funny how you compared how much salt i can get as to cost of skimmer and running it............i was debating on getting a bucket of reef crystals or the skimmer! haha!
Thanks again guys!
Qwiv, funny how you compared how much salt i can get as to cost of skimmer and running it............i was debating on getting a bucket of reef crystals or the skimmer! haha!
Thanks again guys!
Kinetic
Active member
I would first see what you will keep in a 5 gallon. I went skimmerless in a 4.5 gallon tank, and it did ok with no fish and a bunch of zoos. Big water changes (meaning like a gallon or two, haha) did the trick.
But then I wanted to keep a dwarf angler, so I put in a tunze nano skimmer. It's only 4" x 2", so it's TINY, and it works REALLY well. Overkill for the 5 gallon, but you can keep SPS with some really poopy fish =)
So if you do want a high quality skimmer that is small, tunze nano skimmer is what I'd recommend. It's also absolutely silent.
But I think you can get away without a skimmer in a 5g, given you do consistent water changes, which I'm sure you do, AND if you're not keeping any crazy amount of fish or high bioload fish.
BTW I've heard the fission are terrible =( nano-reef dot com will tell you all about it.
But then I wanted to keep a dwarf angler, so I put in a tunze nano skimmer. It's only 4" x 2", so it's TINY, and it works REALLY well. Overkill for the 5 gallon, but you can keep SPS with some really poopy fish =)
So if you do want a high quality skimmer that is small, tunze nano skimmer is what I'd recommend. It's also absolutely silent.
But I think you can get away without a skimmer in a 5g, given you do consistent water changes, which I'm sure you do, AND if you're not keeping any crazy amount of fish or high bioload fish.
BTW I've heard the fission are terrible =( nano-reef dot com will tell you all about it.
-=Zepplock=-
New member
I have a Coralife 65 in my office 10g and I love it. I run it pretty much every night - that makes the trick for me.
Mel-E-Mel
Active member
Kinetic,
Right now i only have zoo's, star polyps, a cleaner shrimp and a hermit crab. Change about a gallon every 2 days or so. Not sure if i really need a skimmer for my current livestock but i would like to add a couple sps in the near future which i understand require prestine water conditions. But i might just save that thought for the upgrade!
