Skimmer Help... pls, pls, pls.

Bygkid · 04/09/2008, 11:40 AM

I need some help and opinions.

I have a 140g mixed reef /55gal sump/fug with 15 fish. I have been running the CSS 220 in sump for over a year and a half with little or no problems. My problem now stems from not being able to order another skimmer pump(none available), so I figure it is time for an upgrade since I am now stocking more Sps.

I need a skimmer that can carry my load but has to fit in my sump. I can't buy one that won't fit in sump since I have no other place to put one.
Here are my main issues...

footprint and limited space to get it in the sump.
I have a 30" stand. My in sump footprint cannot exceed 12x12 including pump and I have only 6 1/2 " of clearance to slide it into my sump.

I have looked into ATI, BSM, Triggersys, Bubbleking, etc and now my head hurts

. Any and all help with narrowing my search is GREATLY appreciated.

Scott

luke33 · 04/09/2008, 11:44 AM

My only thought would be to use an external skimmer behind your stand if you have the room. I can't think of any skimmer that will be small enough to fit capable of handling that. Maybe a das ex2 would fit. But i doubt it.

Bygkid · 04/09/2008, 02:38 PM

My tank sits up against a wall(outside) and has a couch to one side and the Kitchen Bar on the other. Like I was saying. Limited space with little to no room outside the stand.

Big_D · 04/09/2008, 02:47 PM

It would be seriusly tight, but you might be able to get an MSX160 in there. It would really have it's work cut out, but I think it would skim circles around the CSS 220. The only way I could see you getting it in there would be piece by piece and building it in the sump.

Another option might be the DAS EX1, but it's going to be pretty under guned too. I do remember someone running one on a 180 though. Either way, you'll need to keep up with a pretty rigourous water change schedule if the tank is moderately stocked... but then again, they'll both out perform what you're running now.

I do agree with Luke though... your best option would be a larger external.

Big D

tgreene · 04/09/2008, 02:53 PM

Myself and a friend both had issues w/ CSS-220 pumps, so we ordered the Gen-X Needlewheels and modded them to fit and function... The Gen-X kick *** over the original pumps!

Once attached, do not add the crappy Gen-X intake strainer, but rather drill a 1/4" hole down through the intake tube that the strainer attaches to, and stuff a length of RO tubing into it, with a slash cut facing inwards to feed air to the needlewheel.

This pump does not have the same starting issues that the CSS pump has, which makes it even a better option!

-Tim

Bygkid · 04/10/2008, 08:18 AM

tgreene- HOw much modding do the Gen-x pumps need? Is the output similar in size? The airtube mod seems simple enough. I found 2 different Gen-x pumps for skimming. Should I buy the one similar to the pump I have or go for the largest?

luke33 & Big_D thanks for the suggestions. I will look at them and see how and if they can work.

A friend of mine suggested looking at the Tunze brands as well. Anyone have any experience with them? I have 4 of the nano stream pumps and a controller and they work great in my tall tank so the skimmers are a consideration for size especially. I just worry that they mauy not really be able to handle my load.

Scott

luke33 · 04/10/2008, 08:24 AM

Only problem with the gen x pump's is they rust on the heat sink

tgreene · 04/10/2008, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bygkid
tgreene- HOw much modding do the Gen-x pumps need? Is the output similar in size? The airtube mod seems simple enough. I found 2 different Gen-x pumps for skimming. Should I buy the one similar to the pump I have or go for the largest?

The output comes with sizing adapters, and there is one that is the same.

This is the pump we used: http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merch...gory_Code=MAK4

tgreene · 04/10/2008, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by luke33
Only problem with the gen x pump's is they rust on the heat sink

Sweet, free Feric Oxide!

saveafish · 04/10/2008, 09:01 AM

The etss reef budy 60 is pretty compact. Might look into that if your interedted in thoes. My buddy has one and I do like.

tgreene · 04/10/2008, 09:07 AM

FWIW: I would spend $35 for a new pump, before spending $235 for a new skimmer of similar rating, because that extra $$$ can come in real handy!

Granted, most of the skimmers that I use sell for over $1200 each, but still.....

-Tim

luke33 · 04/10/2008, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by tgreene
Sweet, free Feric Oxide!

The debate continues!

saveafish · 04/10/2008, 09:20 AM

HeHe As I wave to luke33 out the window and take a seat with a notebook. Hey bro

04/09/2008, 11:40 AM	#1
Bygkid Premium Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Grand Prairie, Texas Posts: 187	Skimmer Help... pls, pls, pls. I need some help and opinions. I have a 140g mixed reef /55gal sump/fug with 15 fish. I have been running the CSS 220 in sump for over a year and a half with little or no problems. My problem now stems from not being able to order another skimmer pump(none available), so I figure it is time for an upgrade since I am now stocking more Sps. I need a skimmer that can carry my load but has to fit in my sump. I can't buy one that won't fit in sump since I have no other place to put one. Here are my main issues... footprint and limited space to get it in the sump. I have a 30" stand. My in sump footprint cannot exceed 12x12 including pump and I have only 6 1/2 " of clearance to slide it into my sump. I have looked into ATI, BSM, Triggersys, Bubbleking, etc and now my head hurts. Any and all help with narrowing my search is GREATLY appreciated. Scott __________________ One cannot wage war under present conditions without the support of public opinion, which is tremendously molded by the press and other forms of propaganda. - Douglas MacArthur Current Tank Info: Custom 140g mixed reef. 2 Mag 12 returns, 60" Current Sunpod HQI with 3 Phoenix 14000K 150W DE MH,55g sump/fug, Tunze 9015 skimmer, 4 Tunze 6055's w/ Multi Controller: 29g FW community tank, 450G FW Comet ponds

04/09/2008, 02:38 PM	#3
Bygkid Premium Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Grand Prairie, Texas Posts: 187	My tank sits up against a wall(outside) and has a couch to one side and the Kitchen Bar on the other. Like I was saying. Limited space with little to no room outside the stand. __________________ One cannot wage war under present conditions without the support of public opinion, which is tremendously molded by the press and other forms of propaganda. - Douglas MacArthur Current Tank Info: Custom 140g mixed reef. 2 Mag 12 returns, 60" Current Sunpod HQI with 3 Phoenix 14000K 150W DE MH,55g sump/fug, Tunze 9015 skimmer, 4 Tunze 6055's w/ Multi Controller: 29g FW community tank, 450G FW Comet ponds

04/09/2008, 02:47 PM	#4
Big_D Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Newnan, GA Posts: 493	It would be seriusly tight, but you might be able to get an MSX160 in there. It would really have it's work cut out, but I think it would skim circles around the CSS 220. The only way I could see you getting it in there would be piece by piece and building it in the sump. Another option might be the DAS EX1, but it's going to be pretty under guned too. I do remember someone running one on a 180 though. Either way, you'll need to keep up with a pretty rigourous water change schedule if the tank is moderately stocked... but then again, they'll both out perform what you're running now. I do agree with Luke though... your best option would be a larger external. Big D __________________ To see my 180gal build, click my user name and select "Visit Big_D's Homepage"! Current Tank Info: 180g SPS dominant mixed reef, 6x80W T-5's on IceCap 660's and 2x54W T-5's on a spec ballast, Alpha 250 Cone Skimmer, Dual Compat Medical Dosers, Deltec KM500S Kalk Stirrer, 2-VorTech MP40W's, 4-Tunze 6055's, APEX Controller... and an empty wallet!

04/09/2008, 02:53 PM	#5
tgreene Registered Member. Join Date: May 2003 Location: Jonesboro, AR Posts: 2,712	Myself and a friend both had issues w/ CSS-220 pumps, so we ordered the Gen-X Needlewheels and modded them to fit and function... The Gen-X kick *** over the original pumps! Once attached, do not add the crappy Gen-X intake strainer, but rather drill a 1/4" hole down through the intake tube that the strainer attaches to, and stuff a length of RO tubing into it, with a slash cut facing inwards to feed air to the needlewheel. This pump does not have the same starting issues that the CSS pump has, which makes it even a better option! -Tim __________________ WWBAD Current Tank Info: 157g custom Starphire display, 450g frag system, 285g fish QT system, 400g Shark tank

04/10/2008, 08:18 AM	#6
Bygkid Premium Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Grand Prairie, Texas Posts: 187	tgreene- HOw much modding do the Gen-x pumps need? Is the output similar in size? The airtube mod seems simple enough. I found 2 different Gen-x pumps for skimming. Should I buy the one similar to the pump I have or go for the largest? luke33 & Big_D thanks for the suggestions. I will look at them and see how and if they can work. A friend of mine suggested looking at the Tunze brands as well. Anyone have any experience with them? I have 4 of the nano stream pumps and a controller and they work great in my tall tank so the skimmers are a consideration for size especially. I just worry that they mauy not really be able to handle my load. Scott __________________ One cannot wage war under present conditions without the support of public opinion, which is tremendously molded by the press and other forms of propaganda. - Douglas MacArthur Current Tank Info: Custom 140g mixed reef. 2 Mag 12 returns, 60" Current Sunpod HQI with 3 Phoenix 14000K 150W DE MH,55g sump/fug, Tunze 9015 skimmer, 4 Tunze 6055's w/ Multi Controller: 29g FW community tank, 450G FW Comet ponds

04/09/2008, 11:44 AM	#2
luke33 Moved On Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 8,375	My only thought would be to use an external skimmer behind your stand if you have the room. I can't think of any skimmer that will be small enough to fit capable of handling that. Maybe a das ex2 would fit. But i doubt it.

04/10/2008, 08:24 AM	#7
luke33 Moved On Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 8,375	Only problem with the gen x pump's is they rust on the heat sink

04/10/2008, 09:01 AM	#10
saveafish Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: indiana Posts: 873	The etss reef budy 60 is pretty compact. Might look into that if your interedted in thoes. My buddy has one and I do like. __________________ If it was'nt for the sea I could not see or sing ( Jimmy Buffet ) I like to glue animals to rocks and put disturbing amounts of electricity and saltwater next to each other Reefing is'nt how long you been in it. It is how deep you get in it. Current Tank Info: 400g display build, 300g sump, 75g ATO, 75g refug and a few more. Close to a 1000g. 200g mixing station.

04/10/2008, 09:07 AM	#11
tgreene Registered Member. Join Date: May 2003 Location: Jonesboro, AR Posts: 2,712	FWIW: I would spend $35 for a new pump, before spending $235 for a new skimmer of similar rating, because that extra $$$ can come in real handy! Granted, most of the skimmers that I use sell for over $1200 each, but still..... -Tim __________________ WWBAD Current Tank Info: 157g custom Starphire display, 450g frag system, 285g fish QT system, 400g Shark tank

04/10/2008, 09:20 AM	#13
saveafish Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: indiana Posts: 873	HeHe As I wave to luke33 out the window and take a seat with a notebook. Hey bro __________________ If it was'nt for the sea I could not see or sing ( Jimmy Buffet ) I like to glue animals to rocks and put disturbing amounts of electricity and saltwater next to each other Reefing is'nt how long you been in it. It is how deep you get in it. Current Tank Info: 400g display build, 300g sump, 75g ATO, 75g refug and a few more. Close to a 1000g. 200g mixing station.