Skimmer Recommendation

[csauer52]

Hi everyone. I need some help on skimmer recommendations. I have a 150G SPS dominant reef tank and I'm having issues with skimming. Tank has been running for roughly 6 months but I can't get rid of diatoms.

I "upgraded" my skimmer from a ASM G2 to a Super Reef Octopus in sump but this thing jusy doesn't want to skim. I've been running it for 3 months now and no matter how I adjust it I can't get more than 8oz of skimate per week in a plastic red beer cup. It's to the point that the diatoms are beginning to float in the water and cover SPS. I already lost one coral.

Thinking of going with an external this time around. Any recommendations on something that will actually WORK?

Thanks!
Chris

 

[bigdog1428]

Do u have the gate mod on ur skimmer to adjust it ?

 

[csauer52]

It came with a gate valve. Is there a mod to do to it?

 

[csauer52]

Anyone? Bueller, Bueller.....

 

[mbg75]

Is the sump baffled so the water height is constant for the skimmer?

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[d5332]

If the installation has met manufacturers recommendations and it still not working properly, call the manufacturer regardless if you purchased new or second hand, most will still assist you.

 

[csauer52]

No, sump is not baffled but I keep the water level within the limits of the skimmer. I'm really confused with this one....

I should be filling up the cup over the course of a week but I barely get anything in it and the skimmate I do collect doesn't smell rank. It smells like normal algae, must just be phytoplankton....

 

[fishman1069]

If the sump isn't baffeled your not going to get a consistent water level because of evap. That could be your problem

 

[d5332]

you just answered your own question, no matter how hard you try daily to keep the level steady the skimmer needs a permanent height, once you figure it at which height it works best bammm you are done.

Manufacturer will tell you the same most likely, until you keep it in a permanent depth they will not know if its malfunctioning.

No, sump is not baffled but I keep the water level within the limits of the skimmer. I'm really confused with this one....

I should be filling up the cup over the course of a week but I barely get anything in it and the skimmate I do collect doesn't smell rank. It smells like normal algae, must just be phytoplankton....

 

[csauer52]

Here's a video of the skimmer in action and showing my sump. The cup is an entire weeks worth of skimmate. When I raise the water level it doesn't skim at all. Any lower, and it sucks air and creates a vortex at the skimmer inlet.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9wZJw49i8E

Admittedly, I'm stumped....

 

[csauer52]

Hmmmmm, so if I understand you guys correctly, I have basically 2 options.

1) Change sump to baffled version.
2) Get an external skimmer.

Right?

 

[fishman1069]

Sounds about right

 

[csauer52]

Any thoughts on the video?

 

[fishman1069]

From what I can see its running correctly but without the baffels its going to run inefficently. You might have it set perfectly and then in a day, after some evap, it throws it off. They are meant to be in a constent water level. If you baffel your sump, the only place you will see the drop in water level will be your return section. The middle section, or skimmer section, will stay at a perfect level. Find out what level the skimmer operates in best and make your baffels at that height.

 

[csauer52]

Thanks Fishman!

 

[csauer52]

One last question, is there a way to baffle it while the tank is running?

 

[fishman1069]

No problem!

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Not a good idea. That will not give them time to cure.

 

[fishman1069]

Not a good idea. That will not give them time to cure.

+1 The need at least 24 hrs to cure

 

[mbg75]

Best way to go would be to baffle the sump. What size sump is it?

Try a quality Auto top off, might help to keep the height consistent.

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