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Skimmer Advice

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by PatrickWest, Apr 5, 2012.

  1. PatrickWest

    PatrickWest

    203
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    Right now i am using a Reef Octopus NWB 150 on my 75 mixed reef.  i don't feel like it is keeping up with me and i want to upgrade.
    i have 2 med sized tangs and 2 sm clowns and a mandarin. Also i feed a lot. 
    i want to keep the new skimmer around $300 or so.  i was looking at the
    Red Sea C-Skim 1800 Advanced Protein Skimmerhttp://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+4392+19596&pcatid=19596
    what do you guys think about it.  any other ideas would great too
    Thanks,
    Patrick
     
  2. Big John

    Big John Inactive User

    966
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    Your current skimmer is rated for 150 gal, I'd cool out on the amount your feeding.
     
  3. glaspie69

    glaspie69 Experienced Reefkeeper

    Ratings:
    +41 / 2 / -0
    I'll sell you a Deltec MC500 for $175 bucks,

    http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem.aspx?idproduct=DD1513&gclid=CJDF5Ynwnq8CFQfPKgodX2mXsw
     
  4. erayk1 Well-Known ReefKeeper Board of Directors Leadership Team GIRS Member

    981
    Coralville, IA
    Ratings:
    +35 / 0 / -0
    I'll sell you my Euro Reef RS135. Comparable to other skimmers that do 250 gal. $190 and I'm in Iowa City as you already know! /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default//emoticons/wink.gif
     
  5. mthomp

    mthomp Inactive User

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    I am curious as to how you feel it is not keeping up. I have this same skimmer and a very heavily stocked tank and it seems to do really good in my 90.
     
  6. PatrickWest

    PatrickWest

    203
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    The skimm that i get from it is thick and dark but, it can run a week or two before i have to empty the cup. i just want something that will pull it faster.
     
  7. mthomp

    mthomp Inactive User

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    The problem may not be your skimmer but your return. One thing many people make the mistake of doing is pushing their water to quickly through their sump. Now I empty my skimmer once a week sometimes twice a week and that seems about normal to me. I run a Mag9 return pump but it is also throttled down to about half.

    I would try slowing down your return for awhile and see what that does before you spend couple hundred bucks on a new skimmer you probably do not need.
     
  8. Fragtastic Reef

    Fragtastic Reef Vendor

    83
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    Thats great advice.  I would also recommend slowing down the return rate.
     
  9. PatrickWest

    PatrickWest

    203
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    I'm using a Rio 1700 right now. Once I subtract for head loss it is moving about 300gph. What would be a good place to start? also how would i reduce the flow without adding back pressure to the pump?
    thanks guys
     
  10. mthomp

    mthomp Inactive User

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    Ok that sounds about right. Another question is te exit point of your skimmer. How much of that is under water?
     
  11. PatrickWest

    PatrickWest

    203
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    it's in about 7in of water. the skimmer return is about an inch above the water. should i try moving it up or down
     
  12. glaspie69

    glaspie69 Experienced Reefkeeper

    Ratings:
    +41 / 2 / -0
    Try cleaning the skimmer more often. Sounds like your skimming fairly dry. If the waste builds up in the neck your performance drops dramatically. Try cleaning your skimmer every three days for like a week or two
    Might save you a chunk of change.
     
  13. mthomp

    mthomp Inactive User

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    i was just wanting to know if you had the return pipe completely submerged as this would considerably hinder performance. I really do not think you ave any issue with your skimmer though. As Jason said clean it a little more often and maybe try skimming a little more on the wet side.
     
  14. PatrickWest

    PatrickWest

    203
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    cool will do. i just pulled the whole thing out for a good cleaning. Is there any way to take apart the pump and clean the impeller? i didn't see a way to get it apart.
     
  15. B-Rad

    B-Rad Inactive User

    999
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    That skimmer is plenty big for your tank.
    If you want it to pull it faster just raise the water level in the skimmer, by closing the out put a little. (do it in small increments so you don't over flow it!!)
    as far as cleaning your pump, yes it does come apart, just twist the front cover and it should come right apart.
    Be sure you clean the small air inlet tube of any salt creep or debris also.
    Good luck and Happy Reefing.
     

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