Skimmer Q&A Thread

Are there any protein skimmers that can be set up without a sump, and that are NOT hang-on? Basically, I'm looking for something self-contained, and remote. Does such a thing exist?

External skimmers require a feed pump but usually have plumbing that feeds into a sump via gravity so. .. to my knowledge no skimmer has the capabilities to run how your describing.
 
Are there any protein skimmers that can be set up without a sump, and that are NOT hang-on? Basically, I'm looking for something self-contained, and remote. Does such a thing exist?

Not really, no. You have to get the water to the skimmer somehow, and then the water has to leave the skimmer and get back to the tank. When leaving the skimmer, the water can't cause backpressure or it will cause the skimmer to overflow. This usually means letting it drain by gravity. I suppose you could put a pump in the tank and pump the water up to an external recirculating skimmer, as long as the skimmer is mounted above the tank and can drain back down without backing up, but you might as well get a HOB skimmer before doing all that.
 
^^^^ If you are dumping the skimmer cup three times a day, or usually more than twice a week, hence you cannot go on vacation.

Ok so how about the opposite, what if I only have to dump every 2 weeks or so?? If I have 0 nitrate, would that mean my skimmer is doing all that it can?
 
Looking to get an aquamaxx for my 100g, but maybe someone could shed some light on which model would be best as I rarely get to use a computer, and my phone that I'm using is... well a phone. So its hard to find good info. I'm in the middle of the build and am planning on running a mixxed reef with with a pair of clowns, a yeller tang and some pajama cardinals.
 
pwn3boil You could call Marine Depot they are in So Cal their number is 1800 566 3474 they are a sponsor on this site and they carry aquamxx skimmers I would look at the EM100 I believe.
 
Thanks moondoggy. I'll give them a call tomorrow and find out. Has any one had bad experiences with reef octopus? This skimmer is interesting. And seems legit! http://www.marinedepot.com/Reef_Oct...ariums_Reefs-Reef_Octopus-CV5111-FIPS-vi.html

those octopus skimmers with the OTP pumps are what i would call a medium powered skimmer, those pumps move too little air and too much water.
but they do work decently enough. certainly there are better skimmers for your money.
 
Ok so how about the opposite, what if I only have to dump every 2 weeks or so?? If I have 0 nitrate, would that mean my skimmer is doing all that it can?

i would say the answer to that is how much work you have to personally do to keep the system clean. the pic of your tank looks like theres a little bit of excess nutrient/algae in there, but not too bad. and i think phosphate stimulates algae a little more than nitrate...
but the thing is, your system can be using these nutrients in the form of creating algae and you wont be able to test it very well, so the more inportant question is are you happy with how clean your tank is, and how much work you have to do to maintain it vs. the skimmer/filtration?
 
I know this is an a question about an oldie but a goodie, in my opinion.
Ive been running a PM Bullet XL4 custom skimmer (modified height). I find that this skimmer is probably the best skimmer ive ever run on my one main system (total volume 1750-2250 gallons). I constantly get the thickest dry skimmate, and it has THE WORST smell of any skimmate Ive ever experienced In a decade. My questions are, and I hope that the people who know these skimmers are even still here, but what are the downsides to the dual Beckett bullet skimmers, because other than cleaning the bullet every once in a while because im being stubborn about putting a foam pre-filter on my Blueline 100 hd that feeds it???
Any pos-neg feedback about these skimmers? BLT-XL4? The biggest baddest skimmer Precision Marine makes. Thanks!
 
What's the best in sump skimmer for about 40 gallons total water volume? They tank is fed heavily for the 5 fish I have. I am running an atb 840 right now that is way oversized so isn't performing that well.
 
Looking for an internal skimmer for my 120Gal Heavy Bioload tank. Was set on a RLSS R8 but it is sold out everywhere with no outlook of when they will be back in stocl. What is a good alterntive choice within the sub $500 range?

Thanks
 
Looking for an internal skimmer for my 120Gal Heavy Bioload tank. Was set on a RLSS R8 but it is sold out everywhere with no outlook of when they will be back in stocl. What is a good alterntive choice within the sub $500 range?

Thanks

Aquamaxx cone 2.
 
Looking for an internal skimmer for my 120Gal Heavy Bioload tank. Was set on a RLSS R8 but it is sold out everywhere with no outlook of when they will be back in stocl. What is a good alterntive choice within the sub $500 range?

Thanks

If you read back a few pages (194ish) mojo was recommending the Sea Side Aquatics CS2 (now the CS8) for tanks about your size. He even recommended it over the ATB 840 v2.

I also hear good things about the AquaMaxx EM200, but those are on backorder as well.
 
What's the best in sump skimmer for about 40 gallons total water volume? They tank is fed heavily for the 5 fish I have. I am running an atb 840 right now that is way oversized so isn't performing that well.

AquaMaxx-ConeS-CO-1-In-Sump-Protein-Skimmer-98.jpg
 
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