SKimmer Question

taat2d · 05-21-2007, 12:33 PM

Ok I know there's been hundred's of skimmer questions. Here's one more.

How do I know if my skimmer is doing a superb job? I am currently using a CSS 125. If I were to use a different skimmer, say a Deltec, or ASM, how would the skimmate comapre to the Coralife? I have a moderately stocked tank as for corals, I have 6 small fis and the are fed 3 days a week. As of right now after a week of skimming with a middle of dry/wet skimming I get maybe a half cup of green smelly skimmate. What's to say that with going with a bigger skimmer I'll get more in the collection cup? Anyone got a bigger/better skimmer willing to lend or rent to me so I can see the difference for myself. Especially since I need to see the results in my OWN tank for a comparison?
Thanx

**Deanos** · 05-21-2007, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by taat2d


	How do I know if my skimmer is doing a superb job?

If measurable nutrient levels (phosphates & nitrates) do not rise (assuming no water changes & regular feedings).

Comparing quantity of skimmate with quality of skimmate is difficult to measure since changes in "consistency" (wet vs dry) directly affects the comparison.

taat2d · 05-21-2007, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deanos


	If measurable nutrient levels (phosphates & nitrates) do not rise (assuming no water changes & regular feedings).

Ok so are you saying to test the water before and after feeding fish and corals to see if the skimer is giving the same results?

**Deanos** · 05-21-2007, 12:43 PM

I'd test less frequently than that, since I don't know how long it takes for uneaten food to become measurable phosphates/nitrates.

As long as nutrient levels don't rise...say weekly, I'd say the skimmer is working efficiently.

taat2d · 05-21-2007, 02:56 PM

OK then I gotta say it's working efficiently. But would it be more beneficial if it was kicking some serious a$$? What would I gain in that?

**jhale** · 05-22-2007, 10:06 AM

you can feed your fish more, it won't hurt the tank, the fish will be happy, and you will get more skimmate.

**Deanos** · 05-22-2007, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jhale


	you will get more skimmate.

You can add Stress-Coat to your tank too to get more skimmate...doesn't mean the skimmer is extracting more or less nutrients.

**jhale** · 05-22-2007, 10:34 AM

{ more food=more poop=more skimmate } ime

taat2d · 05-22-2007, 10:37 AM

It seems that for 2-3 days after a wate change it skims highly efficient. After that it seems to slow down. and I have to readjust the knob. Is this the norm?

**Deanos** · 05-22-2007, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by taat2d


	It seems that for 2-3 days after a wate change it skims highly efficient. After that it seems to slow down. and I have to readjust the knob. Is this the norm?

Try cleaning the skimmer neck, instead of adjusting knobs.

05-21-2007, 12:33 PM	#1
taat2d LET'S GO RANGERS!!!!!!!! Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Staten Island NY Posts: 488 Reefer Ratings: (12) Friends: (0)	SKimmer Question Ok I know there's been hundred's of skimmer questions. Here's one more. How do I know if my skimmer is doing a superb job? I am currently using a CSS 125. If I were to use a different skimmer, say a Deltec, or ASM, how would the skimmate comapre to the Coralife? I have a moderately stocked tank as for corals, I have 6 small fis and the are fed 3 days a week. As of right now after a week of skimming with a middle of dry/wet skimming I get maybe a half cup of green smelly skimmate. What's to say that with going with a bigger skimmer I'll get more in the collection cup? Anyone got a bigger/better skimmer willing to lend or rent to me so I can see the difference for myself. Especially since I need to see the results in my OWN tank for a comparison? Thanx

05-21-2007, 12:43 PM	#4
Deanos Moderator Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Bronx, NY 10475 Posts: 12,061 Reefer Ratings: (97) Friends: (17)	I'd test less frequently than that, since I don't know how long it takes for uneaten food to become measurable phosphates/nitrates. As long as nutrient levels don't rise...say weekly, I'd say the skimmer is working efficiently. __________________ Need help or have a question? Click the avatar below:

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05-21-2007, 02:56 PM	#5
taat2d LET'S GO RANGERS!!!!!!!! Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Staten Island NY Posts: 488 Reefer Ratings: (12) Friends: (0)	OK then I gotta say it's working efficiently. But would it be more beneficial if it was kicking some serious a$$? What would I gain in that?

05-22-2007, 10:06 AM	#6
jhale paper bags are fun! Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: G.V NYC Posts: 15,305 Reefer Ratings: (43) Friends: (32)	you can feed your fish more, it won't hurt the tank, the fish will be happy, and you will get more skimmate.

05-22-2007, 10:34 AM	#8
jhale paper bags are fun! Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: G.V NYC Posts: 15,305 Reefer Ratings: (43) Friends: (32)	{ more food=more poop=more skimmate } ime

05-22-2007, 10:37 AM	#9
taat2d LET'S GO RANGERS!!!!!!!! Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Staten Island NY Posts: 488 Reefer Ratings: (12) Friends: (0)	It seems that for 2-3 days after a wate change it skims highly efficient. After that it seems to slow down. and I have to readjust the knob. Is this the norm?