SKimmer Question

[taat2d]

Ok I know there's been hundred's of skimmer questions. Here's one more.:sgrin: How do I know if my skimmer is doing a superb job? I am currently using a CSS 125. If I were to use a different skimmer, say a Deltec, or ASM, how would the skimmate comapre to the Coralife? I have a moderately stocked tank as for corals, I have 6 small fis and the are fed 3 days a week. As of right now after a week of skimming with a middle of dry/wet skimming I get maybe a half cup of green smelly skimmate. What's to say that with going with a bigger skimmer I'll get more in the collection cup? Anyone got a bigger/better skimmer willing to lend or rent to me so I can see the difference for myself. Especially since I need to see the results in my OWN tank for a comparison?
Thanx

 

[Deanos]

How do I know if my skimmer is doing a superb job?

If measurable nutrient levels (phosphates & nitrates) do not rise (assuming no water changes & regular feedings).

Comparing quantity of skimmate with quality of skimmate is difficult to measure since changes in "consistency" (wet vs dry) directly affects the comparison.

 

[taat2d]

If measurable nutrient levels (phosphates & nitrates) do not rise (assuming no water changes & regular feedings).

Ok so are you saying to test the water before and after feeding fish and corals to see if the skimer is giving the same results?

 

[Deanos]

I'd test less frequently than that, since I don't know how long it takes for uneaten food to become measurable phosphates/nitrates.

As long as nutrient levels don't rise...say weekly, I'd say the skimmer is working efficiently.

 

[taat2d]

OK then I gotta say it's working efficiently. But would it be more beneficial if it was kicking some serious a$$? What would I gain in that?

 

[jhale]

you can feed your fish more, it won't hurt the tank, the fish will be happy, and you will get more skimmate.

 

[Deanos]

you will get more skimmate.

You can add Stress-Coat to your tank too to get more skimmate...doesn't mean the skimmer is extracting more or less nutrients.

 

[jhale]

{ more food=more poop=more skimmate } ime

 

[taat2d]

It seems that for 2-3 days after a wate change it skims highly efficient. After that it seems to slow down. and I have to readjust the knob. Is this the norm?

 

[Deanos]

It seems that for 2-3 days after a wate change it skims highly efficient. After that it seems to slow down. and I have to readjust the knob. Is this the norm?

Try cleaning the skimmer neck, instead of adjusting knobs.

 

[taat2d]

I thourghly wash out the collection cup and neck every 3 days, and still the same results. It neck and cup are clean but I'm not getting as mush skimmate.

 

[Deanos]

I'm confused?! Are you worried about keeping nutrients low or producing skimmate?

 

[taat2d]

I'm worried about keeping my nutrients low. I just figured that maybe there was a problem and the skimmer wasn't pulling right or something. So it's possible that it's working harder for a few day getting all the crap out then it slows down as there's less and less nutrients in the tank?