Cyano problems - bio pellets and skimmer rating?

[Jade5051]

I had cyano problems in my 75g tank. Setup was follows:

• 2x150w MH and 4x54w T5 bulbs.
• Bashsea PM1 biopellet reactor plumbed directly into skimmer.
• Modified AquaC Urchin Pro skimmer with Mag5 pump.
• BRS Carbon/GFO reactor.
• Jebao DC6000 return pump (Flow through the tank/sump was only 300 gph).
• 2x Hydor koralia 3 850 gph powerheads.

I'm converting the 75g into an all in one tank. The display will be about 55g. Setup will be as follows:

• 1x150w MH 2x54w power compacts.
• Bashsea PM1 Biopellet reactor.
• Eshopps PSK-75 skimmer.
• Carbon/GFO bags placed between the baffles.
• A 10x10 algae scrubber with 350gph and 48 watts of lighting.
• Jebao DC6000 return pump (Flow through tank/sump should be around 550-700 gph).
• Perhaps 1 Hydor Koralia 3 850 gph powerhead (might not run it at all).

I've been looking all over the internet for guidance on skimmer size to biopellet ratio. Only thing ppl are saying is if you run biopellets they suggest heavy skimming.

I don't want cyano problems again...So, what is heavy skimming and how big of a skimmer do you need for biopellets? Will the Eshopps PSK-75 handle the Bashsea PM1 and 55g display?

If you want a visual. I've attached a rough draft of the tank. The display area is 36x18x21. The sump area is 12x18x21.

[shortcake]

That skimmer should be fine, I would think that the bigger the skimmer, the better off you are. Some people when using biopellets/vodka dosing also dose bacteria like brightwells to make sure the bacteria population remains stable and prevents an outbreak.

[Jade5051]

I'm starting to think the Urchin Pro would be ahead of the PSK75. I'd like to run the PSK75 because it's more energy efficient and the pump isn't as loud as the Mag5.

Thanks for the bacteria tip. I was not aware of that product.

[mrbigshot]

heavy skimming usually means using a skimmer rated for 2x time tank volume. most skimmers wont handle the load there sold for prior to dumping pellet bacteria. carbon dosing/ biopellets work hand in had with light gfo use. its best to use both at the same time as biopellets don't remove phosphates from water and the build of of excess bacteria and phosphates usually cause a cyano outbreak.

having the output from your reactor plumbed into the skimmer intake or as close as possible to your intake is the best way to do it. remoras and urchins are pretty crappy skimmer. no doubt just about anything else with a proper pinwheel will outdo it at a much quieter volume.

[L8Braker]

Hey Jade.... I thought Cyano was formed due to the lack of water movement and too high phosphates? Are you using RO/DI water for all changes and top offs? Possibly need to up the water change amount?

PS got my aqua-c ev1000 running like a champ!!! Just needed a panworld pump.