Protein Skimmer

[findingnemo2]

I have a Seaclone Protein Skimmer that cycles 100 gallons an hour...I have a 100g tank. I am curious as to whether this is a good skimmer or not. I am brand new to the hobby and any suggestions of a better skimmer if this one is not up to par would be really appreciated. I am attaching photos of my tank as it is at 3 weeks of cycling. Snails are doing their part in cleaning up algea off of my Tonga rock. So check it out and any suggestions or *nice* comments are welcome and greatly appreciated!

 

[shinobi9119]

Is the whole tank tonga rock? Do you like it?
As for you skimmer. I have no experience with the Seaclone. but if it rated for 100 i thnk it will be ok if you bio-load is not to big. BUt i have been told more is always better. You might want to post this question in the equiptment section also. If you dont mind could you PM me where you got that rock from.

 

[earlybird]

It's all about your views on skimming. I overskim with a SS65 on a 29.

 

[petjunkie]

Generally seaclones are considered among the worst you can get, there are mods you can do to improve it but it really boils down to some work okay and some don't work at all. In a 20 gallon this wouldn't really be an issue but for a 100 I would recommend a big upgrade. Do you have a sump? There aren't really any terrific hang on in comparision to in sump but the coralife super skimmer is much better than what you have, they do have overflowing issues sometimes though.

 

[findingnemo2]

Thanks a lot for all the info and I will check out the equipment section and ask there also, I have been told the ESU is a good one, its just so mind boggling to me, see, I want this to be a reef tank and I have lights on the way for it. Shinobi 9119, no all of my rock is not tonga, just the one on the left, the big one in the middle was purchased at a really nice aquarium store out of town and the tonga is from a local pet shop, the smaller pieces are some I was lucky enough to buy from someone who was tired of his salt water set up, (if you can believe) lol The big one in the middle is not live rock, but was told it will be when it is aged...I am hoping! I dont have a sump,

this tank is not drilled, so, I will have to use a hob type of skimmer. As I said, I want this to be a reef and I am hoping to have lots of nice corals and things of that nature. I love this forum! Thanks everyone!

 

[findingnemo2]

I am wondering about how long until this tank finishes cycling. A month to 6 weeks? Right? My watere levels are all great, well, except for the ammonia,it has spiked and is falling. My ph and nitrates and nitrites and all seem to be where they should be. Patience, I know! Have a good one ya'll

 

[dawman]

Originally Posted by petjunkie
Generally seaclones are considered among the worst you can get, there are mods you can do to improve it but it really boils down to some work okay and some don't work at all. In a 20 gallon this wouldn't really be an issue but for a 100 I would recommend a big upgrade. Do you have a sump? There aren't really any terrific hang on in comparision to in sump but the coralife super skimmer is much better than what you have, they do have overflowing issues sometimes though.

I have two Sea Clone skimmers that I have used for years with no problems . They work better than the Coralife skimmers I have . The worst ? Don`t think so as there are many worse than it .

 

[maeistero]

i have 2 seaclones on a 180gal right now. it's a temp setup until i get a couple more basement walls built. i wouldn't recommend them to anyone unless they were dirt cheap (mine were used/free). there's way too much constant adjusting and attention needed that i'd rather use on other things. double that attention if you currently don't have an auto top off system. i must admit they do some mad skimming if i adjust them morning afternoon and bedtime.
you're at a great time to drill your tank. take it down about 2/3rds to 3/4ths on a water change, drill it, stick in a bulkhead with a valve, close the valve and you'll be set up for a sump later. do two more for a closed loop option and you're set. refill and you've only lost a few hours and a few bucks on bulkheads.
there are many tank drillers in tx that will do it dirt cheap and know where to put the holes.
here in kc, scott @ aquaticsystemsdesign . com makes the best skimmers for all of us. i think his site is down right now though.

 

[findingnemo2]

Ok, this is the problem, I dont know how to adjust the seaclone I don't think. I bought it used. But still looks new. Am I suspose to have bubbles coming into my tank or no? When I close the air thing, almost nothing seems to be happening, but, it does stop all the little bubbles from coming into my tank. So, could you explain to me how to adjust it? I can see bubbles coming thru the intake and whent its like this, lots of tornado action going on inside the main compartment. When I close it, hardly any action inside where the tornado action is. Thank you for your help and assurances! Brenda

 

[findingnemo2]

Now, if I did get it drilled Maeistero, I could not do it myself, no way! I would have to take it down completely!

It seems over my head at this moment, as I would'nt know who to look for to drill it. Any ideas? Thanks!

 

[dawman]

I have never had to adjust mine after the break-in period .

 

[maeistero]

the idea on adjustment that makes it so hard is the balance of the bubbles. you need to get it to where the bubbles are in the skimmer but not going into the tank. the bubbles pop at the top of the skimmer into the cup and don't overflow into the tank. you might have better luck with an airflow valve than the filter thing that comes factory from seaclone. if your intake pump is adjustable that's easier, but the flow can move it's adjustment sometimes. my mj1200 is loose and adjusts itself.
dawman, i wonder if you are constantly wetskimming and if you have an auto topoff. do you regularly have to clean your skimmer or do you dump a bucket of wetskim overflow?
drilling does not require taking the tank down by any means. as long as you can fit a drill behind the tank, someone can do it no problemo. i'd recommend you set up your next tank with 10 to 12 inches behind it also, i often had to climb back there.
look for a local club, here in ks they range out 90 miles or so. there's soo many people that know drilling in the midwest. you'll be surprised. the bits are expensive, usually the drilling is free if you donate to a new bit. if you'd like to read up on it, there's tons of new drillers experience on the re ef cen tral site.

 

[findingnemo2]

Could you pm me about the re ef cen tral sight? I would very much like to get this tank drilled the more we talk! I have room to get a drill back there, I know it dont' looke like it, but I do. Thanks for the info on the skimmer. Didn't think there should be bubbles coming up thru the intake and into my tank. Thank you so much! Have a good one now!

 

[findingnemo2]

LOL "the next tank" you read my mind! I know of a reef ready set up right now, 150 gallon all equipment for 700.00. I really wanted to get this to start with but a fish buddy talked me out of it. He said it was all old, like 6 years and I would have to replace most of the equipment, plus it was filthy. It is a deep tank. I am kinda kicking my you know what at times. I love this tank. but want the reef ready too! You little mind reader you! Cheers!