Clueless about skimmers

[jejton]

So I have been reading the skimmer thread - about 15 pages so far - and I can't say that I feel anymore knowledgable about skimmes. The thread seems to be mostly just pictures of skimmers and people saying whether or not they like their skimmer.

For us newbies, though, this doesnt help much. Personally I would like to know how skimmers work and other info about choosing a skimmer so that I can then understand the difference between skimmers. With that info, combined with people's reviews, I can then make my own decision. Can anyone ( Deanos? ) point me in the right direction here, or maybe start a thread?

 

[drunktank]

well the skimmer thread is just what u said, a thread to shiow what the skimmer looks like and a review of how well it preformed.

skimmers use a pump to push water into the chamber and with injecting air, create mircobubbles which pull out fish poo and other bad things.

when deciding on a skimmer take into account 3 things. The size of ur tank, ur live stock and ur budget. Then refer back to the skimmer thread to find out what ppls exp has been with a skimmer u think fits ur needs

 

[cali_reef]

Dean is on vacation

Here is where you can start to gain some basic knowledge

http://www.marinedepot.com/kb/article.aspx?id=10198&query=skimmer+type

 

[jejton]

Thanks, the article was a good start but now how do I find out the difference between venturi, needlewheel, recirculating, etc ?

 

[cali_reef]

Where is Dean with his Google smiley?

 

[trueblackpercula]

I it would help some if you stated what type of tank you were setting up. Then it would be a lot easier to help you decide on what type is best for you.
P.s. I have a beckett skimmer I hope that does not throw you for a loop
P.s.s. There is also a down draft skimmer as well
P.s.s.s. some even go skimmerless

 

[jejton]

Well right now I am setting up a skimmerless nano at work but I am researching for a larger reef I would like to setup at our new apt in a few months. I dont really know what kind of setup it will be as far as size and other things. I probably will stick with softies, zoos, shrooms and LPS. For now I am thinking of sticking with PC or T5. I want to avoid the added heat, expense and electric usage of metal halides. In the meantime I am just trying learn as much as possible so I do know what to buy before I start.

 

[nanoreefer22]

A needlewheel skimmer is a skimmer that has a special impellar that chops bubbles into tiny bubbles before entering the skimmer.

A venturi is the piece of the pump that comes before the intake and has airline tubing attached so air can be sucked into the pump and be chopped up.

A recirculating skimmer is a skimmer where the pump producing the microbubbles has its intake and output both attached to the skimmer body. That way its sucking in the water in the skimmer more, giving more contact time for the bubbles to take hold on excess nutrients in the system. With a recirc skimmer though, you need to have another powerhead to put water into the skimmer, called a feed pump. Or you could T off your drain line to the skimmer.

By the way go with T-5's you'll be happier in the long run.

 

[jejton]

Thanks for the info. So now I understand what the different types are. What are the advantages/disadvantages of each?

 

[fritz]

I like the Aqua C line. They're moderatly affordable and good IMO.

 

[jejton]

:bump:

Lets have some answers please.

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Here is the link to the skimmer thread, it is packed with info.

http://www.manhattanreefs.com/forum/general-discussion/8625-skimmer-thread.html?highlight=skimmer+thread

 

[jejton]

So I have been reading the skimmer thread - about 15 pages so far - and I can't say that I feel anymore knowledgable about skimmes. The thread seems to be mostly just pictures of skimmers and people saying whether or not they like their skimmer.

See above

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Have you tried the search function on the site? Google? Yahoo?