Skimmer vs Reactor

[sun1914]

So I've been working on getting my nitrates down and on this war path to lower nitrates I added a CPR Bak Pak 2 to my arsenal.
The skimmer is putting in work especially for a 29g Biocube. Now a have a opportunity to pick up Tunze 9002 skimmer, which would fit in the back chamber of my Biocube opposed to the HOB, in my case side that I have going on with the CPR.
On the flip side, I can also pick up a CPR Nano Reactor which can also fit (one or the other not both of course) in the back chamber of the Biocube ( I think...lol).

My question to you guys is what would give me the greater weaponry against my nitrate problem? What set up would get me and keep me in pristine parameters?

Should I stay with the HOB CPR skimmer and add the nano reactor or should I just do away with one and only run the other?
Pros and cons please guys. I would really appreciate not only the suggestion but more so learning why it works or doesn't.
Thank you in advance.



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[lnevo]

A reactor isnt going to do much for nitrates. Carbon will do a little but not much. Didnt you say you also had media basket? You could run a bag of carbon and/or gfo or just use chemipure in there. I would say overall skimmer > reactor for the system. If you want both then keep the HOB.

 

[sun1914]

Yes, I'm currently running the baskets w/ Floss, Purigen, and ChemiPure Elite and the 2nd basket w/ macro algae (JBJ nano LED lighting).


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[savage]

Small tank like you're I was away told water changes. Don't waste your money on any chemicals or gadgets..good luck bro.

 

[liverock]

You didn.t say if you had a mixed reef or fish only. If mixed reef use a skimmer. either skimmer will work and water changes more frequently.

 

[sun1914]

Right now it's fish only but will add coral once I get my nitrates down to 0-10ppm.

Just wondering what benefits would the a skimmer and reactor combo have, if any or is it over kill?

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[pkane11384]

Word of advice. I have the same tank as you. Here's how I have the back of my tank set-up...

Chamber One- AquaticLife 115 Skimmer
Chamber Two- InTank Media Basket (Floss/Purigen/Chemipure) and CPR Nano Reactor
Chamber Three- Cobalt MJ1200, Oceanic UV

Depending on how many fish you keep, I have three, you don't need a ridiculous skimmer. The Tunze while pricey and works well takes a lot to maintain. You need a constant water level to have it operate efficiently. The AL115 goes in the first chamber and you dial it in and forget it. Empty it out when needed and you're set.

Can you give us a little more information on your tank though. How long has it been set up? Live Sand or Bare Bottom? How much rock? How often are you feeding? What are you feeding? How often are you doing water changes? How much? Need some more information. These BioCube's are tough in the beginning but once you get into a routine they run like a well oiled machince

 

[sun1914]

Word of advice. I have the same tank as you. Here's how I have the back of my tank set-up...

Chamber One- AquaticLife 115 Skimmer
Chamber Two- InTank Media Basket (Floss/Purigen/Chemipure) and CPR Nano Reactor
Chamber Three- Cobalt MJ1200, Oceanic UV

Depending on how many fish you keep, I have three, you don't need a ridiculous skimmer. The Tunze while pricey and works well takes a lot to maintain. You need a constant water level to have it operate efficiently. The AL115 goes in the first chamber and you dial it in and forget it. Empty it out when needed and you're set.

Can you give us a little more information on your tank though. How long has it been set up? Live Sand or Bare Bottom? How much rock? How often are you feeding? What are you feeding? How often are you doing water changes? How much? Need some more information. These BioCube's are tough in the beginning but once you get into a routine they run like a well oiled machince

PK, you replied to my original Nitrate post so I'm not sure if you still need me to answer these questions but just in case here's a quick break down.

5 fish
Feeding once a day/every other day
Tank has been running at least a year, I have had it 3 months. Took it over with 4 fish, have added the 6 six and inverts.
Live sand.
Water changes weekly started with 5 gallons, now doing 9 gallons 2x a week until I get nitrates to 0-10 ppm

I posted a pic of my tank in the other thread so won't do it again.
Thanks guys. I really do appreciate the help....and it's been cool meeting some of you at Max Reef randomly.


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[Waleedwale1]

In my biocube I have the CPR SR3, meant for the biocube and fits in the middle perfectly, nothing sticking out.