protein skimmers?

[reef rockett]

every saltwater store/ web-site that I have gone too has been very unclear regarding the protein skimmers. what exactly are they? will it help my water quality? and does it eliminate the current water filtration that I have?

 

[terry]

A protein skimmer removes organic wastes from your aquarium. The Berlin Skimmer operates with a tangential water inlet to three chambered columns to ensure high contact time. Another superior function is the patented internal vacuum bell that pulls ozone (works excellent with or without ozone) out of the water, and through a carbon chamber, expelling it harmlessly back into the atmosphere. Also, cleaning can be accomplished very easily with minimal time and effort.
Protein Skimmers are NOT magic fixes to problems. Nothing is. The success of your aquarium depends on stable and stress-free water conditions through sufficient nutrient import/export and recycling. A skimmer is only one method of nutrient export, a few of the numerous methods are algae harvesting and water changes(which are very effective).
A skimmer will help you, but in the end it is up to you to make sure everything is ok. A skimmer should also be used along with your filtration. It does NOT eliminate the current water filtration YOU all ready have. A good protein skimmer along with a good filtration system is a must for a reef tank.
Hope this helps
Terry

 

[porkypuffer]

THE SKIMMER INJECTS AIR INTO THE WATER INSIDE THE SKIMMER, IF THERE IS NO WASTE, THE BUBBLES POP WHEN THEY COME TO THE SURFACE. IF THERE IS WASTE, THE BUBBLE STAY INTACT AND COLLECT IN A CUP. IT WILL NOT ELIMINATE YOUR CURRENT FILTER SYSTEM, THEY ARE NOT A NECESSITY BUT THEY DO HELP REMOVE ALOT OF WASTE. I THINK THEIR WORTH HAVING.
THEY COME IN A WIDE PRICE RANGE, FROM ABOUT $30 TO TAKE OUT A SECOND MORGAGE. SOME GO IN A SUMP AND SOME HANG ON THE BACK OF THE TANK OR INSIDE THE TANK. IF YOU GET A SKIMMER, BE SURE IT IS SIZED FOR YOUR TANK. GOOD LUCK.

 

[reef rockett]

putting it on the back of the tank is a problem, I ahve the Eclipse lid. When you by s sump, is that under the tank, say in my closet/stand? Or do you mean inside the tank..the ones with a chamber. Yuo made it alot clearer about what they are without sientific terms. Thank you. Do you recomend any perticular type. In a range of 100-300$. And how do you know what one is best..fit,size..etc. please let me know.

 

[porkypuffer]

THE SUMP IS PART OF A WET/DRY FILTER THAT GOES UNDER THE TANK IN THE STAND. ECLIPSE, IF I REMEMBER RIGHT, HAS A BUILDT IN BIO-WHEEL FILTER IN THE LID AND DOESN'T ALOW FOR EXTRAS TO BE ADDED. THE TYPE OF SKIMMER THAT GOES IN THE TANK ALSO NEEDS ROOM TO STICK UP THROUGH THE LID. WHAT SIZE TANK DO YOU HAVE? IT MAY NOT BE WORTH YOUR TROUBLE TO MAKE ONE FIT. AS FAR AS TO WHAT SIZE, THE SKIMMER SHOULD SAY ON THE SIDE OF THE BOX.

 

[reef rockett]

thanks for the help, we found one that works great for are tank, it is the Cyclone Bak-Pak 2, We had to do some major adjustments to the eclipse lid, involving cutting the back out, and even doing a little melting with a heat gun to get the pipe to clear, with out making a hole where the water goes into the filter bin in the lid!!!looks funny from the back, but know one sees it!!

 

[fishgirl]

How much $$$ was the Bak-Pak?? I've been thinking of one myself for a 46 gallon bow-front tank. Thanks! Also I've heard lots of good and lots of bad remarks about the seaclone skimmer? Anyone have experiences they wish to share with this skimmer?

 

[bobsingh1]

I have been using seaclone for couple of months now... no problems so far... spits out good amount of crap...

 

[broomer5]

CPR Bak-Pak II $129.00 at http://www.reeffanatic.com/skimmers-cpr.htm