New CPR Bal-Pak 2R

[~reefchik~]

Just got my first Bak Pak. It's on my 20 gal. nano.

I've never really had a decent skimmer before, and of course always ended up sooner or later with nitrate issues in the past. What do people use in place of the bio-bale, if anything?

 

[TheJGMProject]

What do people use in place of the bio-bale, if anything?

If you meant "bio-balls" then some use small live rock pieces where the bio balls would be.

 

[~reefchik~]

Actually I did mean bio-bale. It looks like blue ribbon all smashed together. Or blue plastic chaetomorpha algae :wink: Actually I was thinking of putting some chaeto into that section but I don't have any way to light it up.

The live rock sounds like a good idea though, thanks!

 

[bleedingthought]

Well, the biggest thing about the bio-bale in the bakpak skimmers is to prevent micro bubbles to get back into the tank. Pull it out and see how your does.

P.S. Some people even use that area for chemicals (like carbon) and heater storage to save space in the tank, so I've read.

 

[~reefchik~]

Yep, the micro bubbles are showing up now. I know they aren't good for corals so I have to come up with a solution. The version of Bak Pak I got doesn't come with the bio bale but I think I will try the live rock and maybe toss some of the chaeto I have in there.

 

[SnowManSnow]

I dont think micro bubbles have an ill effect on corals. What about reefs that are constantly being hit with waves and ebb? The main thing with the bubbles is that it just plain clouds the water IMO.

B

 

[Snowboarda42]

my skimmer is makin crazy micro bubbles, but it might be b/c i just cleaned it....

 

[Anonymous]

They will initially have some bubbles until it is broken in. With the CPR you can get a bubble trap accesory that I have had on both of mine and recommend. I also kept heaters and other stuff in the skimmer that got it out of the way and controlled bubbles as well. It is a great little skimmer IMO.

 

[~reefchik~]

I dont think micro bubbles have an ill effect on corals. What about reefs that are constantly being hit with waves and ebb? The main thing with the bubbles is that it just plain clouds the water IMO.

This might be old thinking, but I'd heard that micro bubbles can cause distress in corals.

The Bak Pak seems to be working well now, set up for 24 hrs + and getting a little skimmate. I may look for a bubble trap at the LFS.