Hi guys, I am new to this hobby (and to RC, but I have obtained a ton of information here), and really addicted in watching my aquarium daily. \
I got almost all equipment from LFS about 3 month ago and has since basically dump most of the ones from my initial purchase away (hydor in-tank skimmer, bio-balls and ceramic medias, hydor korallia pumps, Finnex LED strip, carbon bags etc). Investment never works without homework right?
I am currently looking for a skimmer that is going to replace my current reef octopus external skimmer, I believe the model is DNWB-150. Don't get me wrong, the skimmer works perfect but the noise level is just not acceptable for me, I even have to turn down the MP10s and upgrade one to MP40 as they get loud after 80% setting. It is also very hard to clean the inside of the skimmer. The refugium lighting makes algae to grow inside the cone. I am looking to upgrade my DT to a 100-200 gallon tank soonish, so I would need a quiet skimmer that will handle my future tank.
My bioload is very light, I just wish to have something that is quiet and easy to maintain. I intend to keep the bioload that way in the future too, I might get a carpet anemone once I acquire enough knowledge about those wonderful creatures from you guys.
Here is my setup:
50G DT, 40G Sump (15G refugium with miracle mud on top of RDSB and chemipure on the baffle)
Vortech MP10 x1 , MP40 x1
80lbs live rock
80lbs live sand (about 40 pound of this is in the refugium)
Eheim 1260 for return (I think this pump is a little too weak, I am considering to "upgrade" to a DC pump by RLSS, please make suggestions there)
Reef Octopus DNWB-150 protein skimmer, normally clean once every 3-4 days
I have an aqueon pump to feed the skimmer
Radion Gen2 x1, Pro x1
Biopellet reactor (I forgot the make, something with an alpha at the bottom of their pump)
Apex controller
IM ATO
Bioload:
I only have 4 juvenile clowns (6 months old) in the tank with a long tentacle anemone and 2 hermits. I also have 2 turbo snails in my refugium.
Parameters:
0 ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, phosphate. 8.2 pH. Havn't tested Alk in a while, was @ 10. I don't really have a calcium test kit. Salinity @ 4.4 brix% or 36-37 ppt
Misc:
I use R/O water, water tester shows 0-5 depend on the day. I got almost all my live rock from the LFS and they actually have lots of various lives on it (feather worm, coco worm etc). I also have miniature pods growing all over the tank.
Can anyone please help me to choose between a RLSS DB (or RLSS external) skimmer and a Reef Octopus POV skimmer?
My goal is to get a quiet, yet efficient skimmer and wish to get a more powerful return pump (please comment on the reliability of DC pumps). Budget for protein skimmer: $400-1200, pump within $300
I have been reading all weekend on various designs/brands of protein skimmers but have not found enough info on those DC skimmers or pumps. I have read somewhere about the head pressure problems of the pumps and the reliability issues involved.
Sorry for the long post, I frequently see older posters flame some OPs for not providing enough info.
TL;DR: Need a quiet skimmer and pump, DC or not DC, open volute or not.
I got almost all equipment from LFS about 3 month ago and has since basically dump most of the ones from my initial purchase away (hydor in-tank skimmer, bio-balls and ceramic medias, hydor korallia pumps, Finnex LED strip, carbon bags etc). Investment never works without homework right?
I am currently looking for a skimmer that is going to replace my current reef octopus external skimmer, I believe the model is DNWB-150. Don't get me wrong, the skimmer works perfect but the noise level is just not acceptable for me, I even have to turn down the MP10s and upgrade one to MP40 as they get loud after 80% setting. It is also very hard to clean the inside of the skimmer. The refugium lighting makes algae to grow inside the cone. I am looking to upgrade my DT to a 100-200 gallon tank soonish, so I would need a quiet skimmer that will handle my future tank.
My bioload is very light, I just wish to have something that is quiet and easy to maintain. I intend to keep the bioload that way in the future too, I might get a carpet anemone once I acquire enough knowledge about those wonderful creatures from you guys.
Here is my setup:
50G DT, 40G Sump (15G refugium with miracle mud on top of RDSB and chemipure on the baffle)
Vortech MP10 x1 , MP40 x1
80lbs live rock
80lbs live sand (about 40 pound of this is in the refugium)
Eheim 1260 for return (I think this pump is a little too weak, I am considering to "upgrade" to a DC pump by RLSS, please make suggestions there)
Reef Octopus DNWB-150 protein skimmer, normally clean once every 3-4 days
I have an aqueon pump to feed the skimmer
Radion Gen2 x1, Pro x1
Biopellet reactor (I forgot the make, something with an alpha at the bottom of their pump)
Apex controller
IM ATO
Bioload:
I only have 4 juvenile clowns (6 months old) in the tank with a long tentacle anemone and 2 hermits. I also have 2 turbo snails in my refugium.
Parameters:
0 ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, phosphate. 8.2 pH. Havn't tested Alk in a while, was @ 10. I don't really have a calcium test kit. Salinity @ 4.4 brix% or 36-37 ppt
Misc:
I use R/O water, water tester shows 0-5 depend on the day. I got almost all my live rock from the LFS and they actually have lots of various lives on it (feather worm, coco worm etc). I also have miniature pods growing all over the tank.
Can anyone please help me to choose between a RLSS DB (or RLSS external) skimmer and a Reef Octopus POV skimmer?
My goal is to get a quiet, yet efficient skimmer and wish to get a more powerful return pump (please comment on the reliability of DC pumps). Budget for protein skimmer: $400-1200, pump within $300
I have been reading all weekend on various designs/brands of protein skimmers but have not found enough info on those DC skimmers or pumps. I have read somewhere about the head pressure problems of the pumps and the reliability issues involved.
Sorry for the long post, I frequently see older posters flame some OPs for not providing enough info.
TL;DR: Need a quiet skimmer and pump, DC or not DC, open volute or not.
