recirc. skimmer

[gamepoint]

I currently have a 120gal tank with about 125lb of live rock a cpr HOB refugium and a remora HOB skimmer. I get a some algae on the sand but that is about it, however I would like more in my tank and am afraid to increase the bioload. I have seen a couple of skimmers that people are selling ie amand has one that Spaz built and I also saw a cs-8. I do not have a sump and don't want one. (my last tank a 75gal mixed reef had a fire under it and busted out the bottom of the tank -total loss) My question is if I buy one of these skimmers how do I connect it to and return back to my tank.

[Redwinger]

All in due time we will convince you to run a sump again. I know it is hard considering the circumstances you had before but a fire can break out with any just about anything that is used in this hobby. Lets face it water and electricity don't mix. That is why I am a firm believer in getting the best stuff with the best track record. You really are better off with a sump for many other reasons than just a skimmer.

[David Grigor]

I replied to the Amand thread. Basically that kind of skimmer just can't be run the way you want it to.

While I know you had a bad experience. Done correctly and with quality equipment I wouldn't let that keep me from doing a sump again. Your really limiting yourself by not doing so as hang on skimmers just don't stack up to most in sump models.

[gamepoint]

I also don't have a drilled tank and the stand has a false bottom with only about 18" of space. I want to put together a good stable system but due to the whole cash flow thing it need to happen in stages. Down the road I may go to a sump, but that may intail at least a new stand. The skimmers that I mentioned, are they a good fit for the tank?

[wes]

Why not double skim? If you're going to have to stay cheap, water is pretty cheap, maybe you could do more frequent, larger changes. I just did a 20% change and I realized that it took less time than I just spent looking through google images of the search "UGLY HORSE PAINTING"

[mtfatwork]

:rotflmao: :rotflmao: :rotflmao: :rotflmao: :rotflmao: I just did a 20% change and I realized that it took less time than I just spent looking through google images of the search "UGLY HORSE PAINTING"

[David Grigor]

The skimmers that I mentioned, are they a good fit for the tank?

I already answered that question not once but twice. The answer is NO not in your current configuration without placing the skimmer ( spazz or a euroreef recirc. ) above the tank either on a shelf or an above tank sump ( euroreef non-recirc such as the CS-8 you mentioned ). Bubbles entering the tank would likely be an issue.

[REEFSTOCK]

I agree with DG. Just not having electircal outlets directly behind the tank is the best bet.

Your not the only one who had had that same problem. Its best to seal the outlet behind the tank and run power to the system. Certianly that is easier than trying to make all the componants fit a $12 outlet.

[gamepoint]

I already answered that question not once but twice. The answer is NO not in your current configuration without placing the skimmer ( spazz or a euroreef recirc. ) above the tank either on a shelf or an above tank sump ( euroreef non-recirc such as the CS-8 you mentioned ). Bubbles entering the tank would likely be an issue.

My second question was intended to be in regards to the quality of these skimmers, or what your recommendations would be that would do a good job and hopefully I could find somewhere (used) for somewhere in the sub $400 range.

[MNGold15]

I have a Reef Mania PS-6 and have been very pleased with it. It works great for me. But then again it has to be in sump or above the tank just like all of the others.

[Jubei]

For the price, the Octopus or the Orca skimmers looks tempting.

http://www.protein-skimmer.com/shopping.asp?id=446996&pg=1&merchantid=446996&catid=947&shopperid=41014&shop=itemlist.asp

And shipping is free for the Octopus skimmers. If you don't mind having the sump in the open next to the tank, you can go with the in sump Octopus NW200 ($209) with a HOB overflow. You might be able to do that combo for ~$400.

[David Grigor]

While I haven't had it for very long ( just 1 week ), I have been VERY Impressed with the Tunze 9010. Retail $327. It for sure will keep up with 5-6" diamter NW skimmers on the market and probably a number of 8" skimmers even. It can be used in tank or in sump modes. I'm using in sump, so don't know if when used in tank ( as designed ) just how consistant it will be because of the water level variations from evaporation and don't know what to expect from bubbles in the tank. Extremely quiet and small footprint about the size a overflow would be. It doesn't hang on the back but goes in the tank so you will need some clearance above the waterline for the skimmer cup and hopefully no interference from lighting.

From my experience thus far ( while still early ) I would have no trouble recommending for high load tanks SPS dominate tanks up to 120g-125g. It is versatile and can be run in sump also later if desired and comes will all the plumbing to use insump. I'm running on a heavy stocked 110g.

I'd at least consider it vs. other hang ones ( since very limited selection ) becuase of it's versatility if you go with a sump later on.

You can see it in person at the May 8 meeting since I will be hosting if interested.

[mattb]

Build yourself a 6' counter current out of pvc, it may be ugly, but with a good air pump, and monthly replacements of the air stones, you'll outskim any HOB skimmer...

[epidemic]

David- I was wondering how that thing was working

[JVB]

Just saw this today. http://www.bermudaaquatics.com/rogue.htm Their stuff looks pretty interesting and the price and design might work for gamepoint's application.