Let's formulate a skimmer test standard

[JNye]

I've been pondering this for a LONG time. A skimmer test. A simple set of rules/protocol that are relatively easy(for a serious hobbyist). It has to use stuff we all prolly have.
Basically you put the skimmer to be tested in a 40B or a 20?. You skim RO/DI water mixed to 35ppt for 24 hours, maybe more maybe less?. You measure the skimmate. You take pics of it with light behind it. Skimmer must be clean...vinegar bath.

I understand there are still variables but its a start for us to compare on a more level playing field. I think you can use a skimmer stand. You should also post as much information as possible, (temp, skimmer height, salt used, etc)

Lastly we need a skimmate additive. I have no idea what that should be but I'm sure someone has the right answer.

If we could agree on a set of rules we could actually compare skimmers a little more scientifically. Is this possible!!!

[GSMguy]

What is there to skim in clean water?

[pwoller]

The skimmer that skims the most nothing out of the clean water wins? Or loses?

[A.T.T.R]

onlt way you could make this work is
do what you said
but add skimate to the tanks.
skimmate from the same source fromt the same time

say someone with a large skimmer emptys the collection bucket. mixes it well and then puts skimmate into the bottle and you are to throw that skimmate into exactly blablabla of water and reskim it

[jmart55]

The additive could be a determined amount of food(pellet or flake) disolved in a cup of water.

[Condiman]

I would do the test for more then just one day. You could do maybe a 3 day test. One thing tho is that what about the flow rates for some of the skimmers if you put it into a 20 or even a 40 if the skimmers pump has a high flow rate I dont think it would be a reasonable test.

[Condiman]

Originally posted by A.T.T.R
onlt way you could make this work is
do what you said
but add skimate to the tanks.
skimmate from the same source fromt the same time

say someone with a large skimmer emptys the collection bucket. mixes it well and then puts skimmate into the bottle and you are to throw that skimmate into exactly blablabla of water and reskim it

Well if you use skimmate I think that it should be mixed with a powerhead for 24 hours before the skimmer is placed into the tank making sure it is properly mixed.

If we do go and use skimmate that really cant be accurate because everyones skimmate is of a different mixture of things. What about like what was posted before if you were to put a measured amount of food in for some many days and then place the skimmer in and test it then. But I am still not sure if that will get the right results we are needing for this.

[JNye]

I like the ideas. Please remember this is not and could not be a perfect test. It will be much more accurate than "Dude that skimmer rocks". Thats really the point.

Like I said an artificial additive will act as the skimmate. It has to be something consistent and readily available. Someone in the chemistry forum might have a good answer.
My first thought was a phyto type additive...ie 10 ml of phyto2?

I'm considering testing the test first. I'm thinking first use a broken in skimmer for 24hrs, measure.
Redo the test identically, except monitor the skimmer until the same amount of skimmate is produced. So i have a time to produce X amount of skimmate.(how quickly nasties are removed)

Then redo the 2 above tests with the same skimmer, but cleaned. Then I can compare results and see if a clean skimmer is viable/fair, because running it clean does help take out a lot of variables.
I will also test out an artificial skimmate at this time. Still not sure what is best. I like the dissolved dry food idea but still entertaining ideas.

I would do the test for more then just one day. You could do maybe a 3 day test. One thing tho is that what about the flow rates for some of the skimmers if you put it into a 20 or even a 40 if the skimmers pump has a high flow rate I dont think it would be a reasonable test.

I think I'll have to run the test a few times to see what legnth of time works best. Good point.
The very largest skimmers may need a larger size. If this ever gets this far that will get worked out. For the skimmers I am interested in testing (the 75-300 gallon realistic skim capabilities class) I think 20-40 gallon is the right size to start with.
Keep the ideas, thoughts, comments coming.

[Condiman]

Another thing to do I know its more work but you could also in the future when things get worked out is to test modded and unmodded versions as well.

[Condiman]

I would love to help take part in theses tests because one I have alot of spare time and two I am wondering which skimmer works the best.

[JNye]

Good to know Condi. Hopefully others will join in too. I'd say go for it and post results/findings here. I am planning to start testing ASAP. My biggest issue right now is getting a current/quality skimmer to test. Its starting to seem like this testing will take awhile(to figure out) and my system cannot go without its skimmer(Octo Pro 300). And I can't afford to just buy a quality skimmer just to test.
Because you are in the biz you probably have extra equipment and stuff lying around.
Lastly each test will take about a week or more, I am not willing to waste 20-40 gallons of fresh saltwater on a test. So I can perform 1 test per week and do a WC with it when I'm done.

[Condiman]

I wouldnt rush into it because we should get things planned out to a t first so we are both on the same page. Yes I do have plenty of equipment on hand but not alot of the newer skimmers.

[Keith P]

Is there a way to measure DOC? eliminating variables is important...

[Condiman]

i was wondering the same thing. I do have an orp meter I can use. But I dont know if that would give the same results

[JNye]

I believe these values can be obtained. Unfortunately I think its a little more complicated than a hobbyist grade measuring stick I'm trying to achieve.
Eliminating variables is the most important part of this test and the ability to duplicate it anywhere.

[Condiman]

Would an orp tester be able to give those results

[kaskiles]

Does peat moss drop the pH or alkalinity of seawater like it does in fresh water?

If so, maybe some seawater peat moss leachate could be used as the skimmate standard and pH and/or alkalinity could be used to quantify the skimming results?

[Condiman]

I honestly couldnt tell ya I have never used the stuff.

[pjf]

There are ongoing skimmer performance tests that may be published in Advanced Aquarist later this year. Under controlled conditions, bovine serum albumin (BSA) is placed in a tank and its concentration is monitored to determine the ability of a skimmer to remove it. See this post: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...e#post10715759.

[Condiman]

Thanks I didnt know anything about that at all. Thank you

[Condiman]

I see they never completed the tests I wonder if we could do it a simpler way

[JNye]

Thanks PJF. Thats interesting, didn't know about that.
Still though I want an easier test most anyone interested enough could throw togther. I plan to start testing the test first. I will update with any revelations.

[dots]

Since we are atempting to remove organics before they break down. Why not let them after they are collected and measure the amount of Ammonia produced when it does? Then standardize it by dividing the volume collected.

I am not sure on the product to test, but thought that to be one to consider first.