Best Protein Skimmer for Eshopp WD 100 Sump

[Oneilwiz]

Hi everyone I just started my saltwater tank conversion from fresh to FOWLR :
Specifications:
90 gallon tank
Eshopps PSK single overflow box
Eshopps WD 100 Wet /dry filter
Deep blue Titan pump
Fluval 305
1 x Powerhead
50 lbs of live rock
Live sand
My question is what is the best and budget wise protein slimmer available for my sump. My sump is not that big already has my heater and return pump. Once again the model sump is eshopps WD100.

 

[greybolt03]

Do you already have the sump? If so measure the exact amount of room you have left in the area to put a skimmer length/width that is called the footprint.... That will help with which skimmer will actually fit in the sump

 

[Oneilwiz]

Thanks I already have the sump

 

[Awibrandy]

Why don't you contact Eshopps, and ask them? Considering that you have one of their sumps they should be able to help you in getting the right skimmer for your application.
I have one of their skimmers, and I am very happy with it.

 

[Oneilwiz]

I will do that never considered in doing so

 

[Oneilwiz]

What Eshopp said

The model Wet dry filter i have which is the WD 100CS is not recommended nor compatible with a in sump skimmer only their reef sump RS 100 ( for 75g - 125 G ) is compatible with their skimmer. no good help but suggesting to by another sump which i got no cash nor intend to do so unless I could sell my current WD 100 CS :frown:

 

[Oneilwiz]

Eshopp Technical support said

They also said that a Wet dry filter with bio balls which is the WD series does not recommend or need a protein skimmer. I am new to salt water, what is your take on this. Every research I did said i would need one.

 

[E.intheC]

I would clear out that bio-ball section (remove them slowly) and put a protein skimmer in there. Either that or buy a hang-on-back skimmer.

 

[greybolt03]

+1 bio balls are old technology, I would take them all out gut that thing throw in some baffles and make your own sump...

 

[masterswimmer]

+2

I would get rid of the bioballs. The reason Eshopps doesn't recommend a skimmer in that WD is because of the orientation of the baffle. With water flowing underneath the baffle you won't be able to maintain a constant water level. Evaporation will continuously lower your water level. A properly set up skimmer requires a constant water level to be able to dial it in.

I would take their suggestion and go with their RS line (or someone elses) and get rid of the WD.

Russ

 

[Oneilwiz]

Good night,

I have bought the Eshopps In sump PSK100, it fits perfect in my Eshopp sump, all I had to do was to add more water to the sump. I have test it to see how far the water will rise in the sump and it is perfect. Will post pictures.
Here is my question! How do you adjust or know when the skimmer is proper adjusted interns of water in the chamber?

 

[Oneilwiz]

My pics

 

[masterswimmer]

Good night,

I have bought the Eshopps In sump PSK100, it fits perfect in my Eshopp sump, all I had to do was to add more water to the sump. I have test it to see how far the water will rise in the sump and it is perfect. Will post pictures.
Here is my question! How do you adjust or know when the skimmer is proper adjusted interns of water in the chamber?

Good evening backatcha.

The problem with that sump is the way the baffle is situated and the principal of water dynamics. Water will always seek its own level. With a baffle that is mounted on the bottom of your sump, the water will rise to the top of the baffle and flow over it. The water in that chamber will remain constant, regardless of evaporation.

Conversely, with a sump that has the baffle mounted above the bottom of the sump (like yours) where the water flows underneath the baffle, water will continually evaporate and therefore it will continually change the water level in your sump.

Unless you get yourself an ATO (Auto Top Off) whereby it continually, automatically, adds water to replace evaporated water, you won't be able to maintain a balance in your skimmer. It will not operate properly.

Bottom line, every skimmer has its own 'sweet spot' where you dial it in for your reef and your flow. However, ALL skimmers operate the same when it comes to constant water level. You will not be able to find that sweet spot on your skimmer if the water level isn't the same all day, every day. Replacing evaporated water once or even twice a day is not sufficient.

Hope this helps
Russ

 

[masterswimmer]

Just saw your pix. The water level for your skimmer is at the point directly below (or at the very bottom) of the pvc where the water discharges from the skimmer. If the water line is above or even within that discharge opening there is backpressure on the skimmer and it won't run efficiently.

Russ

 

[masterswimmer]

I've drawn in the water level line for you.

Russ

 

[Oneilwiz]

Thanks for that tip also to let you know I already have a Auto top off system on it. JbJ I had it from the beginning so I never worry about evaporation

 

[lnevo]

Russ, I have the same skimmer...according to the directions that came with it, it's supposed to sit in 8-10" of water...the line you drew would be more like 4ish... I have mine in an eshopps rs-100 sump and the water level in the skimmer and refugium section is around 9-10 so I'm just questioning overall?

 

[masterswimmer]

Russ, I have the same skimmer...according to the directions that came with it, it's supposed to sit in 8-10" of water...the line you drew would be more like 4ish... I have mine in an eshopps rs-100 sump and the water level in the skimmer and refugium section is around 9-10 so I'm just questioning overall?

I've used and set up many skimmers in my day. Every one is different, but the one common denominator always seemed to be keeping the water level of the sump just at/or below the discharge. Can that be different and unique for the Eshopps? Sure, but knowing the dynamics of how these things work it doesn't make sense. What I will say though, if it ain't broke don't fix it. However, if it isn't working as well as it should, I would certainly look at the water level as one of the first fixes.

Russ

 

[Oneilwiz]

I have another question, should I have a skinner turned on and running while I am cycling the tank? No fish is in the tank and I only use brine shrimp to feed the tank.

 

[masterswimmer]

I have another question, should I have a skinner turned on and running while I am cycling the tank? No fish is in the tank and I only use brine shrimp to feed the tank.

That is one of those long standing debates. lol Lots of people say to run the cycle without a skimmer, that the skimmer will lengthen the cycle. Others will say to run the skimmer during the cycle, it'll remove the nasties in the water while still allowing the bacteria to colonize. Honestly, both opinions have been proven to work. Success has been achieved both ways. The argument in my mind has been squelched, but others might continue to preach their method as the 'only' way or the 'best' way. Flip a coin and do what feels right to you.

Russ