Filter-- or First Protein Skimmer?
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Category: Specialized Discussion
Forum Name: Equipment
Forum Description: This is the place to ask question about reef equipment.
URL: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=31808
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Topic: Filter-- or First Protein Skimmer?
Posted By: grateful1
Subject: Filter-- or First Protein Skimmer?
Date Posted: March 02 2009 at 5:53pm
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Being a conscientious, though novice, aquarist, I thought it wise to do some research before setting off to the LFS to pick up my first filter. The gist of the information that I was able to find (as I surfed the forums instead of paying attention in class) was that, since there is so much bio-filtration going on in the tank (with the LR and LS), a reefkeeper would be better served by getting a protein skimmer.
1. That sounds okay to me, but I've only been doing this for two weeks now. What do you think?
2. Assuming that a protein skimmer is the way to go, I have read good things about the Octopus BH-100. Thoughts?
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Replies:
Posted By: tileman
Date Posted: March 02 2009 at 6:30pm
I would go with the protein skimmer. But you already knew that. ------------- 335G Reef TOTM. http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2015/2/aquarium ReefKeepers TOTM Feb. 2012 http://reefkeeping.com/joomla/index....k-of-the-month & |
Posted By: Andreason
Date Posted: March 02 2009 at 7:32pm
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I have heard good things about the Octopus. What size is your tank? ------------- Andreason's |
Posted By: Mike Savage
Date Posted: March 02 2009 at 8:00pm
I second that.
 Mike -------------  |
tileman wrote:Posted By: grateful1
Date Posted: March 03 2009 at 1:23am
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The tank is 37 gallons. I checked the levels today. Salinity-1.027 (So I topped off with fresh water)
Ammonia-nearly untraceable, maybe 0.25
Nitrate-around 20
Nitrite-around 0.5
Alk-good and high, around 300
Ph-8.0
Just since this morning, there has been an increase in algae growth. It's starting to look pretty dirty. I am planning on picking up a skimmer tomorrow (thanks for the advice, y'all), and, other than that, I am going to continue to WAIT. Maybe I will try to post some pictures.
Either way, I will definitely be asking for more advice in the next few days, probably like: what now?
In a few days, I predict that the tank is going to be Nasty. At that point, what should I be prepared to do?
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Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: March 03 2009 at 9:01am
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A skimmer will not prevent the algae growth that you are seeing. Scraping algae off the glass is a regular tank maintenance activity. But it is probably time to add more snails. You are right about filtration, that it is mostly LS and LR and it is also Algae. Refresh your understanding of these concepts by re-reading this thread: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 - http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 With all due respect to the hobbyists above and their confirming to you that a skimmer is 100 times better than any mechanical filter, whether canister or HOB(hang on the back), what your system really needs is snails, snails, and more snails. Plus a few Hermit Crabs.  FYI, many beautiful tanks run without a skimmer. A skimmer is an accessory, not a necessity. Algae growth and consumption by herbivores is as useful as a skimmer and with or without a skimmer, you will still need to use AC(activated carbon) periodically. ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member 
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Posted By: Andreason
Date Posted: March 03 2009 at 9:44am
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37 gallons? The skimmer must not be the octopus I was thinking of lol. It would hold more than your tank. Do you have a sump? A refugium might be as helpful as a small skimmer. ------------- Andreason's |
Posted By: grateful1
Date Posted: March 03 2009 at 10:54am
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I don't have a sump or a refugium. I was looking at a HOB refugium at Marine Aquatics. The problem is that my tank is against a wall, and even if I scooted it as far forward as it would go (to the edge of the table on which it sits), I only have four inches of space behind it.
So I need to take a tape measure with me next time I head down out to the LFS.
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Posted By: tileman
Date Posted: March 03 2009 at 11:42am
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Definately give Mark a call. He lives for it and loves helping others. ------------- 335G Reef TOTM. http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2015/2/aquarium ReefKeepers TOTM Feb. 2012 http://reefkeeping.com/joomla/index....k-of-the-month & |