How much do you value a skimmer?

apolloreef · 03/19/2015, 01:18 PM

While looking for ways to improve my setup I have researched HOB skimmers for my 29 gallon sumpless tank. Eventually I would like to have a very nice setup with a sump and more, but that isn't currently possible. I know people have successfully ran tanks skimmerless, but for those that never would go without one what does the skimmer bring that can't be compensated for elsewhere?

Adamant · 03/19/2015, 01:32 PM

AIUI, they remove DOCs, if you don't then they'll pass through the Nitrogen cycle and so lead to higher Nitrates and thus needing more frequent water changes.

apolloreef · 03/19/2015, 01:37 PM

Aiui?

Adamant · 03/19/2015, 01:41 PM

Sorry, used to 'net slang!

AIUI = As I Understand It

Sk8r · 03/19/2015, 01:49 PM

I'd recommend an AquaC Remora for a 29. It's possible to run a tank without one at all, but what they pull out is the stuff that (before we had skimmers) made it impossible to get certain species to thrive in our tanks. They also increase oxygenation, which means a healthier tank.

tzylak · 03/19/2015, 01:51 PM

It removes crap, and adds circulation and aeration.
I judge water quality by monitoring the foaminess of the skimmate. -When I stir up the bottom it bubbles like crazy, vs. after water change it calms way down. It is not vital but sure makes the fish breathe better.

Get one. -My $.02.

apolloreef · 03/19/2015, 02:02 PM

I see the reef octopus, aquamaxx, and remora on amazon. Are there any benefits between those for a 29gallon as far as size, noise, quality?

ReefsandGeeks · 03/19/2015, 02:04 PM

I ran skimmerless for about 6 months and have had one for about 6 months now as well. I wouldn't go back. My water quality is much better with a skimmer than without. The removal of DOCs before they are turned to ammonia is great for essentialy lowering the bioload of the tank. Plus the airation raises pH levels as well as the oxygen levels in the tank. Perhaps equaly important is the ability to carbon dose (vinegar/vodka) if you have a good skimmer. Can't do it without a good skimmer, but with one you can keep your nitrates so low it's actualy too low even for the most sensitive coral. Eventualy will pay for itself in water changes saved, assuming you're like me and were routinely performing large water changes every week or two to keep nitrates tolerable.

You can have a sucessful tank without one, but it makes life so much easier, and provides a better envoronment for the tank occupants. I wouldn't be without one now that I've used one for a while. (Eshopps hob 75 on my 40 gallon tank)

ReefsandGeeks · 03/19/2015, 02:06 PM

I've heard reef octopus and aquamaxx are both very good. The eshopps I have is very similar to the reef octopus, but about $60ish cheaper I think. It's quite and works great for me. I'd either get that or the reef octopus if i had to buy again.

Stackemdeep · 03/19/2015, 02:38 PM

Being unable to run a fuge when sumpless, I definitely would value a skimmer for export to relieve some of the water change burden and offer some more export.
I suggest you read the 106 reviews on the Aq.maxx HOB1 on M. Depot. I have had no luck at all helping my friend tune and get the RO 1000 working. It simply does not perform well on his 30 and there is no adjustment for air unless you do your own mod. I am not at all impressed with that skimmer. As far as HOB skimmers go, the Aquamaxx HOB1 has a cult following because they work so well, but they cost a few bucks more. They are known as the top of the food chain when it comes to hang on back skimming.

Sk8r · 03/19/2015, 03:39 PM

Reef Octopus has a good rep. Didn't know they came smaller sized.

Mythicalelf · 03/19/2015, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sk8r

I'd recommend an AquaC Remora for a 29. It's possible to run a tank without one at all, but what they pull out is the stuff that (before we had skimmers) made it impossible to get certain species to thrive in our tanks. They also increase oxygenation, which means a healthier tank.

I have one of those that I ran on my 55 gallon before I broke it down. I liked it. It pulled out a lot of stanky stuff.

ABnormalAZ · 03/19/2015, 05:07 PM

I have a Tunze DOC 9001 on my 30g tank... I love it!! I dont have a sump so its in the tank. It takes up some room but it works great.

http://www.aquacave.com/tunze-doc-90...FYhhfgodY0UAjg

GT350pwns · 03/19/2015, 08:46 PM

I have a reef octopus bh1000 on my 36 gal reef tank. I love it and can't imagine my tank without a skimmer anymore.

I was without a skimmer for awhile, though. Probably the 1st six months. Created good husbandry habits with this being my first tank (that is now 13 months old)

hotelbravo · 03/19/2015, 09:12 PM

Im currently running skimmerless I have one but I feel it wasnt doing anything. It would fill up with water instead of the foam. I am not educated on skimmers so im not even sure if the water it collects is actually garbage water and that the skimmer is working as intended. It gets foam first few days then only liquid Anyone care to enlighten me?

rfgonzo · 03/19/2015, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hotelbravo

Im currently running skimmerless I have one but I feel it wasnt doing anything. It would fill up with water instead of the foam. I am not educated on skimmers so im not even sure if the water it collects is actually garbage water and that the skimmer is working as intended. It gets foam first few days then only liquid Anyone care to enlighten me?

Take a big whiff of the skimmate, you'll know if it's working properly.

JoelA7 · 03/19/2015, 10:50 PM

20 years ago first tank I added a hang on skimmer with wooden airstones. What a difference. Go for it.

hotelbravo · 03/19/2015, 11:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rfgonzo

Take a big whiff of the skimmate, you'll know if it's working properly.

its never really smelled terrible.. slightly fishy but nothing strong.

jbvdhp · 03/20/2015, 12:54 AM

I love the JNS/Aquamaxx skimmer I just bought, and I would recommend the same to you. It's great to know you're pulling a lot of organic waste from the water and to me, my tank is healthier.

jbvdhp · 03/20/2015, 12:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoelA7

20 years ago first tank I added a hang on skimmer with wooden airstones. What a difference. Go for it.

I remember those. Dirt cheap, and air stones had to be changed every 3 months. Man those things produced some fine bubbles.

AdamNC · 03/20/2015, 05:37 AM

I personally would never run a tank without a skimmer, except of course a pico. What your live rock can't break down the skimmer will pull out. Not to mention if your skimmer has a pre-skimmer it can take that oily film on the surface that pumps just push around.

kenpau · 03/20/2015, 07:24 AM

When allocating money to a system your skimmer should be the one piece of equipment you shouldn't cut back on. It will greatly improve water quality, overall health of fish and corals and keeps nutrients under control if run properly. A must have!!

Stackemdeep · 03/20/2015, 07:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sk8r

Reef Octopus has a good rep. Didn't know they came smaller sized.

They have a 1000 and a 2000. Intake pipe on the 1000 had to be cut because it would not come up high enough so that the intake weir would actually be at the surface so it started working a little better. If you search online you can find where guys have had to do this mod and some build their own adjustable silencer to be able to tune the air flow. Agreed RO has a good rep, but this one is not a flagship by any stretch.

Mythicalelf · 03/20/2015, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbvdhp

I remember those. Dirt cheap, and air stones had to be changed every 3 months. Man those things produced some fine bubbles.

That is how the smaller DIY ones are made now. Also There is one made for the biocube that uses an airstone but I never heard much good about it.

03/19/2015, 01:18 PM	#1
apolloreef Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 96	How much do you value a skimmer? While looking for ways to improve my setup I have researched HOB skimmers for my 29 gallon sumpless tank. Eventually I would like to have a very nice setup with a sump and more, but that isn't currently possible. I know people have successfully ran tanks skimmerless, but for those that never would go without one what does the skimmer bring that can't be compensated for elsewhere?

03/19/2015, 01:49 PM	#5
Sk8r RC Mod Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 34,628 Blog Entries: 55	I'd recommend an AquaC Remora for a 29. It's possible to run a tank without one at all, but what they pull out is the stuff that (before we had skimmers) made it impossible to get certain species to thrive in our tanks. They also increase oxygenation, which means a healthier tank. __________________ Sk8r Salinity 1.024-6; alkalinity 8.3-9.3 on KH scale; calcium 420; magnesium 1300, temp 78-80, nitrate .2. Ammonia 0. No filters: lps tank. Alk and cal won't rise if mg is low. Current Tank Info: 105g AquaVim wedge, yellow tang, sailfin blenny,royal gramma, ocellaris clown pair, yellow watchman, 100 microceriths, 25 tiny hermits, a 4" conch, 1" nassarius, recovering from 2 year hiatus with daily water change of 10%. Last edited by Sk8r; 03/19/2015 at 02:34 PM.

03/19/2015, 02:38 PM	#10
Stackemdeep Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Carolina Beach NC Posts: 429	Being unable to run a fuge when sumpless, I definitely would value a skimmer for export to relieve some of the water change burden and offer some more export. I suggest you read the 106 reviews on the Aq.maxx HOB1 on M. Depot. I have had no luck at all helping my friend tune and get the RO 1000 working. It simply does not perform well on his 30 and there is no adjustment for air unless you do your own mod. I am not at all impressed with that skimmer. As far as HOB skimmers go, the Aquamaxx HOB1 has a cult following because they work so well, but they cost a few bucks more. They are known as the top of the food chain when it comes to hang on back skimming. __________________ Paul Current Tank Info: 120g SPS tank Last edited by Stackemdeep; 03/19/2015 at 03:03 PM.

03/19/2015, 03:39 PM	#11
Sk8r RC Mod Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 34,628 Blog Entries: 55	Reef Octopus has a good rep. Didn't know they came smaller sized. __________________ Sk8r Salinity 1.024-6; alkalinity 8.3-9.3 on KH scale; calcium 420; magnesium 1300, temp 78-80, nitrate .2. Ammonia 0. No filters: lps tank. Alk and cal won't rise if mg is low. Current Tank Info: 105g AquaVim wedge, yellow tang, sailfin blenny,royal gramma, ocellaris clown pair, yellow watchman, 100 microceriths, 25 tiny hermits, a 4" conch, 1" nassarius, recovering from 2 year hiatus with daily water change of 10%.

03/19/2015, 09:12 PM	#15
hotelbravo Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Posts: 2,175	Im currently running skimmerless I have one but I feel it wasnt doing anything. It would fill up with water instead of the foam. I am not educated on skimmers so im not even sure if the water it collects is actually garbage water and that the skimmer is working as intended. It gets foam first few days then only liquid Anyone care to enlighten me? __________________ -Hodge Current Tank Info: 180 gallon, 40b sump. 3x OR T247 lighting, Reef Octopus protein skimmer, phosban 550 reactor, tunze ato, gyre xf 150, 2x mag 9.5 returns.

03/19/2015, 01:32 PM	#2
Adamant Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Posts: 70	AIUI, they remove DOCs, if you don't then they'll pass through the Nitrogen cycle and so lead to higher Nitrates and thus needing more frequent water changes.

03/19/2015, 01:37 PM	#3
apolloreef Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 96	Aiui?

03/19/2015, 01:41 PM	#4
Adamant Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Posts: 70	Sorry, used to 'net slang! AIUI = As I Understand It

03/19/2015, 01:51 PM	#6
tzylak Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Oceanside, CA Posts: 457	It removes crap, and adds circulation and aeration. I judge water quality by monitoring the foaminess of the skimmate. -When I stir up the bottom it bubbles like crazy, vs. after water change it calms way down. It is not vital but sure makes the fish breathe better. Get one. -My $.02.

03/19/2015, 02:02 PM	#7
apolloreef Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 96	I see the reef octopus, aquamaxx, and remora on amazon. Are there any benefits between those for a 29gallon as far as size, noise, quality?

03/19/2015, 02:04 PM	#8
ReefsandGeeks Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 1,708	I ran skimmerless for about 6 months and have had one for about 6 months now as well. I wouldn't go back. My water quality is much better with a skimmer than without. The removal of DOCs before they are turned to ammonia is great for essentialy lowering the bioload of the tank. Plus the airation raises pH levels as well as the oxygen levels in the tank. Perhaps equaly important is the ability to carbon dose (vinegar/vodka) if you have a good skimmer. Can't do it without a good skimmer, but with one you can keep your nitrates so low it's actualy too low even for the most sensitive coral. Eventualy will pay for itself in water changes saved, assuming you're like me and were routinely performing large water changes every week or two to keep nitrates tolerable. You can have a sucessful tank without one, but it makes life so much easier, and provides a better envoronment for the tank occupants. I wouldn't be without one now that I've used one for a while. (Eshopps hob 75 on my 40 gallon tank)

03/19/2015, 02:06 PM	#9
ReefsandGeeks Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 1,708	I've heard reef octopus and aquamaxx are both very good. The eshopps I have is very similar to the reef octopus, but about $60ish cheaper I think. It's quite and works great for me. I'd either get that or the reef octopus if i had to buy again.

03/19/2015, 05:07 PM	#13
ABnormalAZ Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Posts: 31	I have a Tunze DOC 9001 on my 30g tank... I love it!! I dont have a sump so its in the tank. It takes up some room but it works great. http://www.aquacave.com/tunze-doc-90...FYhhfgodY0UAjg

03/19/2015, 08:46 PM	#14
GT350pwns Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 600	I have a reef octopus bh1000 on my 36 gal reef tank. I love it and can't imagine my tank without a skimmer anymore. I was without a skimmer for awhile, though. Probably the 1st six months. Created good husbandry habits with this being my first tank (that is now 13 months old)

03/19/2015, 10:50 PM	#17
JoelA7 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Brookline, MA Posts: 1,056	20 years ago first tank I added a hang on skimmer with wooden airstones. What a difference. Go for it. __________________ New 48x24x26.25 w Precision Marine R30 sump, Vertex Omega 150 skimmer, 2@Vertex 1.5L reactors for carbon & phosban, GEO Ca reactor w Aquarium Plants regulator. 2 MP40's 2@Radions. #120 live rock & #12

03/20/2015, 12:54 AM	#19
jbvdhp Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: San Diego Posts: 1,131	I love the JNS/Aquamaxx skimmer I just bought, and I would recommend the same to you. It's great to know you're pulling a lot of organic waste from the water and to me, my tank is healthier. __________________ This hobby = no more money Current Tank Info: 8' 240 gallons of headache

03/20/2015, 05:37 AM	#21
AdamNC Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Winston Salem, NC Posts: 849	I personally would never run a tank without a skimmer, except of course a pico. What your live rock can't break down the skimmer will pull out. Not to mention if your skimmer has a pre-skimmer it can take that oily film on the surface that pumps just push around.

03/20/2015, 07:24 AM	#22
kenpau Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: South Perth, Western Australia Posts: 844	When allocating money to a system your skimmer should be the one piece of equipment you shouldn't cut back on. It will greatly improve water quality, overall health of fish and corals and keeps nutrients under control if run properly. A must have!! __________________ Current tank - 220 gallon mixed reef..Many thanks to Waterbox, Ecotech Marine, Neptune Systems, Pax Bellum, Nyos, Eheim and Hailea for creating my system..and making me poor!! Current Tank Info: 220 Gallon mixed reef