I do need a skimmer.

MizTanks · 04-08-2011, 07:23 PM

After running my tank for a couple of months now, with weekly WC and at the moment a very small bio-load.
It's obvious that I'll have to run some type of skimmer. There is a film on top of the water, which shows up about 3 days after a WC. I can only see it getting worse as my bio-load increases.

Hydro Koralia has an awesome little nano skimmer. Hydor Koralia Nano/Slim-Skim Internal Protein Skimmer

As you can see it's an internal. Would I be able to put this into my fuge in stead of the tank? There's no way I can put it in tank with my light setup.

whitetiger61 · 04-08-2011, 07:28 PM

how deep is your sump ..i forgot..im old...lol

Rick

MizTanks · 04-08-2011, 07:33 PM

Chit!! My fuge is only 11 1/2 tall. But the freaking fuge light covers the entire fuge except for the intake chamber, which is were the intake tube is and runs the full length of the fuge. So it looks like I'll need and external skimmer.

whitetiger61 · 04-08-2011, 07:36 PM

yeah that ones not gonna work..fuge is deep enough but the light takes it out of the equation..sorry

Rick

jimsflies · 04-08-2011, 07:39 PM

You need a surface skimmer...not a protein skimmer. A protein skimmer will not help with the film on your water. You need to make the intake of your fuge take water from the surface of your tank then you won't have any film on the top. To do that you need to essentially put the intake in a "cup" that is at the water surface...then water entering the cup will come from the surface. Your tank will look much better and have better oxygen exchange.

binford4000 · 08:01 PM

skimmers a must IMO. Here's a link to a nice unit that could do a great job and remove the slime for sure.

Reef Octopus BH 1000 Hang on Back Protein Skimmer by CoralVue - AquaCave

Or you could haggle with this reefer,I would negoatiate the price since it has a crack!!! This is a great lil skimmer tho.

Reef Octopus BH 2000

MizTanks · 04-08-2011, 08:04 PM

Ok~I'm a mess it's official~I'm going to cut some slots into the pre skimmer box that Heidi gave me or just get a 6.99 surface skimmer which will make me have to change my pump. Which ever comes first.

jimsflies · 04-08-2011, 08:08 PM

Yes, all you need is a skimmer box to rid yourself of the surface film. We can debate the need for a protein skimmer all day long...but it alone won't help the scum that is floating on top of your water.

schminksbro · 04-08-2011, 08:09 PM

I would recommend a protein skimmer. A surface skimmer will mix the proteins into the water but it won't remove them. A good protein skimmer is worth it's weight in gold in my humble opinion.