Protein Skimmer Selection 2/9/08
I have read the WWM protein skimmer section's and still have questions.
<OK>
I am running a 90 gallon FOWLR system with 150 pounds of live rock. It runs into a 30 gallon long sump which has a refugium with macro algae in the middle. My intake chamber ( where I plan on putting the skimmer ) is 8" x 12" with a 29" clearance. What reasonably priced skimmer with a pump would you recommend?
<For this footprint an AquaC Urchin Pro or the Tunze mentioned below would be fine choices.>
Right now I have a sea clone 100 which pulls gunk but I don't think is good enough by all I have read.
<It is not the greatest skimmer.>
Would you recommend the Tunze 9005 with the 9005.400 in sump conversion kit?
<Yes, highly recommended, as is the Aqua C mentioned. Both companies make top notch products.>
I don't quite understand how this model works, whether it has a pump or not.
<Yes it does, it is an all inclusive plug and play unit.>
Or would you recommend the E.T.S.S. Reef Devil Protein Skimmer with Pump?
<This could work also, although it will likely be louder and consume more power.>
Thank you for your time.
John
P.S. I am married and don't want to sleep with the skimmer. My loving wife (who doesn't understand the addiction yet) has agreed to allow me to spend around 300 dollars.
<Welcome John, all of the above come within your price range. My wife is constantly going through the same thing, “I swear this will be the last tank.” Yeah right! Good luck, Scott V.>

Protein Skimmers and FOWLR Systems - 08/15/06
Thanks again for all of your advice maintaining a healthy marine aquarium.
<<Hope you find it useful>>
I have a general question that you have probably answered before, but couldn't find searching your database.
<<Okay>>
How important is protein skimming in a FOWLR tank.
<<Protein skimming is a useful adjunct to any marine filtration system.  Its "importance" will depend greatly on the other factors of the system...stocking density, species kept, maintenance/husbandry, filtration/supplementation, etc...  It may not be "necessary"...but is surely helpful>>
I have an Aqua-C skimmer which is sized for up to 75 gallons that I would like to use on a 125 gallon.
<<Mmm, a good skimmer brand...and though undersized for the system, will still provide some benefit>>
My impression is that removal of organic waste via skimming is not as critical in a FOWLR system with a canister filter and 20% water changes every 2 weeks.
<<I disagree...  The fact that a FOWLR can "tolerate" higher levels of nitrogenous wastes than a reef system can doesn't mean it won't benefit/doesn't need a means to control these wastes.  And though a skimmer does not remove these wastes directly, it does remove compounds that would otherwise breakdown and burden the system.  Even if the canister filter (cleaned weekly I hope) and the water changes are enough to keep water parameters acceptable/nitrate below 20ppm, the addition of a good skimmer will only improve water quality all the more...with the added benefit of increased oxygenation.  I've read one author state that he would "always" have a skimmer on his marine systems, if for no other reason than to provide good oxygenation>>
Should I rethink this approach over the long term?
<<I would...  You might be surprised at the improvement in water quality/fish health and vitality if you install a properly-sized, quality skimmer on your system>>
Thanks again.
<<Always welcome, EricR>>

Re: Protein Skimming  - 1/6/06
Happy New Year to you guys and thanks for all of the help. <You're welcome.  Jimmy, in the future please reply with original query.  I'm not sure if I was the one that answered this or not.>
  I have a 180 gallon FOWLR that is moderately stocked.  I have read extensively and noted that Anthony Calfo actually recommended that large tanks ( article on WWM  Large Marine Aquariums An Intro to Marine Aquaria Over 200 gallons ) may benefit from two skimmers of different types.  I had two Turboflotors that seemed to do an "OK" job, but always looking for adventure, I replaced one of the Turboflotors with an AquaC EV 180.
   I really like the way that the AquaC works but...I am noticing that it does take much longer to react to bioloads than the remaining TurboFlotor ( Now I have a Turboflotor Multi as well as an EV 180 )  In fact, when the Turboflotor is running the EV 180 stops producing foam.  I have gone over the setup with Steve at AquaC and the skimmer is installed correctly.  He stated that they recommend using the AquaC as the only skimmer on the tank.   It almost seems like the injection mechanism of the Aqua C is such that the skimmer needs a minimum dissolved organic level to "kick in" which is higher than the AquaMedic i.e. ( i.e. the AquaMedic pulls more out of the water than the AquaC at lower dissolved organic levels in the water ).  While the TurboFlotor is on, the AquaC does not seem to skim very effectively at all, but the TurboFlotor does.  When I use the AquaC alone it skims great but a few hours after I turn the TurboFlotor back on the AquaC slows down dramatically but the TurboFlotor continues to produce green black scum.
  Any thoughts that may shed some light on this situation ?...It seems that I cannot use the AquaC and TurboFlotor simultaneously, which is a bit frustrating. From what I have read in WWM this is not what I expected to observe.  I actually would have expected for the AquaC to suck the life out of the TurboFlotor but not vice versa.  ( FYI I have tried the TurboFlotor with a Euroreef RS 135 on the same tank and both work very well simultaneously ) I wish I could get a larger skimmer for this tank but space is limited !  Your thoughts would be appreciated !
<If the Turboflotors work that well then they would be the ones I'd be using.  There are two different technologies here that very well may be the cause of what you are seeing.  The old saying, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."  James (Salty Dog)>
Thanks Jimmy <You're welcome>

Skimmer for a FOWLR
I am trying to set up a 80 gallon FISH ONLY tank. I have read a crap load of things on skimmers and my head is spinning so fast and I'm so confused. What would you guys recommend be the best filter and best skimmer to use in my case. << As big as you can afford. >> I am so lost on what to buy and need a little direction. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you much'
<< Well I think the best thing to do is to go to a local store, and see what they are using and how it is working.  You can't have too big of a skimmer.  Also, try looking at tanks in your area in a local club.  That way you can see many sizes and varieties in action. >>
    DAN
<<  Blundell  >>