Skimmer Q&A Thread

Re: Skimmer Sizing

Re: Skimmer Sizing

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15075972#post15075972 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tdawgnjlo
Mojo,

How do you size a particular skimmer to a tank+Sump volume? Is it more about tank+sump volume, or is it more about return pump (sump) flow rate, or sump volume?
Click to expand...

I think that a better question would be how is a skimmers rating determined? How do we know that skimmer X will handle X gallons?
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15080924#post15080924 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ryanjiang
BTW, I plan to add more fishes and SPS in future, if everything goes well, it will prob. become heavy bio-load
Click to expand...

Yea the downside of the ev is the noise. The msx 160 isa good skimmer. For a 75 you can also look at the vertex in 100. The only downside of any stock sicce pump skimmer is if it starts backwards it will perform differently causing a difference in performance. So make sure you look at that as well. Dont want to inherit one problem for another. The MRC ocean force would be one to look at too.


Mojo~
 
Re: Re: Skimmer Sizing

Re: Re: Skimmer Sizing

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15080933#post15080933 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pito
I think that a better question would be how is a skimmers rating determined? How do we know that skimmer X will handle X gallons?
Click to expand...

Well that is a good question. I ask manufactures this all the time. Some base it off other companies. If they want it to compete with another skimmer it has to have the same rating. Or so the thought process goes.
It has to with air draw, water volume, and skimmer efficiency.

I think Any single sicce pump skimmer is topped out at 150g just due to water throughput. They pull a good amount of air but lack in the amount of water they draw.
All skimmers are different in one way or another. So to determine tank size is not some exact science. IT has to do with the design of the skimmer as well. To large of a neck on the skimmer without the air draw leads to poor performance. When you get too large of a neck and not enough air you have to raise the water level the skimmer sits in to get the air up the neck. This is not the making for a well balanced skimmer in my opinion. All skimmers have a optimum level or range they should be ran at. Most are from 6 to 8 inches in my experience. So the neck size is in relation the air and water through put. Sorry I could go on here. but I hope this is helpful

Mojo~
 
Thanks you mojo.

sicce pump starts backward, will this be solved by using ATB pinkwheel for sicce? from what I read it is better balanced.

Any insight on how important is 24 hours skimming?
 
Ok mojo, back with more questions. I had asked a few weeks ago about replacing my Bermuda HOB skimmer, but for now I'm keeping it. a friend has the same skimmer but replaced the stock pump (Rio 1100) with a mag 5. I have a mag 3 I'm not using, is this better/worse/same as the Rio1100 or should I go with the mag 5 to get more bubbles into the skimmer? also on a side question, would you know if the only difference between a mag 3 and 5 is the impeller? someone told me this but I can't find any info to prove/disprove his theory. thanks again for all of your help.
 
The rio I saw is only 300 gph. THe mag 3 will be better as it will handle the head pressure that the injector needs on the bermuda. And I have head something like that on the mag but do not know first hand.
Mojo~
 
Sounds good; I appreciate the response. I guess I'll keep doing a little digging and see what I can find in regards to the difference between the 3 & 5. As for my setup, I'll try swapping out the Rio for the Mag3 and see how it goes. thanks again.
 
Terminator II

Terminator II

Anybody familiar with this skimmer ? I have one that a need a pump for and the companies phone is disconnected and they wont answer Emails. Anybody have an idea of what replacement pump will work? No label on the one that came with it.
 
can you post a pic of what you have. I might be able to point you in the right direction with a pic.
 
Yea it looks like a atman kinda. By the time you buy a quality replacement pump you could almost buy a whole other skimmer. you could use a ehiem maybe even retro a mag 3 on it. but maybe take a look at some others. THe skimmer is a recirc skimmer. There are many others out there that might be a better investment.
Mojo~
 
hey all, I recently added a sea swirl and about ten feet of clear vinyl tubing to my setup and it killed my skimmer head. I assumed it was the oils in the sweswirl and tubing that did it, but it hasnt gotten back up and working again. I cleaned out the neck of the skimmer, and left it off over night at one point to try and allow the oils to dissipate, but it still isnt working. im coming up on a week here without a fuly functioning skimmer, and I dont really want to go out and buy another one. What do you all think?
 
Terminator II

Terminator II

Anyone considering purchasing one of these, dont do it. It may be the finest skimmer made, which I doubt, but there is absolutely no support available. I'm not sure if they are even in business anymore by the lack of response to my emails, but these units still are available through many suppliers. Heck of a way to run a business.
 
yea i am really sorry you are having a bad time with it. Anything you do will have to be kinda rigged and cost more than its worth.
 
Hi guys,
This is a great thread with lots of good info. I am setting up a 30g Oceanic Cube w/ a ~15g sump. Have an old Coralife SS in storage, but I want to upgrade. I would like to stay under $300.

After researching a fair amount, I am considering:
Octopus (NW or Extreme)
Bubble Magus (new NAC6 out June 1st)
Vertex IN 100
MSX 160

2 considerations:

1. I will probably run this tank about 2 years then upgrade to something bigger, along the lines of 90g to 120g. So I'd like to get something that can handle both the 30 and a bigger tank later.

2. My current sump skimmer compartment is only 9.5" x 9.5". A tight fit.

Given this, what are your thoughts or recommendations? Thanks.

-Stu
 
Well you will be hard pressed to get one to work well on both. The in 100 by vertex will work good now and then on a 90 but a 120 would be pushing it. The msx 160 is a bit much for now and I think you might have issues. I would get the vertex in 100
 
Mojo, what do you think would be the best setup for a octo extreme 200 on my 75g 20s 20f? Water depth, impeller. etc?
I know you are busy and this isn't a pressing question, I am just wondering if you have any suggs.
Tanks.
 
We are on the same page. That is my current setup, except I added one layer of mesh to the PPW, and I just removed the bubble plate for SH)ts and giggs.
 
Looking for a skimmer that will fit the following.

Approx 11" x 17" footprint (in a 40L sump)
10" of water (can take it down an inch or so)
30" of clearance in stand... 24" door

I'm thinking in the under $500 or so category... suggestions?
 
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