I have a Corallife SS125 for my 55G. Can I use it temporarily while cycling the 150G? I did contact geo reef for a skimmer, but haven't heard back yet.... I'm concerned that even the smallest one they sell will be too big. Any other suggestions or feedback? Anything that needs to be modified is not the best choice for me.
skimmer question
- Thread starter drej424
- Start date
I'm not sure if I understand your question.
Of course you CAN use it, and it will pull out some junk, but will have a hard time keeping up leaving you with more waste to remove through other means (water changes, macro, etc.)
As for skimmer reccomendations, there is a lot of debate. The one universal truism seems to be that if you skimp, you invariably end up spending more in the long run.
I'm not sure what animals you hope to keep, but it will have an impact on what you buy. I'd probably look for a rating double what my tank is, so for you one rated for 250-300g. On my tank (450g) I run two skimmers each rated for 550g. Overkill? Probably, but they both keep pulling gunk and my stuff stays alive so I'm not changing.
Personally, I've grown fond of recirculating needlewheel skimmers. Low maintenance and low operating costs, but more $ up front. Luckily I buy everything used, so I've saved a few bucks. Deltec, Euro-Reef, BubbleKing, and H&S are all this type of skimmer.
The other big design is beckett, which I've never really played with. Guys who run them swear they pull our more junk. They seem to need a little more tweaking, and require a beefy pump to push water, meaning more $$ to run.
Shop around and ask questions of everybody. There are millions of threads debating the pros/cons of each in the equipment forum.
p.s. if you do think beckett, I have a barr for sale that would be perfect for 150g. I'm hesitant to mention since I dont want you to think I'm just tring to sell my stuff. Ask a million questions, and you cant go wrong.
Lastly, skimmers are an obsession, and we always want another "better" one.
Of course you CAN use it, and it will pull out some junk, but will have a hard time keeping up leaving you with more waste to remove through other means (water changes, macro, etc.)
As for skimmer reccomendations, there is a lot of debate. The one universal truism seems to be that if you skimp, you invariably end up spending more in the long run.
I'm not sure what animals you hope to keep, but it will have an impact on what you buy. I'd probably look for a rating double what my tank is, so for you one rated for 250-300g. On my tank (450g) I run two skimmers each rated for 550g. Overkill? Probably, but they both keep pulling gunk and my stuff stays alive so I'm not changing.
Personally, I've grown fond of recirculating needlewheel skimmers. Low maintenance and low operating costs, but more $ up front. Luckily I buy everything used, so I've saved a few bucks. Deltec, Euro-Reef, BubbleKing, and H&S are all this type of skimmer.
The other big design is beckett, which I've never really played with. Guys who run them swear they pull our more junk. They seem to need a little more tweaking, and require a beefy pump to push water, meaning more $$ to run.
Shop around and ask questions of everybody. There are millions of threads debating the pros/cons of each in the equipment forum.
p.s. if you do think beckett, I have a barr for sale that would be perfect for 150g. I'm hesitant to mention since I dont want you to think I'm just tring to sell my stuff. Ask a million questions, and you cant go wrong.
Lastly, skimmers are an obsession, and we always want another "better" one.
Sorry, I mean will the skimmer I have now effectively cycle the tank prior to putting any livestock in it? I have some live rock but I'm planning on adding about 100 lbs. more of uncycled rock to start the tank. I'm trying to create the healthiest environment I can. Will using a weaker skimmer (while I look for something better) work, or will it just waste some time and make a mess? Does that clarify my question? Thanks for your help.
Gotcha,
Well, what's going to "cycle" the new rock is oxygen (accomplished through water movement). As whatever is dead from shipment etc. disintegrates and breaks down it will go through the nitrogen cycle (Ammonia>Nitrite>Nitrate).
Eventually, the dead stuff be be broken down and the by-products removed, and your rock will be "cycled".
The big key is lots of water movement.
So, in short, throw in the rock, put in an extra mag 12. Add your skimmer, and change 25% twice a week until everything gets stable.
A bigger skimmer would pull out more gunk, but a small one will still save you a little on water changes. You're still going to have to do at least 3-4 major water changes I'd imagine.
If you have a sump/overflow I'd recommend using filter sox (big ones) as this will really help.
Does that make sense?
Well, what's going to "cycle" the new rock is oxygen (accomplished through water movement). As whatever is dead from shipment etc. disintegrates and breaks down it will go through the nitrogen cycle (Ammonia>Nitrite>Nitrate).
Eventually, the dead stuff be be broken down and the by-products removed, and your rock will be "cycled".
The big key is lots of water movement.
So, in short, throw in the rock, put in an extra mag 12. Add your skimmer, and change 25% twice a week until everything gets stable.
A bigger skimmer would pull out more gunk, but a small one will still save you a little on water changes. You're still going to have to do at least 3-4 major water changes I'd imagine.
If you have a sump/overflow I'd recommend using filter sox (big ones) as this will really help.
Does that make sense?
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