Skimmer or UV sterilizer

[ClarkInAustin]

Hi all

I have an 18 month old, 58 gal tank with corals, live rock and 2 fish. I have to clean brown algae and coralline algae off the glass every few days and buble algae constantly builds up. Water looks clear, corals have always been growing and seem to be doing fine. My system is very simple: only a 20 gal sump with filter floss and a foam filter just before the return pump. 2 90w PCs (white, actinic). 30+ cleaner animals.

LHS guy and a friend both recommend I go with a UV sterilizer to help the algae problem. But I think I'd rather attack the cause of the problem by going with a skimmer. A UV unit looks like a simple job; just place it inline with the tube coming down from the tank that spills into the sump.

Can I install a skimmer this simply or do I need another pump to pull water through?

Also, what do you think about the skimmer vs steriler?

Thanks
Clark

 

[Anonymous]

OK.

You need a skimmer. I dont think a UV will do anything for the algae. Coraline algae will continue to grow no matter what if your parameters are good (this is a good thing).

Get some test kits and test your water? Phosphate, Nitrates.

What are you using for source water? RO/DI? If not you should.
_________________
how do you roll a joint

 

[Anonymous]

I would apt for a skimmer first.

 

[ClarkInAustin]

Thanks for the reply.

I've used RO water since day 1.

If the consensus is for a skimmer, please recommend brands and sizes if you have a moment. I would appreciate models that are easy for a beginner to setup, run, and maintain. Ideally the unit will fit inside my cabinet above the sump (a 4'x2'x2' volume of space).

Clark

 

[Anonymous]

A Euroreef CS5-3 seems like it would work for you. You need to check the dimensions and make sure it would fit in your sump.

An ASM-G1 might work well for you to. It's a bit cheaper than the Euroreef, but it isn't made quite as well. Most ASM and Euroreef owners love their skimmers.

If you think you might upgrade your tank size later, then you should buy a skimmer that can handle your future tank. That way you don't have to replace it later.

Louey

 

[Anonymous]

Skimmer first, imo.

Look at Euroreef, AquaC, MyReef, LifeReef, Deltec...I know I'm missing at least a few others.

Good luck...and don't forget to use RDO as a resource...there is a ton of great information here!!

 

[LA-Lawman]

get a skimmer! I usually get a skimmer rated for 50-100g over your tank size....

the Euro reef is a great choice along wit the ASM.

here is a http://www.reefs.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=78592 a list of all the manufacterers that most of the reefers here use...

hope this helps

 

[ClarkInAustin]

Thanks everyone. I'm convinced that the skimmer is the way to go. I followed the links and learned that some of these skimmers simply drop into the sump. This is great because I have zero plumbing skills.

Thanks again and Happy Holidays
Clark

 

[Anonymous]

I am sure in a few months, you will have more experience than a master plumber

 

[Anonymous]

How are the bak pak skimmers with the bio filter attached? Are they any good?

I have a 30 ga. tank and am about ready for the skimmer now.

Please let me know some suggestions that are kind of cost efficient.

Thanks!

 

[ChrisRD]

Hi cvp and :welcome:

Personally, for a relatively cheap hang-on skimmer I prefer the AquaC Remora over the CPR BakPak (I have used both as well as a few other hang-ons).

The Coralife Super Skimmers have gotten good feedback as well, but I have no personal experience with them. I'd be a bit cautious about build quality with anything from Coralife.

If price was not an issue I'd go with a hang-on Deltec.

 

[Anonymous]

Thank you so much for your much need help in my decision making.

Crissy

 

[Anonymous]

Chris,

Ok, I'm checking on Ebay to get the best deal of course and they have alot of different brand names. I would like to run a few past you and tell me what you think:

Venturi
SeaClone
Jebo Odyssea
Nautilus
Precision Marine
Aqua Medic
ViaAqua

I did see the Deltec & Aqua C Remora & EuroReef for pretty good prices but I too am on a budget and would like to find something in my price range.

Let me know what you think!

Thanks,
Crissy

 

[ChrisRD]

I haven't used the Jebo or ViaAqua so can't really comment on them.
Avoid the SeaClone, or as it is affectionately referred to by some, the SeaClown...
Venturi is probably referring to a type of skimmer, not a brand.
If the Nautilus is the one by Kent I don't think it's a hang-on model. I don't know of a hang-on Euro-Reef either.
The Precision Marine (hang-on model is HOT-1) is good but they (as well as several other similar skimmers) can have a tendency to overflow IME.
Aqua Medic makes a "multi" version of their Turboflotor that is a good hang-on skimmer.

Personally, I would go with the Remora. They're easy to use, not much chance of an overflow and they get the job done on small tanks. You should be able to find a used one pretty cheap.

HTH

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks CHRIS!! :lol:

CVP