?s about a Top Fathom 200

[ufotofu]

HI ALL -

First post...back into reefkeeping after about 15 yrs layoff. Gee, I dunno which is the better tool - reefs.org or protein skimmers. Anyway, I'd say this site has done TONS to further the art and reefkeeping succes. Nice photos and info abound!!

So, speaking of skimmers. I'm amassing gear to set up a new reef, and I recently came across a new skimmer on eBay that I had to have: a Top Fathom 200. Aside from the obvious issues with head pressure needed to run it, is this thing gonna be overkill for a tank in the 30gal area? My last reef I ran successfully with a grossly oversized skimmer (30gal tank with a counter-current 150gal model), but the info I find on this TF200 has me wondering given the venturi design of this one coupled with the high psi inlet...I was always of the mind that there's no such thing as too big a skimmer or too much skimming.
Thoughts?

 

[Snowboarda42]

Gee, I dunno which is the better tool - reefs.org or protein skimmers.

Did he just call us all TOOLS? WTF?



just kiddin.

I've heard that there is such a thing as too big of a skimmer b/c of it removing the additives, calcium, iodine, etc from the water that you put in it. However, as long as its adjustable, you should be okay. But its always better going too big than too small. Same goes with filtration, except in my opinion, you can never have too much filtration.

 

[ufotofu]

that would make reefs.org a toolshed, then... :wink:

but thanks for you comment. Yeah, I've heard about scrubbing the water too much and removing all the needed trace elements, calcium, etc, etc, but I used to skim pretty thorough and never saw any evidence of it via testing or empirical evidence. I've never used O3 (except on a trial basis), though. I'm gonna at least try it out - I got too good a deal on it to just chuck it in the closet. Or, maybe I'll tighten the belt a little and step into a bigger tank. Hmm, now to find pump to run it...

 

[Len]

Hi. I had this skimmer A LONG time ago. I didn't know they were still in business (they might not be). It's a solid venturi skimmer. It worked well for me, though nothing spectacular. But for a 30G, it will work very well. I had mine on a 50 gallon. You can always add Bionic or Cbalance to replace any minerals taken out.

One hint: don't overtighten the venturi valve into the thread I cracked my skimmer body doing this.

 

[ufotofu]

Do you remember what water pump you ran with it? Their site (and everyone that sells them) are very clear about running a high head pressure into the venturi, otherwise the skimmer sucks (supposedly - makes sense, though).
One other thing. Did you run yours in-sump or externally?
Man, I can't wait to roll the sleeves up and get to work on this tank!
Thanks, Len!

 

[Len]

I ran a Rio 2100 (bad choice!). Go with a Mag5 for submersible or Iwaki 20RLT (or equivalent) for in-line. You definitely need a pressure rated pump as venturis create a ton of back pressure on the pump.

Mine was run in-sump, but it looked water tight to me. I'm sure it can be used externally without problem.

 

[ufotofu]

I'll probably go with either an Iwaki pressure pump or one of the coralife turbo sea pressure pumps. Dunno much about the latter, but I've had great results from former Iwaki's...all american versions. foster & smith has the turbo sea pumps on sale right now. I could get a tremendously powerful pump producing around 7psi for about $120.

Based on your experience with the Top Fathom skimmer, is higher psi = higher performance or will 4-5psi work just fine? Did you ever experiment with other venturis to decrease bubble size/increase bubble production? Just wondering...don't mean to beat it to death.

BTW Len, visited your site, and I must say WOW! The 125 is jaw-dropping, and the modded nano is just as cool. Kudos!

 

[Len]

Thanks That's an old tank (ran for 10 years). New tank is up, but I just don't have any photos yet

I never tried another venturi, but always wanted to try a nice mazzei. 5 psi should be good, but the more pressure, the more air injection potential.