Thoughts please, possible skimmer issue...

[props4you]

How much gunk should you have in a week ?
I have an SRO 3000 internal skimmer on a 150 gal tank w/about 15 fish. Mostly LPS a few SPS (haven't mastered those yet). I get about maaaaybe 1/4 inch. I feel like it should be producing more. I have tried adjusting for wetter skim but adjustments up or down don't seem to do much.
Does 1/4 inch seem right ?
Am I doing something wrong ?
Is the skimmer over sized ?
Should I not run it 24/7 ?
Any thoughts or suggestions appreciated

 

[nivram]

Run it 24/7. What size fish? Do you feed a lot? Post a pic of your skimmate. How often do you do water changes?

 

[rovster]

The production of the skimmer is proportional to the crap in the water. That skimmer is also very oversized. I bet if you added a couple of tags or some angels the production will skyrocket. I have a skimmer rated for a 75 on my 30, and with 8 fish, I need to dump the cup full of dark green nastiness every 3-4 days. When I had 2 fish, it was barely pulling anything. The SRO 2000 is probably more appropriate for a 150 but if your tank is looking decent, I wouldn't worry about it. My 2

 

[Daimyo68]

That skimmer can take on a huge bioload in a 150g.

I recently sold mine because I don't want that many fish in the tank (48x30x24), and I can't exactly have tangs growing too large as there is not a sufficient enough run for them. While the skimmer would produce, I just couldn't supply it enough doo doo with small/medium sized fish (average 3-4") x 8.

The previous owner of the tank/skimmer had some large fish in the system, along with several smaller fish, and the skimmer produced extremely well.

So with that in mind: large amounts of DooDoo = Full skimmer cup

 

[roblack]

Sounds like you can be happy your water is as clean as it is. Time to challenge it with more livestock!

 

[props4you]

answers.....
I'm guilty of over feeding, my fish are all fat.
I'm Italian, I can't help it...lol
The two largest fish in the tank are a purple tang and a
wrasse that's about 5 or 6 inches long he's a big boy.
All the other fish are smaller than those two.
Typical reef tank fish nothing fancy or exotic.
I do water changes pretty consistently every 2 weeks.
I've been thinking about doing a daily schedule but thats another subject.
Not good at pics, took these today with my phone.
The skimmate in this pic is exactly two weeks today.
Don't know if it matters this is a 150 long (6 feet)

 

[AquamanE]

im of the opinion that you are fine. Unless tank looks unhappy (algae, loss of corals. etc.) you should be OK.

 

[props4you]

"If" the skimmer is too big.
Is it still doing its job?
I guess the question is would a better
match skimmer take out more ?

Thanks everyone for your input

 

[mpfeiffer1]

I have found that if you clean the skimmer tube every 3-4 days, you will start to get more skimmate. Also I have found that there is a "sweet spot" that creates a lot more. Mine is when the bubbles are right below the black ring. A quarter inch above or below makes a huge difference. Also, make sure the air tube is clean to allow the most amount of bubbles. It can get clogged with time. Less bubbles less skimmate. Lastly, the actual height of the water level is crucial to most skimmers. That one is recommended 6 inches submerged if my memory serves me correctly. MOve it higher by putting something underneath it and see if that makes a difference. It usually does. Hope something here helps... Good Luck.

 

[elviraveloz]

:facepalmicture is so sweet, I guess everybody can keep Anthias alive but me

 

[props4you]

Lol, I've read your post about that. Did you buy them all from the same source ?
Since all your other fish are fine I have to think your just not getting healthy ones to start off with. I have 3 females and one male. Take a look at the male in the photo. My Midas Blenny and he did not get along for a while, as a result the Midas bit his mouth off a piece at a time until they finally called a truce. I thought for sure he would die. It happened about 8 months ago. He has no mouth but he's fine. I bought them all at Exotic Aquatic on Oakland Park Blvd. If you haven't already you might want to check them out there. They always look really healthy to me. Vibrant color and fat