Skimmer Q&A Thread

[tdawgnjlo]

Excellent explanation! Now it is clear to me, and hopefully others.

Is there a post with a listing that shows air and water flow rates for each skimmer/pump combination, or do you have to go to each manufacturer's website to gather the data, if available?

Thanks

[Buganddoug]

Mjo That was very well put.
Daniel

[mojo~]

I was hoping that it made sense to more than just me.
I have only found the information on a few of the skimmer pumps. Most will show air draw but not how much water it is pulling along with the air.

Mojo~

[SPS20]

Mojo-

What is your opinion regarding the Tunze Hydrofoamer Silence 9420.040 in comparison to the Sicce PSK 2500?

I am currently using an SWC200 skimmer, with the stock pinwheel, and while I like the skimmer's body design, the pump leaves much to be desired. It is by far the loudest thing in my system, and while it pulls a good deal of air, the bubble size is highly variable. I see alot of tiny bubbles being produced by the Sicce, but they are accompanied by some fairly large bubbles exiting the bubble plate.

Initially I felt that the skimmer body and pump needed time to break in. It has been several weeks, and still the performance of this pump is lackluster.

So, I am considering replacing it with either a Hydrofoamer Silence 9420.040 or an Eheim Compact+ skimmer pump. (I'm leaning toward the Hydrofoamer since I can't seem to find ANY information on the Eheim unit apart from manufacturer specs and basic marketing literature.) Both are very close together in price, so that isn't an issue.

Do you have any experience with either of these? What can I expect relatuve to the Sicce in terms of air draw, water draw, bubble size, and noise/vibration? Will changing pumps yield an increase in performance, or only a quieter skimmer?

Thank you in advance for your thoughts on the subject.

[mojo~]

The tunze will be a pretty close comparison. They dont deal with head pressure well nor does the sicce. The tunze is a little nice pump as far as the volute goes. the pinwheel assembly is a lot different from the sicce pinwheel assembly. The Tunze is pretty costly as well. you would almost be better off selling your skimmer and going with something with a different pump that is already designed for that particular pump.

[thorsky]

SPS20, I have very limited experience with the Tunze as it just arrived but let me say so far I'm impressed. The pump is silent, has the stongest magnet I've ever felt and is immediately pulling 35SCFH in about 7 inches of water.

To elaborate on the strong magnet comment, the first thing I did was take the pump apart (of course!) to check out the guts. Pulling the needlewheel out takes some strength! I've played with many a pump and this things magnetic pull is insane.

Anywho, take it for what it's worth...as I said I've only had it for a couple hours. Time will tell...

[mojo~]

I would like to hear more on the tunze too. keep us up to date.

I thought I would share my week one photo's of my new ATB v1.5 SE..




Pretty nasty black nog. Again just wanted to share. Running small pinwheel.

[thorsky]

WOW!!! That is heinous! I don't get that with my ATB, but then again it's running on a tiny tank now. Once I move it to the 90 and get everything dialed in I'll look forward to that...well, not really, but you get my point.

[rroselavy]

That's sick mojo, you must be very happy not to have that crud in your tank anymore...

How much/what do you feed per day?

[mojo~]

well for my two fish I feed a couple pellets of spectrum or some mysis.

[snaza]

Hi guys,

I'm from Australia and we dont have the luxury of any decent skimmers at affordable prices. Think i'm going to have to order from the USA and pay a few hundred $ for shipping. My other option is I can get a cone body in aust and connect up an askoll 1500. The cone body is about 9inch base and 4inch neck. Is that to small for an askoll 1500 to run a 250G SPS tank?

thanks

[suta4242]

Hi mojo,

I'm considering an ATB840 for a heavily fed 500L system. The daily input of food could eventually equal about 30 frozen cubes.

some questions:

- will the skimmer be able to process a lot of fatty foods eg raw salmon, fish roe etc..?
- will there be a problem if its shut down for a few hours during feeding?
- will the 840 be big enough?

thanks for your time

[GSMguy]

Suta if i were you i would put in an order for the ATB 1050a V 1.5, the 840 is a great skimmer but 30 cubes of food is not easy for any skimmer the Askol motor is better suited to that size bioload.

[suta4242]

Thanks for your reply GSM. Any possible problems about processing the fatty food?

[GSMguy]

not in my experience, the ATBs are well balanced (water to air ratio) and handle fatty foods well, i Feed a blend called Rods Food, it is popular here in the states and has lots of slimy stuff in it, my skimmer doesnt slow down at all.

if a skimmer body has too much air it can be affected by fatty foods more, Think ATI bubblemaster. this is not the case with the ATB.

[evergreenreeftank]

I am looking at the Octopus Extreme 200 for my 120 reeftank. Will be running in a 45 refugium, possibly from ADHI. Am also considering the Mini DSX from Marine Solutions. Any thoughts?

[mojo~]

I build my own sumps to save on cost and I get exactly what I want. THat skimmer will suite you fine. Sorry, I will be back on more in couple days. some life issues (kids) have to be taken care of.
Mojo~

[143gadgets]

Figured you all would like to see these.

Took some pic of my skimmers and GSMGuy's(Nick) New ATB Deluxe.

Gotta love them all.

BK Alpha 200 and ATB Econo 840

[143gadgets]

Next up....

ATB Deluxe!!!

[GSMguy]

Nice pictures Chris. thanks for that.

[vanillagorila]

Nick,
what is the big hole in the lid for?

[GSMguy]

here is my Vacation Nog, ATB small with mini airstar set to skim very dry.





My skimmers.

[GSMguy]

Originally posted by vanillagorila
Nick,
what is the big hole in the lid for?

float switch

i dont have one yet though, need to get one that will work with my controller.

[vanillagorila]

Originally posted by GSMguy
float switch

i dont have one yet though, need to get one that will work with my controller.

oh right, I forgot about the switch. it looks really good.

[clownnrnd]

what a day....looks like you must of got your return pump as well?

Chad