SWC Mini-S Cone Skimmer Review

[speedstar]

Thanks for the reply, one more if you have time. What are the dimensions of your tank for sump?

 

[GaryR1984]

30 breeder so I use 38x18x12

 

[Montezuma]

So i hav
e had it on for 4 days at full open. My problem is its filling a container and a cup over night. It seems to empty my return tank. Maybe its the break in, but man its driving me crazy.

 

[MSX-Jeff]

What water level are you running the skimmer in?

 

[GaryR1984]

nvm

 

[Montezuma]

I think its at 9" or close to 10" Guess I can try and raise it up a bit.

 

[Montezuma]

So I just measured. Its sitting in 10" of water. Anyon think that could be the problem? What dept are you guys running yours at?

 

[GaryR1984]

Mines at 8 inches currently.

 

[cobbobby]

No, i don't think thats the problem. At 10" they seem to do the best. How long has it been running in your sump? Have you added anything like additives or water purifier. Where is the water level inside the skimmer at? Is the foam head huge in it?

 

[Montezuma]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15744205#post15744205 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by cobbobby
No, i don't think thats the problem. At 10" they seem to do the best. How long has it been running in your sump? Have you added anything like additives or water purifier. Where is the water level inside the skimmer at? Is the foam head huge in it?

The only thing going on is the tank is cycling. I used dry rock, and dry sand. I been adding cap fulls of ammonia. I stopped after my ammonia went to 0. Then I find out I need to keep adding durring my nitrite cycle also. I was wondering why the nitrites wouldnt drop.

I guess that could be it. So after measuring its actually 10 1/5 below water. The water level is actually high. I have it open as much as I can.

 

[herozero]

you probably won't get much if any skimmate until you put some animals in there

 

[cobbobby]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15744703#post15744703 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Montezuma
The only thing going on is the tank is cycling. I used dry rock, and dry sand. I been adding cap fulls of ammonia. I stopped after my ammonia went to 0. Then I find out I need to keep adding durring my nitrite cycle also. I was wondering why the nitrites wouldnt drop.

I guess that could be it. So after measuring its actually 10 1/5 below water. The water level is actually high. I have it open as much as I can.

Wait a sec. What do you mean you've been adding cap fuls of ammonia? Do you mean your adding actual ammonia? The super poisonious concentrated ammonia that you buy to clean carpet? Also what is the sg in your tank? Are you using a refractometer or swing arm.

 

[Montezuma]

So I made a stand for the skimmer to raise it up some, and the micro bubbles stopped, and the bubbles arent all the way to the top. I have to close it to get the water level up.

Were are you guys keeping your water level at?

 

[GaryR1984]

8 Inches.

 

[Montezuma]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15744823#post15744823 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by cobbobby
Wait a sec. What do you mean you've been adding cap fuls of ammonia? Do you mean your adding actual ammonia? The super poisonious concentrated ammonia that you buy to clean carpet? Also what is the sg in your tank? Are you using a refractometer or swing arm.

Yes cap fulls of ammonia. I have to do that, cause I dont have anything live in the tank.

 

[speedstar]

Use an un cooked shrimp to cycle it. I have never heard of doing what you are.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15747124#post15747124 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Montezuma
Yes cap fulls of ammonia. I have to do that, cause I dont have anything live in the tank.

 

[speedstar]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15747038#post15747038 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GaryR1984
8 Inches.

Did you see better results at this height than 10 inches. I just ordered a MiniS today and built the sump for it to be in 10inches. I suppose it is easy to raise it if needed, but curious. Also thanks for all the info you provided on this model.

 

[Montezuma]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15751052#post15751052 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by speedstar
Use an un cooked shrimp to cycle it. I have never heard of doing what you are.

http://www.csupomona.edu/~jskoga/Aquariums/Ammonia.html

 

[GaryR1984]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15751134#post15751134 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by speedstar
Did you see better results at this height than 10 inches. I just ordered a MiniS today and built the sump for it to be in 10inches. I suppose it is easy to raise it if needed, but curious. Also thanks for all the info you provided on this model.

Never tried higher.

 

[gkimble]

Are you guys pulling alot of gunk out with these guys? Or are you guys having trpuble due to the extended neck? I seem to get good wet skimate. But If I try to go with dry it seems to loe performance after 3 days. Jeff encourages wet skimming due to this reasoning. It's kind of abummer cause I like to skim dry. Nice skimmer. I kind of feel that it could maybe use a stronger pump. Take for granted it is only on a heavily stocked 72 gallon. It has also only been running for about 2 weeks. I am just wanting better results.