Skimmer 220/3

[JohnM99]

I am interested in a skimmer for an 85 gallon tank with a short stand - will be about 24" internal height - and this model strikes me as very compact.

But, I have read that it needs a constant water level - I was not planning to put in an automatice water replenishment system (yet more $$$) - how critical is a constant water level? I was going to have a sump with about 8" of water in it, and mount the skimmer either in or beside the sump, in the stand under the aquarium.

Many thanks.
John

 

[rvitko]

If the water level changes more than 1" forget it. If it drops by 2" for a long period you could ruin a pump that is 2/3rds the expense of the skimmer. You could build a partition to maintain a constant water level for the skimmer but in all honesty a good auto top off works wonders for the health and stability of a reef system.

 

[JohnM99]

What do you recommend as the simplest and most compact way of doing this? I was going to have a sump taking up most of the room in my stand - suggestions?
(I am new to SW)
Thanks

 

[rvitko]

The easiest would be to buy an Oceanic ready made sump and glue a plate of 1/4" plate glass across it so the water will flow in and overflow to the rest of the sump. Then buy the skimmer and skimmer stand- not necessary but will make the neatest install. I would get Oceanic model 2 if it will fit- don't use or buy the bio chamber.

I know you are new and probably looking to do this cost effectively- don't overdue it on that end. The old saying buy cheap buy twice goes along way. If it was me I would look at either Cabinet Kit 16 or a Model 2 Oceanic sump, 230/3 Skimmer and stand- yes the extra performance is worth the money, and an Osmolator. Plan to spend $700 or so on filtration no matter what brands you go with. A quality skimmer will run a minimum of $200, a descent return will be about $150, a top off system is a great idea and a good one is around $200- I like the Litermeters and Osmolator. You add the glass box and plumbing and this is pretty much what it costs. This is an expensive hobby and even more so if you have to redo everything 2 or 3 times to be satisfied and get the results you want. I would estimate a reef of 85gal will cost you between $4000 and $8000 when you are finished.

 

[JohnM99]

Thanks
I'm not as worried about the cost as I am a bout doing it well, but also having everything fit well into the space available. I am also very concerned about the system being quiet - which I am told is one of the advantages of the Tunze skimmer - true?

I do take your point about false savings with cheap equipment that just has to be replaced. I wouldn't have room for an Oceanic model 2 but model 1 would fit. I was actually going to build my own, specifically to fit the equipment I want. I was going to go with a FOWLR tank, but am now leaning toward "easy" reef inhabitants - I don't want to get in over my head (poor choice of phrase perhaps) but we will see.

I was going to go with T5 HO lights rather than MH. Tank will be about 87 gal - 36 x 18 x 31, stand about 24-27" high.

If I buy the Tunze skimmer and install it beside rather than in the sump, and make sure the water input is never dry, is there as much concern with keeping the water level exact? I need to see one in the flesh to know how to hook it up. Is there a link to an online manual?
Thanks

 

[rvitko]

T-5 lights rock but for a 30" tank it is likely not enough- do yourself a favor and get a shorter tank- 24-26" deep will do very nice. These oddball tall tanks are just hard to work on and tough to light- technically you would need a 400w halide.

Tunze skimmers are quiet and if you give me your email address I can send you a pdf of a manual.