I need a better skimmer for my 65...

rooroo · 04/12/2007, 08:05 AM

I currently have an Aqua C Urchin, and while I think its a great skimmer, I think its underpowered for my tank. The only issue with a new skimmer is I have a maximum space in my sump of 6" x 11" at the base. I have less room where the collection cup is because of the pipes from the tank.

So any suggestions for a good skimmer that will fit in this space?

rooroo · 04/12/2007, 08:34 AM

What about this skimmer? No name brand but its a recurculating skimmer that would fit my space.

pitogo · 04/12/2007, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by rooroo
I currently have an Aqua C Urchin, and while I think its a great skimmer, I think its underpowered for my tank. The only issue with a new skimmer is I have a maximum space in my sump of 6" x 11" at the base. I have less room where the collection cup is because of the pipes from the tank.

So any suggestions for a good skimmer that will fit in this space?

Its not a suggestion but more of an observation. I'm new to saltwater, I have a 37G very, very lightly stocked, 2 small percula clowns, 40lbs live sand, 30lbs LR and more sand, some cheato micro algae and LR in the refugium. Only inverts are 3 snails and 3 red leg and 5 blue leg hermit crabs and whatever is living on the rocks. No big corals yet since the tank is so new (should change sig to soon to be reef). Anyway, my fuge came with a small 3.5" Orca skimmer, barely pulling anything out, think it was way too under powered, I decided I needed more, got a Euro-Reef RS-80, its now almost a week, pulling lots of gunk, recently I got some help tuning it and I let it run for 2 days straight and it pulled the nastiest crap out ever. Cleaning the rim felt like I was picking up baby's poop, I was scratching my head, how could a skimmer take out so much gunk and there is barely any thing there. Space for me was an issue, its a miracle but managed to fit it into a 9x7" spot where a normally sized skimmer for a 60gal tank would go. Don't skimp on skimmer is my new found understanding. Everyone has their own way of keeping a tank clean. Good luck in your search.

rooroo · 04/12/2007, 09:22 AM

I have no problem spending some cash on a skimmer, but it seems like the Euroreef won't fit in the space I have. Maybe it will though, thats what I don't know and was hoping that some other people would have insight for me. Thanks for sharing your experience though!

skey44 · 04/12/2007, 09:27 AM

that is an octopus and with a mesh mod-and maybe without- it will do fine in your tank. will pull some extra watts and some have observed it runs a bit hot. this can also be plumbed externally and doesn't need a consisten water height in your skimmer so baffles are less necessary...

skey44 · 04/12/2007, 09:29 AM

tunze skimmer would do pretty good on your size tank and limited space... there are so many options, take your time and look around.

rooroo · 04/12/2007, 09:29 AM

Would an ASM or Euroreef be better? And could I fit the smallest size ASM or Euroreef into that space? I think I might be able to but don't want to spend the cash just incase it doesn't fit.

JER-Z · 04/12/2007, 09:31 AM

http://deltecusa.us/turboskimmers/turbo1250.php

Length: 10.25" Width: 5" Height: 21.25"

rooroo · 04/12/2007, 09:35 AM

Unfortunetly, I think the box shape may be a problem in the sump. I have my drain pipes going into the same compartment so they take up space towards the collection cup area and below. I'd have to measure for sure.

RichConley · 04/12/2007, 09:39 AM

Why run it in the sump? Just buy the recirculating one, and run it external.

rooroo · 04/12/2007, 09:40 AM

I'm paranoid about floods.

rooroo · 04/12/2007, 09:42 AM

Ok, I just realized, I don't know what the difference is between a recirculating and a normal skimmer.

hogben · 04/12/2007, 09:43 AM

Is your current skimmer not skimming enough, or is it maxed out and you need something larger?

If its not skimming enough have you tried a larger pump on it first? Some have had better results with the aqua c spray injection by upgrading the pump.

hogben · 04/12/2007, 09:46 AM

Recirculating skimmers are fed by another pump or your overflow, the non recirculating use the same pump which is drawing air to also feed the water.

rooroo · 04/12/2007, 09:48 AM

I've got a decent case of hair algae. I've been battling it for a few months now, and have upped my water changes to two 5 gallon changes every week with TDS 0 RO/DI water, cutting back lights, greatly increasing my cleanup crew, and I still have issues with hair algae. I'm pretty sure my skimmer is just too small. I have a MJ1200 on the Aqua C Urchin, which is what it came with. I empty the collection cup every week or so, so its just not pulling the gunk like I think the tank needs. I could attempt to upgrade the pump... but at the same time I know I'm gonna need a better, bigger skimmer in the future anyway... might as well get one now.

kodyboy · 04/12/2007, 09:50 AM

for your space a tunze 9010 would really do well, great skimmer, and could be used in the future if you buy a bigger tank. Not cheap, but worth it.

rooroo · 04/12/2007, 09:54 AM

My overflow dumps right into my skimmer compartment. I could easily plumb the overflow into the skimmer...

rooroo · 04/12/2007, 10:17 AM

Hmm, I really like the Tunze skimmer. Looks like the 9005 would work fine too, I don't plan on upgrading my tank until we move to a new house, and that is likely 10 years down the road, and by then I'll have kids and may not even have time for the tank... anyway, thanks for the opinions everyone!

hogben · 04/12/2007, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by rooroo
My overflow dumps right into my skimmer compartment. I could easily plumb the overflow into the skimmer...

I have an older asm g3 which I'm swapping for a similar octopus you linked until I can order a bubble master 160 which looks to be a tad bit bigger then your compartment.

I can say for certain the biggest upgrade on my skimmer has been to feed it directly from the overflow. You get the same results if it sits in a compact chamber of your sump that has direct overflow water.

rooroo · 04/12/2007, 10:43 AM

Where do you buy ATIs?

mg426 · 04/12/2007, 10:49 AM

WWW.reefgeek.com

hogben · 04/12/2007, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by rooroo
Where do you buy ATIs?

Theyre pricey and in sump only, they only get bigger from the 160. Youre paying for the mesh wheel pump and quality build.

But super quiet and lower power with good performance.

Here is the thread for octopus skimmer mods if you try that route.

The tunze skimmers do well also for their size and again youre paying mostly for the efficient pump and build. Cant forget that tunze has super customer service especially in their forum on RC.

kodyboy · 04/12/2007, 11:02 AM

the 9010 is a lot better than the 9005, and it comes with the sump kit, which makes the 9005 cost almost as much as the 9010

Inflames · 04/12/2007, 11:10 AM

That ati is a crazy design. Id like to see it working.

cabowabo · 04/12/2007, 02:51 PM

Go with the Tunze 9010. Great production, very compact, silent, easy to clean, low watt consumption, No downside. When I get the cash I'm buying one to replace my ets reef devil for my 10 gal sump. Reef devil is good just to big for my sump.
Through what ever skimmer hype was going on from the downdraft to the becket days to the present needle wheel craze, The european's were always using the consistant, efficient Tunze skimmers. They are still around as good as and more EFFICIENT than all the rest. JMO.

04/12/2007, 08:05 AM	#1
rooroo Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: New Market, MD Posts: 406	I need a better skimmer for my 65... I currently have an Aqua C Urchin, and while I think its a great skimmer, I think its underpowered for my tank. The only issue with a new skimmer is I have a maximum space in my sump of 6" x 11" at the base. I have less room where the collection cup is because of the pipes from the tank. So any suggestions for a good skimmer that will fit in this space?

04/12/2007, 09:27 AM	#5
skey44 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Taylors, SC Posts: 929	that is an octopus and with a mesh mod-and maybe without- it will do fine in your tank. will pull some extra watts and some have observed it runs a bit hot. this can also be plumbed externally and doesn't need a consisten water height in your skimmer so baffles are less necessary... __________________ Just trying to enjoy a delicious slice of reef pie in the suburban jungle. -Scott Current Tank Info: 40 Breeder Dining Room Tank- 2 Kessil A160, Vortech MP10, Tunze Nanostream, Tunze 9004 skimmer, Marineland HOB, Eheim heater 34g Office Honeymoon Shallow Reef

04/12/2007, 09:29 AM	#6
skey44 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Taylors, SC Posts: 929	tunze skimmer would do pretty good on your size tank and limited space... there are so many options, take your time and look around. __________________ Just trying to enjoy a delicious slice of reef pie in the suburban jungle. -Scott Current Tank Info: 40 Breeder Dining Room Tank- 2 Kessil A160, Vortech MP10, Tunze Nanostream, Tunze 9004 skimmer, Marineland HOB, Eheim heater 34g Office Honeymoon Shallow Reef

04/12/2007, 09:39 AM	#10
RichConley Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Bostonian in Chicago going to DC Posts: 9,908	Why run it in the sump? Just buy the recirculating one, and run it external. __________________ NO TANKS!!!

04/12/2007, 10:49 AM	#21
mg426 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: maryland Posts: 6,923	WWW.reefgeek.com __________________ I found a way to make a small fortune running a reef tank. Start with a large fortune. Unofficial President of the SEACLONE haters club Current Tank Info: 125 mixed reef 110 lbs LR, 1x250watt XM 20K MH 2x175watt XM 20K MH on Magetics 2X96 watt actinic PC, 220 watt VHO actinic, 30 gallon refugium, closed loop system powered by Sequence Dart MSX 200 skimmer 38 gallon sump, Oceansmotions squirt

04/12/2007, 08:34 AM	#2
rooroo Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: New Market, MD Posts: 406	What about this skimmer? No name brand but its a recurculating skimmer that would fit my space.

04/12/2007, 09:22 AM	#4
rooroo Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: New Market, MD Posts: 406	I have no problem spending some cash on a skimmer, but it seems like the Euroreef won't fit in the space I have. Maybe it will though, thats what I don't know and was hoping that some other people would have insight for me. Thanks for sharing your experience though!

04/12/2007, 09:31 AM	#8
JER-Z Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 877	http://deltecusa.us/turboskimmers/turbo1250.php Length: 10.25" Width: 5" Height: 21.25"

04/12/2007, 09:35 AM	#9
rooroo Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: New Market, MD Posts: 406	Unfortunetly, I think the box shape may be a problem in the sump. I have my drain pipes going into the same compartment so they take up space towards the collection cup area and below. I'd have to measure for sure.

04/12/2007, 09:40 AM	#11
rooroo Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: New Market, MD Posts: 406	I'm paranoid about floods.

04/12/2007, 09:42 AM	#12
rooroo Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: New Market, MD Posts: 406	Ok, I just realized, I don't know what the difference is between a recirculating and a normal skimmer.

04/12/2007, 09:43 AM	#13
hogben Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 376	Is your current skimmer not skimming enough, or is it maxed out and you need something larger? If its not skimming enough have you tried a larger pump on it first? Some have had better results with the aqua c spray injection by upgrading the pump.

04/12/2007, 09:46 AM	#14
hogben Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 376	Recirculating skimmers are fed by another pump or your overflow, the non recirculating use the same pump which is drawing air to also feed the water.

04/12/2007, 09:48 AM	#15
rooroo Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: New Market, MD Posts: 406	I've got a decent case of hair algae. I've been battling it for a few months now, and have upped my water changes to two 5 gallon changes every week with TDS 0 RO/DI water, cutting back lights, greatly increasing my cleanup crew, and I still have issues with hair algae. I'm pretty sure my skimmer is just too small. I have a MJ1200 on the Aqua C Urchin, which is what it came with. I empty the collection cup every week or so, so its just not pulling the gunk like I think the tank needs. I could attempt to upgrade the pump... but at the same time I know I'm gonna need a better, bigger skimmer in the future anyway... might as well get one now.

04/12/2007, 09:50 AM	#16
kodyboy Moved On Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 2,990	for your space a tunze 9010 would really do well, great skimmer, and could be used in the future if you buy a bigger tank. Not cheap, but worth it.

04/12/2007, 09:54 AM	#17
rooroo Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: New Market, MD Posts: 406	My overflow dumps right into my skimmer compartment. I could easily plumb the overflow into the skimmer...

04/12/2007, 10:17 AM	#18
rooroo Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: New Market, MD Posts: 406	Hmm, I really like the Tunze skimmer. Looks like the 9005 would work fine too, I don't plan on upgrading my tank until we move to a new house, and that is likely 10 years down the road, and by then I'll have kids and may not even have time for the tank... anyway, thanks for the opinions everyone!

04/12/2007, 10:43 AM	#20
rooroo Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: New Market, MD Posts: 406	Where do you buy ATIs?

04/12/2007, 11:02 AM	#23
kodyboy Moved On Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 2,990	the 9010 is a lot better than the 9005, and it comes with the sump kit, which makes the 9005 cost almost as much as the 9010

04/12/2007, 11:10 AM	#24
Inflames Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Norcal Posts: 595	That ati is a crazy design. Id like to see it working.

04/12/2007, 02:51 PM	#25
cabowabo Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 248	Go with the Tunze 9010. Great production, very compact, silent, easy to clean, low watt consumption, No downside. When I get the cash I'm buying one to replace my ets reef devil for my 10 gal sump. Reef devil is good just to big for my sump. Through what ever skimmer hype was going on from the downdraft to the becket days to the present needle wheel craze, The european's were always using the consistant, efficient Tunze skimmers. They are still around as good as and more EFFICIENT than all the rest. JMO. Last edited by cabowabo; 04/12/2007 at 03:05 PM.