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Measuring the Difference Skimmer Maintenance Makes

by | Aug 18, 2019 | DIY, Equipment

We recently reviewed the UltraReef UKS 180 skimmer, and had many positive things to say about it. While doing our tests, we were also able to measure the loss of efficiency caused by poor maintenance. Let’s be clear, most people don’t practice regular...

How To Avoid a Skimming Disaster With a Float Switch

by | Apr 17, 2019 | DIY, Equipment, Video

I am a big fan of preparing for the worst when it comes to keeping a reef tank and I constantly think about ways to prevent potential disasters before they happen. On several occasions in the past, my skimmer overflowed without warning and nearly dumped skimmate into my sump. I was lucky because I caught it early but it made me wonder how I could keep this from occurring in the future. Some folks use waste collection containers connected to the skimmer cup to catch overflows but certain containers, when full, will not prevent waste from continuing to overflow onto the floor. However, other devices will shut a skimmer off when the container is full, although these automatic shut off containers can be pricey. The DIY Route

Going Skimmerless – An Experiment

by | Mar 30, 2018 | Equipment

For the last 4 weeks I have been running my 187 gallon reef tank without a skimmer as sort of an experiment. A few months ago I lost a number of corals due to what I believe were very low levels of phosphate in the tank. I run an ARID algae reactor and it does a great job pulling out nutrients. With the ARID you do have to dose nitrates to keep the chaeto growing and lately I have been dosing phosphates to keep levels from going too low. Ultimately, you want nitrates and phosphates at a 100:1 ratio to maximize chaeto growth. With the ARID you can either use a skimmer or go skimmerless and let the ARID be the sole form of filtration. Ultimately, I decided to pull