Protein Skimmer Help.

travelerjp98

travelerjp98

Active Member
After I won my gift certificate, I wanted to get a protein skimmer, but then I remembered that I had one from when I first got the tank. So, digging through tank stuff I finally found it. Pics are below. There is also that little pipe thing next to it; it was near the skimmer when I was looking through stuff so I don't know if it has anything to do with the skimmer or not.
I believe that it is an in-sump skimmer, but I am not sure.
Any help with setting it up would be very, very much appreciated!










(I wanted to show that the thing could be either secured into that hook or could just be loose)




 
snakeblitz33

snakeblitz33

Well-Known Member
It's a hang on back skimmer. Unless they are adjusted perfectly, they tend not to work very well at all. Do you have a sump??
 
snakeblitz33

snakeblitz33

Well-Known Member
Why don't you work for some extra cash to buy yourself a really, really nice in-sump skimmer? like an SWC 180 cone or something?
 
travelerjp98

travelerjp98

Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33 http:///t/389323/protein-skimmer-help#post_3440236
Why don't you work for some extra cash to buy yourself a really, really nice in-sump skimmer? like an SWC 180 cone or something?
I could do that and will look into that skimmer. I just had no idea what my current skimmer was, so I thought that it wouldn't hurt. Thank snake.
 
snakeblitz33

snakeblitz33

Well-Known Member
Well, the skimmer that I am refering to is a high dollar skimmer, but it will work very well for your 180g fish only aquarium. That little seaclone isn't doing to do anything for you, and you would be better off with a much higher end skimmer.
When are you going to upgrade your lights and decrease your nitrates/phosphates enough to get some corals?!
 
travelerjp98

travelerjp98

Active Member
Haha, I will be eventually converting it into a reef, but with my budgetary constrictions, that will be happening very slowly.
 
king_neptune

king_neptune

Active Member
I think most people either find they stop working after 2 months....or the seal breaks and they leak all over the counter top.
 
meowzer

meowzer

Moderator
AND you do realize that pump does not go where you have it...that "s" tube goes there, and the pump attach's to the top of it and goes in the tank
google some pics
 
travelerjp98

travelerjp98

Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33 http:///t/389323/protein-skimmer-help#post_3440300
Better do it before your parents kick you outta the house in 5 years!!
Haha, I will. Now to go look into that skimmer you recommended!
Quote:
Originally Posted by King_Neptune http:///t/389323/protein-skimmer-help#post_3440385
I think most people either find they stop working after 2 months....or the seal breaks and they leak all over the counter top.
I'm gonna get a new skimmer. Thanks anyways.
Quote:
Originally Posted by meowzer http:///t/389323/protein-skimmer-help#post_3440388
AND you do realize that pump does not go where you have it...that "s" tube goes there, and the pump attach's to the top of it and goes in the tank
google some pics

Hey Lois... I didn't even realize that. I never even touched the skimmer, lol, that's the way I found it. Oh well, I guess I'm gonna have to get a better one.
 
travelerjp98

travelerjp98

Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33 http:///t/389323/protein-skimmer-help#post_3440236
Why don't you work for some extra cash to buy yourself a really, really nice in-sump skimmer? like an SWC 180 cone or something?
Dang! It's $400!
And, if I do get it, I am gonna have to put Teresa's ATO system in place because my high water level mark is 7" in my sump, and the skimmer needs 7-9" of water to sit in. Plus, I am going to have to re-house my refugium somewhere because the skimmer wouldn't fit with the refugium in the sump. What other skimmers do you personally recommend, Seth? Lois? Anybody?
I don't mind spending the $400. I just want a variety and see which one would best fit my tank. Thanks.
 
king_neptune

king_neptune

Active Member
Quote:
I'm gonna get a new skimmer. Thanks anyways.
Hey Lois... I didn't even realize that. I never even touched the skimmer, lol, that's the way I found it. Oh well, I guess I'm gonna have to get a better one.
My dad had a bucket under his just in case. It lasted 4 months before the seal gave. The bucket helped. But honestly you can make a reasonably effective one out of some real basic stuff(certainly better than what your considering ^_^) I think I saw a clip a few days ago with a DIY one with a water bottle and an air stone. The skimm drained down to a whisky bottle or something behind the tank. Pretty nifty for ostly scraps laying around the house.
 
king_neptune

king_neptune

Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33 http:///t/389323/protein-skimmer-help#post_3440236
Why don't you work for some extra cash to buy yourself a really, really nice in-sump skimmer? like an SWC 180 cone or something?
I got one of those, awesome skimmers. I think the pumps are a bit overrated. But the design really makes up for the lackluster pump. I have one in my 235g system. I have a frugal feeding regime and a reasonably light bioload. So I only have to dump the collection cup once a month(sometimes longer). But boy is it rancid when I do!
 
king_neptune

king_neptune

Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by travelerjp98 http:///t/389323/protein-skimmer-help#post_3440403
Dang! It's $400!
I got lucky and picked mine up wholesale from a local reefer whos a dealer. He had a pallet in his garage filled with the previous years model. Brand new I payed like $160.
I sold my old crappy tunze for $110 a week later, and that had gone to hell and back.
 
sweatervest13

sweatervest13

Active Member
Check out the Reef Octopus line. There are lots of different levels of skimmer that you can buy. I have a Reef Octopus extreme XS160 for my 125g and it works well (it will save you about $100.00). But it likes 8" -10" of water.
The SWC skimmers are VERY NICE.
HTH's
 
2quills

2quills

Well-Known Member
I was going to get the SWC 180 cone. But Reef Octopus (Coral Vue) just came out with a new skimmer called Diablo. It has the same pump as the SWC 180. Same space saving cone design, large collection cup and is retailing for $299.
 
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