Skimmer Q&A Thread

[TNTFISHY]

Do you have a preference between these?

JMatt,

I have the Vertex, and love it! Don't know about the other brands, but it was easy to set up, and adjust. It's pulling gunk out of the water, even though all I have are 2 Banggai's, couple of snails and hermits. Skimmate is deep green, and brown sludge has to be washed out of the skimmer cup tube. It's doing a great job in my estimation. Quiet too!

 

[Engloid]

I have a Skilter. It's one of the types that's like a filter hanging on the back of the tank, but has a skimmer built in. I know they're not the best thing out there, but for a beginner (and free), it's going to have to work for now.

Anyway, this is on a 29 gallon tank. The question: How do I know how to set the air bleeder valve? So far, I get no foam at all, but the tank has only been set up for about 2 weeks.

Do I set it where there's just barely constant bubbles in the swirling area of water? It does seem to make a lot of noise when I turn the air up.

How much air is too much and how much is too little?

thanks!

 

[mikeatjac]

so the water level in my sump will affect the water level in my skimmer. my skimmer is an in sump and is fed via a seperate pump, so how does water level in sump effect it?

A recirculating skimmer is not affected by changes in the water level.

 

[mojo~]

I have a Skilter. It's one of the types that's like a filter hanging on the back of the tank, but has a skimmer built in. I know they're not the best thing out there, but for a beginner (and free), it's going to have to work for now.

Anyway, this is on a 29 gallon tank. The question: How do I know how to set the air bleeder valve? So far, I get no foam at all, but the tank has only been set up for about 2 weeks.

Do I set it where there's just barely constant bubbles in the swirling area of water? It does seem to make a lot of noise when I turn the air up.

How much air is too much and how much is too little?

thanks!

you will want to turn it up until you get your bubbles starting to build about 1/2 in below the top of the neck.

 

[Korrine]

This may sound like a dumb question, but I've never had a skimmer like this before.

Octopus DNW 200 kind of like this except it has an arm that comes off the exit tube :http://www.aquacave.com/reef-octopus-dnw-200-br-recirculatingbr-protein-skimmer-985.html

Am I right in thinking that the only thing the large pump that sits on the skimmer footprint is for is to recirc the water. It doesn't pull any water in, right? Now the hole above that is where water is put in? And this is why it could be run internal or external?

 

[mojo~]

This may sound like a dumb question, but I've never had a skimmer like this before.

Octopus DNW 200 kind of like this except it has an arm that comes off the exit tube :http://www.aquacave.com/reef-octopus-dnw-200-br-recirculatingbr-protein-skimmer-985.html

Am I right in thinking that the only thing the large pump that sits on the skimmer footprint is for is to recirc the water. It doesn't pull any water in, right? Now the hole above that is where water is put in? And this is why it could be run internal or external?

you are correct in your thinking. Its a recirc skimmer and can be run in or out of sump

 

[Korrine]

Thanks. I bought it second hand also. The guy walked me through it, but that was a little awhile ago. Thanks for the clarification

I think I'll still have it sitting in an empty rubbermaid tub just in case the skimmer goes crazy and overflows. Then it won't be all over my basement floor.

Another quick question. I need a feed pump about 1.5x the volume. I was thinking a maxijet 600 160gph. I have a 75g DT and 75g sump. Or if they are referring to just the DT volume then maybe the Maxijet 400?

 

[mojo~]

a 160 would do well, you could always throttle it back if need be.

 

[Overboard]

Skimmer for New 150

Skimmer for New 150

Hi Mojo,

I am setting up a new 150 gallon display that will be in our family room. Keeping things quiet keeps the family (read "wife") happy. My old Barr is great, but it is probably too large (it was on a 300 gallon display), and needs a huge pump for the dual Becketts. This will be a SPS reef and I will probably have it reasonably stocked with fish. What do you suggest? Would the Vertex Royal Exclusiv be the quietest with the Red Dragon pump? All ideas are appreciated.

Thanks!
Mark


.

 

[Korrine]

a 160 would do well, you could always throttle it back if need be.

Thank You

 

[mojo~]

Hi Mojo,

I am setting up a new 150 gallon display that will be in our family room. Keeping things quiet keeps the family (read "wife") happy. My old Barr is great, but it is probably too large (it was on a 300 gallon display), and needs a huge pump for the dual Becketts. This will be a SPS reef and I will probably have it reasonably stocked with fish. What do you suggest? Would the Vertex Royal Exclusiv be the quietest with the Red Dragon pump? All ideas are appreciated.

Thanks!
Mark


.

bk mini 180 gen 2 or the mini 200 would be the most quiet. both would work great.

 

[Overboard]

bk mini 180 gen 2 or the mini 200 would be the most quiet. both would work great.

Thanks, but I guess I should have said something about cost. What would be the best alternative for $600 - $700?

Thanks!
Mark

 

[reeftivo]

Go for the 170 alpha cone. I little bit over at $799

It's almost $100 cheaper than the smallest BK

 

[mojo~]

Go for the 170 alpha cone. I little bit over at $799

It's almost $100 cheaper than the smallest BK

I do not suggest that.

 

[mojo~]

you could get a ATB 840 1.5.or a SRO xp 2000 cone as well.

 

[waldomas]

Is the ATB 840 worth the additional price over the SRO xp2000?
$665.00 vs. $399.00

Is there a difference in noise?

 

[mojo~]

Is the ATB 840 worth the additional price over the SRO xp2000?
$665.00 vs. $399.00

Is there a difference in noise?

I get asked this many times. The ATB has the best customer service you can get. The pump has many pinwheels to choos from to kind of tweak your performance as you need to. I think the ATB is nicer skimmer as it can be taken apart to clean and again you get great service if you ever had an issue. It is a tad quieter than the xp 2000 as well. tHe custom Volute makes a big difference on the pump. The xp 2000 uses all acrylic where the ATB uses acrylic and red PVC. If you are asking me. I say yes its worth the extra $ for the customer service alone. Peace of mind can be priceless. Nicer feel, great performance and hassle free.

Just my 2 cents.

Mojo~

 

[waldomas]

I've been leaning towards that skimmer for a while now.
I guess its time to bite the bullet!

Whats this you say about choosing a pinwheel?
Any recommendations to start with?

Thanks for the reply.

 

[LUCKYLATO]

I didnt have time to read all 66 pages of this thread sorry as intresting as this is I have a small tank around 40 gal all softie 6x39 t5 what type of skimmer would you sugest. I was looking to see if I coud get a hang on the back like a remra?

 

[Overboard]

you could get a ATB 840 1.5.or a SRO xp 2000 cone as well.

Thanks!
Mark