Protien Skimmer

[ajer]

I am looking in to upgrading the protein skimmer on my 24 gallon reef tank. The two models I have seen that i like are the SeaClone and the Prizm. Which one is better? I would like to spend less than $100 dollars on this. Suggestions?
I WANT A PROTEIN SKIMMER THAT WILL GIVE ME THIS

NOT THIS

OR THIS

OR THIS

!

 

[zman1]

I know I am going to take flack for my answer. Neither, with a 24 gallon tank you can easily do water changes that would negate the benefits of a protein skimmer. Also, just point a power head upward to ripple the surface water for gas exchange for any CO2 issues (low pH). JMO

 

[stanlalee]

you wont be happy with either of them (they may skim well enough for a 24g but they have quirks that will annoy you: thinks like noise, adjustability and consistancy). there are ZERO $100 good options but when your ready to spend some money for a skimmer that will make you

:
warner marine H1

Deltec MCE300

tunze 9002 internal skimmer

 

[natclanwy]

I have to agree I wouldn't bother buying a skimmer in that price range save your money and just do water changes. I have used the Seaclone and it all but worthless and difficult to get it to skim consistantly. I have a friend that had similar experience with the prism.
The aquaC remora gets good reviews and they have a nano version for $140 haven't heard any reviews on the nano version though but doubt that the performance would be much different.

 

[ajer]

What about the corallife super skimmer? I found the 65 gallon model for $103.
And I do 5 gallon water changes once a month. Is that enough?
Thanks!!!!

 

[stanlalee]

coralife 65 is okay when dialed in but finicky with water level changes. you must stay on top of the airway passage as its prone to getting clogged with salt which can cause a floor full of water. its going to be big and obtrusive hung on a 24g tank.
I didn't mention it because you said $100 or under but if you can spend $105-110 I'd suggest an Octopus BH100 or BH100SS (only difference is surface skimmer). these are as good as its going to get for hang on backs at that price and actually will likely make you happy

I'd REALLY try to stretch that to $150 and get the BH1000 with the pump outside the tank. my skimmer has this same pump

just make sure your tank has room below the rear, these may hang a bit below the tank (as would the coralife) depending on how tall your tank is.

 

[ajer]

I have a highly upgraded aquapod so it has a section of the tank cut off as a sump and I have a lot of empty space so the pump being in the tank is not an issue. And I thought that all skimmers were dependent on water level. Any other opinions on Super Skimmer 65 Vs. BH100?
Thanks!!!

 

[cveverly]

I have a Bh-100F and it has been a good skimmer for the money. Once it is dialed in just empty and clean the cup every couple days.

 

[ajer]

Does the BH100 have a needle wheel?
Edit: A yes, Google is a Magical thing, Google "BH-100 Octopus Needle Wheel" and the answer is before you young one.

aaaahhhh, the power of google. I will be ordering the BH-100 tomorrow.
THANKS

I hope the BH100 will give me this:

 

[natclanwy]

I would pass on the coralife, I have couple of friends that really liked the coralife until they saw my AquaC EV-180 skimmer in use now one has already upgraded his skimmer and the other has been talking about it. I have to say I was never impressed with the coralife it always seemed finicky and inconsistant.

 

[ajer]

I ordered my BH100 (also in the same order a Hydor Korialia 2 and a Refractometer!

)

 

[ajer]

I received my BH-100 today. IT'S HUGE! I installed it, started the siphon in the outlet and then removed the airline from the siphon starter. I has been on for about 1 hour, but now the foam is piling up on the side opposite to the Collection cup, I has been doing this for the last hour. It look like it is about to overflow, but it doesn't. Is this normal? I'm still tuning but I got some light brown muck out. Trying to get dark brown.

 

[cveverly]

I do not personally have this model but I assume it will settle down as it breaks in. Do you add anything to your water like a dechlorinator or slime coat? They can cause the skimmer to do something like this.
You may already know this. That little black thing that looks like a film canister is a muffler. It will reduce the sucking sound coming from the skimmer. Put it on the end of the air line going to the pump.
BTW, The 100 SS is small compared to the 800S and 300F.

 

[nigerbang]

corallife 65 should do the trick

 

[ajer]

I am using "AquaSafe Water Conditioner" it says it's "Reef/marine Safe" but nothing about protein skimmers. Should I switch to "Stress Coat Marine"? It claims to be non-foaming.

 

[natclanwy]

I wouldn't use any water conditioners, I haven't found one yet that doesn't cause your skimmer to go nuts.

 

[cveverly]

Originally Posted by natclanwy
http:///forum/post/2842777
I wouldn't use any water conditioners, I haven't found one yet that doesn't cause your skimmer to go nuts.

I totally agree. Don't use anything like this type of product in your display tank. It will make your skimmer go into overdrive! It would be ok in a quarantine tank.

 

[ajer]

What am I supposed to use to remove Chlorine? I am planning on getting a RO filter in January. But until then? Prime has received good reviews, people say it doesn't make they're PS go nuts, guess I'll try that. Will the non-good dechlorinator stop causing trouble soon?

 

[cveverly]

Originally Posted by Ajer
http:///forum/post/2842884
What am I supposed to use to remove Chlorine? I am planning on getting a RO filter in January. But until then? Prime has received good reviews, people say it doesn't make they're PS go nuts, guess I'll try that. Will the non-good dechlorinator stop causing trouble soon?
I can't offer any opinion on the dechlorinator. I have never had to use it. In the past (before RO) I used to aerate my water for 24 hours before mixing with salt. Not sure that is a good solution.
The skimmer will settle down but it may be a couple days.

 

[natclanwy]

Chlorine will evaporate off of your water if you let it stand for a few hours before you add it to your tank.