Nano Skimmer/ATO suggestions

[tentacles]

So, with Christmas 24 days away (well, 23 if you want to be a stickler), I figured I might as well make my list for Santa (aka my parents).

I've been thinking about adding a skimmer to my tank for a while, I just haven't had the extra $150+ to spare for a while (gas in my car to get too and from school is more important, I guess :sigh I have a 24g nanocube, pretty stocked with various types of corals (softies, LPS, NPS and some limited SPS as well as clams). I find that I get tremendous growth when I spot feed, but I haven't been lately because I can't keep up with my weekly (...biweekly) water changes like I used to due to school (pre med + nanotechnology engineering= copious studying, deficient free time ). I've notice that since the spot feed cessation, my growth has been significantly stunted, and I've had to take a break from SPS. I'd like to be able to spot feed moderately and get away with doing a monthly WC (with dosing to compensate for Ca, Alk and Mg), while still achieving the growth that I used to. From the research I've done in my free time, albeit limited, I've become very interested in the Tunze 9002. However, I wanted to get some opinions from people who have had experience with it before committing to it. I'm also open to other suggestions, and since my parents have graciously offered to foot the bill my price range is a little more flexible :splitspin

I'm also interested in an ATO, as the more automated my system can be the better. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find one that fits my needs (on the cube I obviously don't have a sump, and ideally I'd like the reservoir to be <5 gallons because of space constraints). I'm more interested on DIY for this one, because I can tinker with it over my xmas break, but if there's something out there that isn't outrageously priced, I'd definitely consider it.

So, suggest away! Your input is appreciated! :squid:

 

[tomtoothdoc]

So, will Christmas 24 days away (well, 23 if you want to be a stickler), I figured I might as well make my list for Santa (aka my parents).

i am flabbergasted....is that a misspelled word?!!?!?....lol.

i can only comment on two nano skimmers and two ato's i have owned.

1. backpack2- worked ok but loud and messy....salt creep everywhere- not recommended.

2. remora nano- worked very well. replaced the backpack2 with this- recommended.

sorry never owned the tunze skimmer.

ato-

1. jbj-worked ok- not precise enough for a small tank. the water needs to drop almost an inch for it to top off. after 3 yrs., the float switch got stuck even after cleaning...can't find the replacement switch.- not recommended.

2. autotopoff.com- best one imo. very precise. only a 1/8" of water differentiation will trigger it.

http://autotopoff.com/products/

 

[tentacles]

i am flabbergasted....is that a misspelled word?!!?!?....lol.

:Yikes: (It was almost 2:30am and I just finished studying! I'm terrible )

Thank you so much for the suggestions! I will definitely look into them.

 

[Staaan]

So, with Christmas 24 days away (well, 23 if you want to be a stickler), I figured I might as well make my list for Santa (aka my parents).

I've been thinking about adding a skimmer to my tank for a while, I just haven't had the extra $150+ to spare for a while (gas in my car to get too and from school is more important, I guess :sigh I have a 24g nanocube, pretty stocked with various types of corals (softies, LPS, NPS and some limited SPS as well as clams). I find that I get tremendous growth when I spot feed, but I haven't been lately because I can't keep up with my weekly (...biweekly) water changes like I used to due to school (pre med + nanotechnology engineering= copious studying, deficient free time ). I've notice that since the spot feed cessation, my growth has been significantly stunted, and I've had to take a break from SPS. I'd like to be able to spot feed moderately and get away with doing a monthly WC (with dosing to compensate for Ca, Alk and Mg), while still achieving the growth that I used to. From the research I've done in my free time, albeit limited, I've become very interested in the Tunze 9002. However, I wanted to get some opinions from people who have had experience with it before committing to it. I'm also open to other suggestions, and since my parents have graciously offered to foot the bill my price range is a little more flexible :splitspin

I'm also interested in an ATO, as the more automated my system can be the better. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find one that fits my needs (on the cube I obviously don't have a sump, and ideally I'd like the reservoir to be <5 gallons because of space constraints). I'm more interested on DIY for this one, because I can tinker with it over my xmas break, but if there's something out there that isn't outrageously priced, I'd definitely consider it.

So, suggest away! Your input is appreciated! :squid:

Almost in the same exact boat as you except I'm a pre-dental/psych major.

As far as Tom has stated, and what I've read/heard about the backpack.. it pretty much sucks.. haha.

I've heard only good things about the remora.

I was going to get a skimmer for my little Nano and well then a sumpless AGA 20g long... but ended up getting a 46g Bowfront for free... saved up some dough and scored a great deal on an ASM G2... (sorry for my little tangent.. thought it was kinda relavent :smile.

Also.. I know its not commonly used, but for my 6g Nanocube, I found Purigen a great helper in managing water quality... its worked for me so far.. and its dirt cheap (compared to a skimmer, especially retail priced)

http://www.seachem.com/Products/product_pages/Purigen.html

http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=4190

Oh and its "re-newable" with a 1:1 bleach water soak. I know bleach is not advisable... but just figured I'd throw it out there. I just went out and bought a brand new pack, haven't been able to find any testimony on it.

 

[THEDLO]

i wish my parents still bought me stuff!

(pre med + nanotechnology engineering= copious studying, deficient free time )

JESUS!

I'm also interested in an ATO, as the more automated my system can be the better. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find one that fits my needs (on the cube I obviously don't have a sump, and ideally I'd like the reservoir to be <5 gallons because of space constraints). I'm more interested on DIY for this one, because I can tinker with it over my xmas break, but if there's something out there that isn't outrageously priced, I'd definitely consider it.

i made my ATO, its not hard at all, although make sure when u do urs the pump can easily be switched.......i wired switched to the pump cord, so if i need to swap out i have to re wire.....

 

[JonnyJ]

In my eyes the The Tunze 9002 is a no brainer. It worked flawlessly on my 34G solana tank. It has a ton of positive feedback all over the nano world and i can vouch for it. It's a great little simple skimmer. It's quite [almost silent] very easy to setup and pulls plenty of skim.... you really cant go wrong with it.

 

[tentacles]

Stan: I've used chemipure/chemipure elite/purigen and what have you, the issue I find with it is that for the water volume I have, it's not really worth it. I like running chemipure as opposed to carbon because it eliminates any minor PO4 issues (though I haven't ever really had any serious spikes in PO4), but I think for this situation I need something with a more mechanical nature.

DLO: How did you make your ATO? I'm game to build one, but if the supplies are going to cost just as much as a prefab, I'd probably end up just buying it to save the hassle/allow my self more time to read every textbook and journal article ever created (obviously).

Jonny: All the reviews I read on it said exactly the same as you're saying: small, quiet, and pulls nice skim. It's good to know that it worked out for you. For the price, it seems pretty worth it. I'm 90% sure it's the model I'm going to go with. How did you have it rigged up to your Solana and how often did you find yourself emptying the cup?

 

[DREUTZ]

I have a 29 Gal BC and wanted to keep the all in one look but mod the ___ out of it so a compact skimmer was necessary. I started with the BC skimmer and it was a pain and never really worked well. The skimmer I am running now is the Auaticlife Internal Mini Protein Skimmer.

http://www.marinedepot.com/AquaticL...Skimmers-AquaticLife-AK01114-FIPSISVS-vi.html

Here is a thread from when I first got it and there are pics of it in action. Keep in mind that was right when I got it and since then the skim has gotten darker and thicker:

http://www.manhattanreefs.com/forum/general-discussion/76686-best-skimmer-bio-cube-3.html

As you will read in the thread people were against it for the bubbles it may create in the display, but i always run the filter pad and never really notice them.

8 months later and the thing runs great when chaeto is not clogging the intake. I got the thing for $42 on amazon, but it looks like the price has gone up a little.

Keep in mind though if you don't mind equipment hanging off the back, I'm sure there are bigger, better, more expensive skimmers that will fit your tank out there

 

[JonnyJ]

As far as i know their is two models of the Tunze 9002. The only difference between the two is the mounting bracket. So if your buying used check out the bracket supplied. The older/original model came with a stock adjustable mounting bracket & The newer model with a magnet...[ I think ... please, someone correct me if im wrong]


Most people make a platform with egg-crate and zip ties. I think its best.

--------------

My tunze was the older model with a stevie t cup. I was able to use the Stock bracket after a little tweaking. It worked well for a while but became annoying getting it to sit properly when it would shift or when I was removing it for daily compartment syphoning. Large hands & a small compartment cause anxiety lol....So i actually ended up making a platform with eggcrate.

I consider myself an over feeder, had a very large clean up crew and the thing needed to be emptied at least once or twice a week. wet skimming..

 

[NYreefNoob]

tent what brand exactly do you have of the 24g ? reason i ask is because the baffles are different on the couple of companies, personally i didnt like the tunze unless you can keep water level rock solid, i use a skimmer from a solana in my aquapod 24g, was avery tight fit but works very well for me. if you have the aquapod and e interested i can tellyou the few mods i did to mine that have worked wonderfully, { my seahorse tank } for ato i use the reef fanatic and love it, most all do the same thing, likes for the reef fanatic is the dual float valves and ability to use one float in ato bucket to turn pump off if out of water or to use both in sump

nano skimmer
http://reefbuilders.com/2010/12/01/hydors-slim-skim-nano-stealth-internal-skimmer/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reefbuilders%2FCTjt+%28Reef+Builders%29

 

[tentacles]

tent what brand exactly do you have of the 24g ?

I have the JBJ nano cube. I actually just read the post on reef builders about that little hydor skimmer, I was going to see if I could find some more info on it because it looks like it could be an option. I'd really like to get both the ATO and the skimmer. How much did the total set up of the reef fanatic cost you?

 

[NYreefNoob]

think $90 for the ato, i like the ability to use it in several ways, there other cheaper one's, but for the few dollars differace i went with it, does yours have the little over flow box on the drain side ?

 

[tentacles]

Update: I think I have made my final decision, and I believe I'm going to go with the hydor slim skim nano. I really want something that can be partially submerged in the back of the tank without creating a huge eyesore (I've modded my lighting so I have an open top, and from the measurements it seems like the collection cup of the Tunze would stick out a lot.) I read a lot of reviews that stated that people needed to saw off the magnet portion on the Tunze in order to get it to fit, and I don't really want to risk breaking it by doing that. I also read that even with removing the magnet, the skimmer only fit in the middle chamber of the NC, and with the way my lights are it wouldn't fit there. For my needs the slim skim nano had more pros then cons.

AND! It's ~$75 cheaper than the tunze, so I can add the Hanna PO4 checker to my list :spin: (And the mp10 of course, in case other relatives want to pitch in for a big gift . Or if my parents decide to give me an extra expensive because I'm such a good daughter who stays out of trouble and gets good grade...because I'm still in elementary school, lol).

 

[TRIGGERMAN]

I personally have no experience with the hydor but I really DISLIKE the look of an internal skimmer. In my opinion it's very tacky, not to mention it takes up valuable space. It's a nano, there isn't much room to begin with! LOL. I have heard good things about the tunze but never used/saw it. On my 29 biocube and my 24 nanocube I use a Sapphire Aquatics nano skimmer. It gets tons of crap out of the water and it's VERY slim. It fits right in the middle chamber perfectly. I would say look into the sapphire, it is also so quiet you can't even hear it. Good luck!

 

[tentacles]

The Hydor is small enough that it fits in the back chambers and doesn't protrude from the surface as much as the Tunze. I don't have any room to put a skimmer (even a tiny one) in the main part of the tank! And I agree, it wouldn't look good there anyway.

 

[THEDLO]

i probably spent 30 total to make my ATO. all u need is 2 float switches, and acrylic sheet to make the bracket and an aqua lifter.