Skimmer Q&A Thread

its an external with a gate valve. so your saying open valve and put water to top of neck or to top of collection cup, then before it overflows back it down about an inch???
here is a pic of it
IMG_2284.jpg

corey
 
Hey Mojo, I am currently running a A200-1260 H&S and a Vertex in-250 on my 265 display, 90 gal. sump, 110 gal. dsb., 20 gal. refugium system, with a total volume of about 400 gallons. The two skimmers pull out almost equal amounts of skimmate. Do you think it would be beneficial to just go to one larger skimmer? I'm not really sure how efficently this system is working.
Thanks Keith.
 
when you run two skimmers its better to have one larger than the other.
Are you having any issues ? if its working... I would leave it.

The alpha 300 ? I think what you have is enough really.
 
when you run two skimmers its better to have one larger than the other.
Are you having any issues ? if its working... I would leave it.

The alpha 300 ? I think what you have is enough really.
 
I'm having a bit of a cyno. issue, but I don't think its because of skimming. The skimmers seem to really compete against each other. I have a chance for a BM220 CS and thought about replacing the vertex with it. Do you think the Alpha 300 would out perform the 2 skimmers?
Thanks Keith.
 
not really the alpha 250 is pretty good size. if anything I would actually keep it and maybe downsize the second skimmer to something with good water throughput but a smaller neck.
 
Is there a list of skimmers and min and max water levels
This would be very helpful in deciding on a skimmer.
I saw a list of skimmers in the the thread a while back
that listed skimmers for small tanks, medium tanks, then large tanks.

It would be great to have a table that had
name, price (~retail), size (LWH), tank size, sump level(if relevant)
Any change of that happening. I'd be willing to help out if you send me data
mm
 
Love the thread Mojo, great job!

I am in the final stages of setting up my first large reef tank and would love to get your opinion on a quality skimmer.

Mixed Reef
Display = 245g
Frag tank = 40g
Sump = 90g
Fish = I don't have a list of fish or estimate on load but I would like a well loaded tank once finished

No space constraints I could go internal or external.

Budget = I would like to stay around $500 but if that isnt doable or if I would gain a lot by spending $1000 or more long term I am not totally opposed to it.

Thanks!
 
Ok got another question or problem, not sure.
Im just putting a Bubble Mague NAC3.5 in service. I have cleaned it all out and connected it all and placed in sump. Tank and sump are filled only with unsalted RODI at this point. I went to connect all wiring to make sure everything is set and this thing is bubbling like a rabid dog. Lowest setting still overflows. Any thoughts?

Also I have a question about the setting. When set to "max" setting the water in skimmer is at its lowest point and no air bubbles are present. When set to "off" setting skimmer is full of bubble water is very high in skimmer(basically inside cup). Is this normal?
Thanks in advance
John
 
Is there a list of skimmers and min and max water levels
This would be very helpful in deciding on a skimmer.
I saw a list of skimmers in the the thread a while back
that listed skimmers for small tanks, medium tanks, then large tanks.

It would be great to have a table that had
name, price (~retail), size (LWH), tank size, sump level(if relevant)
Any change of that happening. I'd be willing to help out if you send me data
mm

Ill have to work on something with this
 
Love the thread Mojo, great job!

I am in the final stages of setting up my first large reef tank and would love to get your opinion on a quality skimmer.

Mixed Reef
Display = 245g
Frag tank = 40g
Sump = 90g
Fish = I don't have a list of fish or estimate on load but I would like a well loaded tank once finished

No space constraints I could go internal or external.

Budget = I would like to stay around $500 but if that isnt doable or if I would gain a lot by spending $1000 or more long term I am not totally opposed to it.

Thanks!

The SRO 5000 and jns sk5 would both be good.
 
Ok got another question or problem, not sure.
Im just putting a Bubble Mague NAC3.5 in service. I have cleaned it all out and connected it all and placed in sump. Tank and sump are filled only with unsalted RODI at this point. I went to connect all wiring to make sure everything is set and this thing is bubbling like a rabid dog. Lowest setting still overflows. Any thoughts?

Also I have a question about the setting. When set to "max" setting the water in skimmer is at its lowest point and no air bubbles are present. When set to "off" setting skimmer is full of bubble water is very high in skimmer(basically inside cup). Is this normal?
Thanks in advance
John

the skimmer will not work are ll like it should in ro di water. Put in salt water and you will be fine. I do not suggest running a skimmer in ro water.
 
Mojo,
Great thread and lots of info.
I am in the middle of a 125gal build. I am planning on using a 55gal as a sump for starters. I will have a 20-30gal fuge and 20-30gal frag tank. With all the skimmers discussed here, my head is spinning with choices. Recirculating or not, large plate or small, pumps etc...:confused:

Could you help narrow the choices down. I would like to stay below $900.

I like your review if the Alpha 250, would something like that work (maybe the 200)

Concerns:
Ultra Quiet is preffered
Mixed with SPS and medium Bioload
Stand is 36in high
11in x 18in skimmer space
Water height is TBD
BioPellet Reactor
Future ozone possibility


I like the Vertex 200, Avast CS2 Bk pearl, SWC 230 cone, many ReefOctopus. I would like to not have to upgrade later and go ahead buy the best I can get for a good price.:confused:

Great Thread
 
The ATB Elagance 200 Pro and a couple o Bubble Magnus also seem promising.

I am looking at running about 600gph through the sump.

Any help would be great. Thanks.
 
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