Protein Skimmer?

[KAZEKY]

Hi, I have Question, I have a 55g tank FOWLR is been runing since 1 year, my protein skimmer was working perfect, I usually collect a botte of apple juice every week, but know since I put a carbon filtration to the tank (because the water was turning green) i don't even collect that bottle in a month, I just colllect a little bit every week, I did clean my skimmer, power head, etc....
so my question is do I need to change my skimmer? or it is because of the carbon filtration.
I'm Attaching a photo of my filtration with the protein skimmer, I'm also running a pinguin 350, and this is my chemical filtration

photo take for drsfostersmith.com

this is my Wet Dry

Thank You!

 

[Amphiprion]

Those are not my favorite skimmers in world. From my experience, they are poor performers. IMHO, you are better off getting a new one and putting it in the bioball chamber (after removing them, of course )

 

[mg426]

kazeky, lots of things effect the output of a skimmer. i even think the phases of the moon will effect one LOL . Anyway when I run POLYFILTERS in my sump the skimmer out put is noticably less. Your water testing parameters will tell you lots about what is going on in your system. Are your nitrates / phosphates readings in the proper range ???? ETC. ETC

 

[mg426]

Would have to agree with Amph. You have a lot of stuff in that sump that is prone to nitrate accumulation.

 

[ledford1]

MG is right in that there are many factors that play into a skimmer's performance.

I would suggest though to get another skimmer. I've never been a fan of skimmer/sump combos. These skimmers are usually less efficient than a stand-alone in-sump skimmer. You could possibly put the skimmer in the bioball chamber like Amph mentioned.

Usually, FOWLRs have fish that are messier than reef fish, so having a mean skimmer is a great thing.

You might think about replacing the bioballs with LR - it's not necessary but might help. Just make sure the LR will always be submerged under the sump's water level. You have LR in the tank? How much?

 

[PatMayo]

I use 2 units of Chemi-Pure in my 90. The Chemi-pure is after my skimmer. It does not seem to affect the way my skimmer works.

Regards,

Pat

 

[KAZEKY]

Hi, My Nitrates are high, and my water gets dirty really quickly, I have about 70 pounts of life rock on my display, and i'm trying to set up a 10gallons tank refugium, I already order some red mangrove, and life sand, to help nitrates to go down.
also I will change my Skimmer but what type of skimmer do you recommend me for a 55g.

Tank You!
KAZEKY

 

[Pete1399]

I like my CSS 220. Great skimmer for the money. Some use a 125 on 55g as well. My thinking if you went with a CSS is to spend the extra 30 bucks and get the bigger one. If you are interested I can give you a catolog (item) number through Drsfosterandsmith.com that will take the price from I think 169 down to 151 (using there catalog quick order on-line). That number is good until June 1st and is not advertised on there web site.

 

[KAZEKY]

Sure, sound really good If you can please give me the link, thank you!

KAZEKY