Wet Skim versus Dry Skim?

[Anonymous]

I'm sure this has been a topic before but ideas and opp. change.
I like my skimmers to put out thick dry foam. Maybe this is just because I am lazy and don't like to dump the cup every day. I am willing to try wet skim if the majority thinks it best.

I would like to know what y'all think about this topic.
Andy

 

[Anonymous]

Hm, I don't have much skimmer experience and wasn't aware there are two classes of foam. Mine must be the dry kind, I can go a couple weeks without emptying it if I want. The tradeoff is that the stuff that ends up in the collection cup is some really nasty, funky ooze.

 

[Anonymous]

I've tried it both ways and didn't notice much difference. - I like it somewhere in between.. Wet is always good..

Apply my new MO to that... - Makes for a much more interesting read..

 

[Anonymous]

I like dry skimmate myself...it doesn't make me fat.

Seriously, I like wet skimmate from my AquaC...I swear I could clean the riser tube every day if I wanted and pull out all sorts of yucky.

Edit...whoops, typo.

 

[Anonymous]

Conceptually, wet skimmate contains greater amount of waste (net). But people usually want drier skimmate due to:

1, dried skimmate is an indication that your skimmer can remove even more waste if you want skimmate that is more moist.

2, less loss of mineral/ion in waste (not that important unless you never do water change)

3, more room for error when skimmer get "crazy" due to dosing or die off of livestocks

4, less frequent empting of of the cup.

5, less chance of "overskimming"

etc.

 

[Anonymous]

I prefer wet skim myself.

For one, I feel this removes more gunk, more quickly.

And two, at least on my skimmer, there seems to be a very fine line between skimming dry and not skimming at all.

And three, I rather enjoy dumping the cup. Makes me feel like I am "doing something" for my tank.

 

[Anonymous]

Andy...you have an AquaC, dontcha?

 

[Anonymous]

I have one on my 29 and one on my 40 breeder (Remoras). I really like them. I had my LFS order it for me. I liked it so much they added them to their inventory.
Andy.

 

[Anonymous]

Cool beans! The reason I ask is that I'm not sure my EV-240 really produces a dry skimmate...I've fiddled with it, and even at the driest it's still...wet.

 

[Anonymous]

Cool beans! The reason I ask is that I'm not sure my EV-240 really produces a dry skimmate...I've fiddled with it, and even at the driest it's still...wet.

Hey Chris. That's a great skimmer. What type of pump are you using?

If the skimmer is in the sump it has to have a water level of 8" or lower. If the water level is higher you can put something under the skimmer. I had to raise mine in my 75 to get a dry foam.

Is the air adjustment open all the way? Could something be clogging it?

You can adjust the water level inside the skimmer to adjust the foam too.
This water level needs to be near the platform inside the skimmer.

I'm sure you know these things already, I'm surprised I rem this much about this skimmer. I sold mine when I took the 75 down.
Andy

 

[fungia]

i like a dryer skim because i dont like to remove so much saltwater with wet skims. i think you have to find a good balance between too dry and too wet. too dry and the skim is ineffective and too wet it takes out too much water. thats how i see it at least.

 

[Anonymous]

I'm using the Sen900, Andy. I'll make sure the air thingy is clear of any crap.

I with ya, Andy...I love this skimmer!

 

[Oceans Ferevh]

I wish my skimmer made skimmate at all...*grumble* !@#$ Prism....

 

[danmhippo]

Wet skimmate.

You should consider getting the modification to install a drain tube for your collection cup. Most makes have that available, or you can drill and install one yourself. A 1Gal can should last a long time.

My problem with dry foam is the riser tube gets coated very fast, and makes me clean it every couple of days. Most of the skimmers does not allow easy cleaning of the riser tube without taking them apart.

 

[benthos]

i like a dryer skim because i dont like to remove so much saltwater with wet skims. i think you have to find a good balance between too dry and too wet. too dry and the skim is ineffective and too wet it takes out too much water. thats how i see it at least.

This is what I am concerned about with only a 40g tank could wet skimmate be fluctuating the salinity?

 

[Anonymous]

Not to hijack your thread, but for more dry skimmate should the riser tube be raised or lowered. All I seem to pull out lately is pure water.

 

[Anonymous]

Not to hijack your thread, but for more dry skimmate should the riser tube be raised or lowered. All I seem to pull out lately is pure water.

Euroreef I take it?? - Raise it for drier skimmate. - Let it pull what it wants if its going nuts but watch the salinity and (CAREFULLY) take action if needed (usually only have to watch that if its a smaller tank, like 75 gallons or under..)

Benthos, nice avatar, yes, watch your salinity if you're pulling really wet skimmate.. - My euroreef used to fluctuate my salinity in my 30 if I let it pull wet stuff but it usually took a couple weeks or so. (Unless it went nuts which sometimes happens..)


Norm

 

[Anonymous]

Euroreef I take it??

Bingo! Thanks for the advice.

 

[Anonymous]

Wait! - Crap, I have that backwards... - Sorry man..

:?

 

[hillbilly]

Wet skimming pulls out more gunk, faster.