protien skimmer/ sump

[pdnyc69]

I have a 180 gallon tank with a 200 gallon rated wet dry sump (pro clear) and a pro clear protien skimmer. Does anyone have any idea on a different skimmer. And should I start removing bioballs. I have 350 pds of live rock. Thanks in advance for your advice

 

[Kaz289]

I have a 180 gallon tank with a 200 gallon rated wet dry sump (pro clear) and a pro clear protien skimmer. Does anyone have any idea on a different skimmer. And should I start removing bioballs. I have 350 pds of live rock. Thanks in advance for your advice

I was told by alot of members on here to get rid of my bioballs so i did and so far so good my nitrates are at zero. I changed my filter setup completly and spent maybe $20 and 3 hrs doing it. I dont know much about skimmers cant help u there. I have asked people to put pics of there equipment/filter setups here maybe u can get some ideas from them on what should be in your sump. With a sump of that size u should have no problem converting to the sump/refuge setup. http://www.manhattanreefs.com/forum/photography/61188-equipment-setups-show-em-off.html

 

[benjamin]

yeh defo remove the bioballs but take them out a handful every few days to give the bacteria a chance to build up.
skimmer will depend on budget but being in the uk i dont think i can help with info on that

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Take them out a little at a time. Otherwise you are gonna send your tank into chaos.

 

[pmui]

the reason it causes nitrate, is because detris and food get stuck to the bioballs. In a reef tank you have LR wich does the same as the bioballs.

What kind of skimmer are you looking for? a replacement to fit in the sames space or an external one?

 

[pdnyc69]

I think a replacement

 

[greggnyce]

What price range are you looking for a skimmer in? I just got an I-Tech 200 cone and I am very happy with it. They make a 400 model for larger tanks. Mine was a little over 500.

 

[pmui]

in sump or out of sump? and budget?

 

[pdnyc69]

Either in or out. And I'm thinking up to 500. I have a height limit of 24 inches though

 

[pmui]

This is my personal take: Aqua C (patent spray nozzel); Euroreef (venturi/pinwheel); precision marine (venturi/pinwheel); Deltec (venturi).

THe next decision is the way it creates bubbles in the next deciding factor.

 

[cali_reef]

This is my personal take: Aqua C (patent spray nozzel); Euroreef (venturi/pinwheel); precision marine (venturi/pinwheel); Deltec (venturi).

THe next decision is the way it creates bubbles in the next deciding factor.

??

 

[pmui]

sorry Deltec is pin-wheel driven.

 

[Master Shake]

yes take out the bio balls they will only cause nitrate problems down the road in a reef tank, and ASM makes amazing skimmers.

 

[mheaven]

i like the mtc 250 skimmer. Thats what im using and they work great.