Feedback on skimmer

[watevadog5]

http://www.marinedepot.com/CPR_Bak_..._Protein_Skimmers-CPR-CR1111-FIPSHOVS-vi.html

Anyone have any input for me? I'm sure there are better and worse. As of now I run 2 HOBs with carbon pads w cheato behind it on my 36g. I'm thinking of getting rid of those 2 and putting the cheato in the " media" compartment of the skimmer. What do you guys think??

 

[Dan_P]

You did not mention why you are making the change.

 

[watevadog5]

My nitrates are pretty high. 10-20ppm. I do 5 gallon changes bi weekly(36g). Rodi unit and skimmer are hopefully final pieces to my puzzle as of now. I'm happy with everything else. Thinking the carbon pads are holding nitrates and looking to lower my numbers.

 

[edd]

if you have not been using RO/DI, i would try that first cause your nitrates aren't that high.
hows your phosphates.

 

[Dan_P]

My nitrates are pretty high. 10-20ppm. I do 5 gallon changes bi weekly(36g). Rodi unit and skimmer are hopefully final pieces to my puzzle as of now. I'm happy with everything else. Thinking the carbon pads are holding nitrates and looking to lower my numbers.

The carbon pad would become an issue if not changed regularly. I have seen a swap out rate of 4-6 weeks suggested. It depends on how fast detrius accumulates on/in the carbon pad and the amount of dissolved organics.

Overfeeding is another possible source of elevated nitrates.

Give the changes a chance to work. It may take weeks to see a significant change in nitrate levels with your proposed changes.

 

[watevadog5]

As always really appreciate the help. I'm still very new and I'm sure I'll be learning for yearssss