protein skimmers

[firefish1]

I've had my reef tank set up for about ten years now. I've got a 90 gal tank and a 29 gal. sump below. In the sump, I have a venturi protein skimmer that doesn't seem to work very well and is very difficult to clean and get at! I've got a collection basket with filter floss where the water enters into the sump. Could i be doing better with a different type of sump system & newer technoloy with my protein skimmer?

I've got a terrible algae problem. It's a combined problem from too much light, old bulbs, lack of water changes and a skimmer that hasn't been working.

What type of system works well? What brand of protein skimmer is favored one?

I'd appreciate anyones wisdom/expertise on the subject.

Thanks,

Mike

 

[Casey1]

I have a Bullet 1 (and Like it) but I hear the Cadillac of skimmers is ETS

 

[Leopardshark]

Hi Firefish here are my thoughts

I've got a terrible algae problem. It's a combined problem from too much light, old bulbs, lack of water changes and a skimmer that hasn't been working.

I think that you already know the answers to your questions, you need to change bulbs, make water changes, and in general improve the water qualityof your tank in order to things go better.

I would recommend you also a big and good protein skimmer like an aerofoamer. Do a search on them and you will find they are great devices.
HTH
Marco

 

[Wrassman]

I like my Turbofloater 1000 multi. They are rated for 250g tanks, so it would work like a champ on your 90g.

What size is your sump? I have a 20g sump, and have my Turbofloater 1000 multi hanging on the side of of my sump. It would also work IN my sump, but I have a lot of caulerpa and LR in there, so I prefer it outside.

HTH

 

[Modo]

as well as the above comments....

Get rid of the filter floss. This becomes a nitrate factory which problem algae eat up.

I've heard nothing but rave reviews about the Euroreef Skimmer. It's expensive so you might check the above recs out if $$ is an issue (which in my world it always is). They just came out with an econo model that is suppose to rock as well.

I would recommend looking at a refugium to grow macro-algae to out compete the problematic algae.

If you don't have one, maybe look at installing a Deep Sand Bed (DSB) of fine oolitic sand bed of at least 4". This will be a major undertaking but the results are awesome.

I don't think too much light is a problem, but the wrong spectrum is. Like you said this results from old bulbs.

Good Luck!

 

[Riotfishdude]

I have an Aerofoamer as well,definitly the best and frank at reefconcepts.com is great,here is a comparison of the big guns......Riot...
http://www.thereefweb.com/skimmer_comparison.htm

 

[Modo]

I wish they would have done a test of plankton removal in that test.

 

[Garry thomas]

Filter floss nitrate factory MMmmm how do you work that out then. :roll: as long as you change your mechanical filtration regular, you wont have any problems at all. How else are you gonna do mechanical, if you dont you floss or sponges ????????
And mike you have answered your own questions m8,whatever skimmer you use, it still aint gonna change your water. Turboflotor 1000multi, it's the dogs danglys...GT

 

[Modo]

GT..
I was under the assumption he wasn't changing it out. If you change it out then you are right it won't be producing nitrates. But IMO you don't need it. What are you needing to mechanically filter out anyway? IMO that is what your detrivores are for. If it is for "uneaten" food that is kinda a waste as well. Something in the tank is going to eat it, if not a coral then a pod of sorts, worms, snails, hermits for some, or bacteria. These all of which benefit your tank.

So again, why use filter or sponges that you must clean continuosly when you already have organisms in your system to dispose of it?

 

[Garry thomas]

Modo you are probally right there m8, mike's problems seem to stem from lack of maintenance and water changes. yep i can see the floss now 8O