Skimmer Advice

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

 

I'll sell you a Deltec MC500 for $175 bucks,

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem.aspx?idproduct=DD1513&gclid=CJDF5Ynwnq8CFQfPKgodX2mXsw

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.