Protein skimmer question from a Newb

[91mini]

I have a 14 gallon BioCube. Had it for 10 weeks now and am loving it. I recently bought a protein skimmer for it and it requires that I take out the mechanical filter. Can anyone spread some light onto the reasons for this?

 

[91mini]

Also, how does it work? The skimmer is filling with water. Will the gook sink to the bottom of the tray for disposal while the clean water overflows back into the tank?

 

[moondoggy4]

It might help if you let us know which skimmer that you bought. A skimmer makes bubbles that the protein DOC likes to jump on and not let go, rising up to the cup where the bubble burst leaving the skimmate behind. A media tray is a useful thing for a small tank You could put Purgein and Boyds Chemi Pure and filter floss in. Do regular water changes.

 

[91mini]

It might help if you let us know which skimmer that you bought. A skimmer makes bubbles that the protein DOC likes to jump on and not let go, rising up to the cup where the bubble burst leaving the skimmate behind. A media tray is a useful thing for a small tank You could put Purgein and Boyds Chemi Pure and filter floss in. Do regular water changes.

It's the BioCube skimmer made for the tank.

http://www.oceanicsystems.com/products/biocube-protein-skimmer.php

 

[sjm817]

91mini

[welcome]

 

[haikufriday]

I'm not sure why you would NEED to remove the media unless the protein skimmer was installed in that chamber or they were worried about flow. I read the directions for the skimmer, and I see where it says it, but I would only think it's for the installation.

 

[91mini]

I'm not sure why you would NEED to remove the media unless the protein skimmer was installed in that chamber or they were worried about flow. I read the directions for the skimmer, and I see where it says it, but I would only think it's for the installation.

It takes up the entire chamber and the media does not fit. Given the choice which is best to use. The Protein skimmer or the media changed monthly?

 

[moondoggy4]

I would play around and see which one works better for you. If it is not skimming very much due to a small water volume and light bio-load you could put the media basket back in with Purgen and Chemi Pure Elite with filter floss. I would just put the skimmer in since you already purchased it.

 

[91mini]

I've had the skimmer in for about a week now and it's doing it's job. I have emptied a small amount of brown water from it already. So no media is OK? what happens when I add fish? Still good to go with no media and just the skimmer?

 

[91mini]

OK new question. After a few weeks of emptying the tray and getting brown water the water is now clear. Should I be concerned with the amount of water that I am taking out? I've emptied 3 full trays of water and as my water level decreases I add RO water to replace. With this effect my salinity?

Also, I decided that since the water is coming out clean to give the skimmer a break and put the media back in for a while. Good idea? bad idea?