Need help with neighbors tank (HOB filter/skimmer)

[ddevlin]

My neighbor has recently(3 months) set up a 30 gal tank and everytime I go by to see it he has microbubbles galore (Emperor 280). He asked me to come by and take a look at his HOB skimmer (Skilter 250) to see if it was working properly. He was concerned because it was not producing skimate. Other than it not being level, I told him that it takes a couple of days to break in and that it also depends on bio load. I don't want to knock his equipment and tell him to spend $ on a sump, better skimmer..., but do want to help him get things right. If anyone can help with info on these 2 filters that would be great. I think if we can take care of the bubbles that would be a big step. He is also willing to return that skimmer to the LFS and exchange it.

Thanks

 

[Pandora]

Skilters don't work well as either a skimmer or a filter. Wrote my opinion here:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=776145

I think it's really a waste, personally, much better investment to spend a few bucks more on a real HOB skimmer that functions well. As for the Emperor, that's sort of his choice, I assume he has a FO tank; but if the bubbles bother him that much, I'd look into something else also. You can also take it partly apart and look to make sure the flow is fine through the impeller; sometimes if it's not primed properly you can get more bubble production than necessary. I have used Emperors before on FW and not had the bubble problem if it is properly positioned, but I keep my water level fairly high to avoid splashing (disperses CO2, which I need to retain for my planted tanks).

 

[ddevlin]

Thanks Padora,

I know 0 about HOB skimmers and fillters. My experience is only with what I have owned or currently own. I can tell from the looks of the construction that it is a low budget item. He does have about 30 lbs of LR and a DSB in his tank and eventualy wants easy to care for corals. I don't think a sump is an option that he wants so if anyone can advise on a better HOB skimmer that would be great.

As for the Emperor, from what I noticed it is mounted as low as possible. I will take a better look at it when he gets home from work.

Most people who start out in this hobby don't want to hear "to have good results you have to spent big $", I know I didn't. Since the begining I have switched and added more powerheads, changed overflows, changed sumps, upgraded skimmers, added UV, changed and added lighting, added then removed wave makers, and I don't care to discuss how many pumps I have switched out to get the right flow. The good thing is that I am building up a better Ebay score.

 

[Pandora]

I hear ya, ddev. I don't like to spend $ needlessly either, though I think some things are worth an extra bit... the key is that when you're a beginner, it's tough to know what is a ripoff and what really is a "must have" or at least a "better to have". It is easier to save money now that I know what to look for. I have a cheap but very good RO/DI, and I have gotten most of my LR and frags from club members who charge me about a 1/10 of what I might pay retail (not that I pay full price anyway, I still get an ex employee's discount at my LFS). Just this week I put up an ad giving away some corals for free in my local area... because I figure I will spread the wealth, people helped me out when I was starting, so I'm returning it now!

At any rate, with the skilter... I think these are beyond a waste of money, they are noisy and do next to nothing. They are constructed poorly. I bought mine "like new" from a garage sale for $10, and figured it was a bargain either way... wrong! I wouldn't take one if someone gave it to me for free now. I only feel bad for people who paid full price for a new one. I ended up using a Prizm skimmer for my octopus tank, which I think was better than the skilter, but it still wasn't the most efficient piece of equipment IMHO, wouldn't necessarily recommend it. The one I use now I purchased on eBay for around $55, unfortunately I can't remember the brand, so I can't help you much there. I have heard good things about the Bak-Pak HOB skimmers, but I think these are a little more expensive.

Well, good luck to you & your neighbor! He's lucky to at least have someone trying to help him out. Hopefully he'll see that some things are worth spending a little extra on... though it's worthwhile shopping around in this expensive hobby, too.