Skimmer Working Correctly?

grigorescu · 05/13/2007, 06:21 PM

Hi everyone,

I've had my 29 gallon tank setup for about 3 weeks now. It has a clownfish, some star polyps, and about 15 pounds of live rock (with a few hitchhickers).

The problem is that I'm pretty sure that my Venturi protein skimmer isn't pulling out as much skimmate as it should. I won't reveal the skimmer brand/model in order to prevent another which-skimmer-is-best war

. Each week, it only collects ~1/4 cup of very light (green tea colored, say) skimmate. I've been fiddling with the various adjustments for the past week or so now, and haven't been able to significantly increase the production.

I realize that the current performance is basically not doing anything for my tank, so, before I start shopping for a new skimmer, I was wondering if there's any way that I'm not getting any skimmate because my tank is still quite new.

Thanks in advance for all your help, this site is such a great resource.

joshsreef18 · 05/13/2007, 07:11 PM

If ur tank has only been goin for three weeks there is probably not very many nutrients for it to skim, also u should have about 30lbs of rock. That is another good way of filtration. i would wait to add anymore livestock, let ur tank cycle some more.

grigorescu · 05/13/2007, 07:13 PM

I have about 20 pounds of dry rock in there in addition to the live rock.

jer77 · 05/13/2007, 08:16 PM

Your tank definately has junk to be skimmed no matter how old it is. It could be though that the skimmer is still adjusting and breaking in. But after 3 weeks I'd say it should be skimming at its full potential. Why can't you say what type it is? Its ok, I had a seaclone once. There are many mods for these types of skimmers to increase performance.

05/13/2007, 06:21 PM	#1
grigorescu Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Urbana, IL Posts: 25	Skimmer Working Correctly? Hi everyone, I've had my 29 gallon tank setup for about 3 weeks now. It has a clownfish, some star polyps, and about 15 pounds of live rock (with a few hitchhickers). The problem is that I'm pretty sure that my Venturi protein skimmer isn't pulling out as much skimmate as it should. I won't reveal the skimmer brand/model in order to prevent another which-skimmer-is-best war . Each week, it only collects ~1/4 cup of very light (green tea colored, say) skimmate. I've been fiddling with the various adjustments for the past week or so now, and haven't been able to significantly increase the production. I realize that the current performance is basically not doing anything for my tank, so, before I start shopping for a new skimmer, I was wondering if there's any way that I'm not getting any skimmate because my tank is still quite new. Thanks in advance for all your help, this site is such a great resource.

05/13/2007, 08:16 PM	#4
jer77 Phish Lover Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 2,642	Your tank definately has junk to be skimmed no matter how old it is. It could be though that the skimmer is still adjusting and breaking in. But after 3 weeks I'd say it should be skimming at its full potential. Why can't you say what type it is? Its ok, I had a seaclone once. There are many mods for these types of skimmers to increase performance. __________________ - Jonny -, 120g 5 Year Old Reef w/ SPS, BTA, Zoos & some Softies. 40g Frag Tank. 40g Sump. Super Reef Octopus XP 3000 External Cone Skimmer. 250W Radiums. TaoTronics LED. PanWorld 200PS w/SQWD

05/13/2007, 07:11 PM	#2
joshsreef18 Registered Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Holland,Michigan Posts: 32	If ur tank has only been goin for three weeks there is probably not very many nutrients for it to skim, also u should have about 30lbs of rock. That is another good way of filtration. i would wait to add anymore livestock, let ur tank cycle some more.

05/13/2007, 07:13 PM	#3
grigorescu Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Urbana, IL Posts: 25	I have about 20 pounds of dry rock in there in addition to the live rock.