skimmer

[DMBillies]

I'm working on getting a 40 breeder up and running for a frag tank. I'd like to have a skimmer for it (although it won't have much bio-load). I was looking for input on a good smaller skimmer. I have used a 65 coralife super skimmer. They skim pretty well for the price, but I haven't really looked into other options. Any thoughts? Anyone have something available that would work well? I'm not looking to spend a whole lot because it's only going to be a frag tank, but I'd rather spend a little more and get a good product than get stuck with a hunk of junk.

Thanks for any input.

 

[DMBillies]

Alternatively, I wouldn't mind going with something a little bit bigger on my 92. It's a softy tank so I only have the aforementioned 65 super skimmer on it. The only problem is that I have a really small amount of space (~5.5" x 9") in that sump unless I modify it (which would mean another project that I just don't need right now... and I'm not sure I could squeeze out any more than a couple more inches in any direction).

 

[fishdoc11]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9304021#post9304021 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by DMBillies
Alternatively, I wouldn't mind going with something a little bit bigger on my 92.

That's what I would do but that's just me. I used a little Euroreef ES 6-1 on my 40 breeder frag tank and I really didn't need quite that large of a skimmer because I kept it barebottom and didn't have any fish. Have you looked at the PC octopus skimmers or maybe another smaller ER?

Chris

 

[crumbletop]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9304021#post9304021 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by DMBillies
Alternatively, I wouldn't mind going with something a little bit bigger on my 92. It's a softy tank so I only have the aforementioned 65 super skimmer on it. The only problem is that I have a really small amount of space (~5.5" x 9") in that sump unless I modify it (which would mean another project that I just don't need right now... and I'm not sure I could squeeze out any more than a couple more inches in any direction).

Take a look at the Tunze 9010. It has a small footprint, and you can set it up as an "in tank" configuration but still have it in your sump. This means you can dial in between 20% and 80% water recirculation which preserves plankton-like stuff that the softies like. You can also set it up in an in-sump configuration which eliminates the recirc of water within the skimmer.

 

[DMBillies]

Chris- The problem with those skimmers is that they aren't going to fit very well in my sump. I didn't make my skimmer compartment so small by choice really... the only sump I could fit under the corner bow was a 20H. That doesn't leave a lot of space to work with and because of the location of the tank I couldn't move any equipment out from under the tank. I'll have to take a closer look and see what I might be able to do to fit something like one of those.

Jack- Do you have experience with the Tunze? Anyone else? One thing that has bothered me about various skimmers is the amount of microbubbles some of them release back into the aquarium. The 9010 supposedly does a good job of this... is that true?

 

[crumbletop]

Yeah, I use a 9010 and really like it. It is quiet and small and easy to service. If set up for in sump mode (with the riser tube) it doesn't release much in the way of microbubbles. If set up without the riser tube (in tank configuration) it releases some. Whether or not they make it to your display will depend on your sump config and how fast you have water blowing through there. I have about 450 gph running through my sump (20 gallon tank -- ~12-15 gallons of water), along with a set of baffles for a bubble trap and no bubbles make it to my display. If you are interested in the 9010, you might want to drop by sometime and take a look at my setup.

 

[turboex901]

ive seen jacks 9010 in action and it looked like a top notch piece. judging by what i saw in his display it was certainly working the tunze nano skimmer says its good to 52 gallons and i think tunze is more than fair with their ratings. they also make the nano reefpack that comes with 9002 skimmer and filtration like the comline things. the coolest part about it is that you can just keep adding modules to include the calcium reactor they offer, the osmolator, etc. its like a sump setup in a box although pricey i think worth every penny. a 9010 was going to be my weapon of choice before i found this sweet deal on the e-r cs6-1 or else i wouldve been "tunze equiped" as well. hth<~~~steve

http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_protein_skimmers_tunze_doc_comline_nano_classic.asp?CartId=

 

[DMBillies]

Ok, sounds good, but then my next question is how much overkill is this going to be if I never have any reason to keep SPS?

Jack- I'd actually like to take you up on that offer. If I'm going to drop the money (more than I was hoping) I want to see it in action and see how it's all set-up. I have things here and there on the weekend, but we could find some time Saturday or Sunday (maybe before the meeting Sunday?).

 

[crumbletop]

sure, before the meeting will most likely work. I live out near jfolley67 so it should be pretty easy. I'll send you a PM with my contact info.

 

[turboex901]

brian, i think youll be pleasantly suprised just how small the tunze footprint is. it was tiny compared to my euro reef but looked to be pulling some real sludge. also dont fool yourself, that tank will have sps, theyre too hard to resist <~~~steve

 

[DMBillies]

Well... they are hard to resist... that's why I went out and got the 92... so that I could dedicate a tank to SPS.