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FAQs about Coralife Skimmers

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Related Articles: Skimmers by Steven Pro, Protein Skimmer Impressions By Steven Pro, Marine Filtration, Mechanical, Physical & Chemical

You should contact ESV (the manufacturer of the Coralife SuperSkimmer)

Aqua C EV120 skimmer/Skimmer Operation 3/28/2011
Hi all at WWM.
<Hello Nicole>
Just ã quick question about this skimmer, is it possible to run this without ã sump?
<Yes, I run my EV180 outside the sump but there are some cautions you must be aware of. I've attached a PDF containing the EV120 instruction manual that will guide you in doing this.>
Could I position it behind my dt on ã stand level to the top of the tank (gate valve) and put the Mag 5 in the display, plumbed to the skimmer and add an extension on to the output to make sure it gets to the dt. Too risky? I have an opportunity to buy ã used EV120 for 50 dollars.
<Good buy.>
My Tank is 108 gallon mixed reef (mostly softies). Currently using Coralife 120, not happy with it, adjusted all the way down and still threatens to over flow collection cup. Its been running for 1 year plus. Any comments?
<I'm not familiar with the Coralife unit but generally the problem lies with excessive pump output and/or a clogged venturi tube. There should be a molded air line connection on the pump inlet, remove the air line a get a drill bit close to the same size as the air inlet and clean this tube out by rotating the drill bit with your fingers. If this doesn't help, you may want to install an air control valve in this line and throttle it down until the actual water level is below the collection cup of the skimmer. James (Salty Dog)>
Nicole Clark

One More Skimmer Question To Add To Your Site, sel.. Chaetomorpha tumbling, fan CFMs -- 03/26/10
Hey guys!
<<Hiya Drew! Sorry for the delay'¦ Work has been a bear and I'm afraid I let your query linger in my box a bit too long. But hey, as I have been reminded'¦I'm just glad to have a job [grin] >>
You've helped me out before so hopefully you can again.
<<I shall try>>
I read through your info on skimmer selection and found that really helpful, but am still in need of some guidance.
<<Mmm, indeed'¦ It can be a bit confounding/intimidating considering the considerable outlay of funds involved with the purchase of a 'quality' unit>>
I have a 180 gallon drilled tank with a MegaFlow 4 sump/wet-dry. It is going to become a well stocked reef and have a moderate bioload.
<<Do research our site re reef tanks and wet/dry filters'¦most don't advocate the use of such filters in reef systems>>
I found a Coralife skimmer 220 that was used for 3 weeks for $100 which is about half the cost of a new one
<<Mmm, did you check yourself? Marine Depot sells this skimmer new for $112.00'¦and a search on the net can get you one 'new' for as little as $105.00>>
so I picked it up just to have something on the tank.
<<And that's pretty much describes it'¦am not a fan of these skimmers>>
How well will this skimmer work when the tank is dully stocked with corals and fish?
<<I do think you will find the money would have been better put toward a better skimmer>>
Following that should I look into a better skimmer down the road?
<<Absolutely'¦ AquaC, Euro-Reef (now Reef Dynamics), H&S, Tunze, Deltec'¦and maybe even the Octopus line of skimmers>>
I know you guys are fond of the AquaC and Euro-Reefs.
<<Yup'¦the ER is my current fave>>
What style and price range am I looking at if I decide to get one of these down the road?
<<I favor the needle-wheel 'style' of skimmer, but other types offered by the manufacturers I've listed will also serve. As for price range this will be variable among the differing manufacturers. I do suggest you get the 'next size up' from what is 'suggested' where possible'¦and expect to pay $300.00 and more>>
Also I took out the bioballs in the sump/wet-dry because I heard they are a nuisance in a reef tank.
<<One way to put it'¦do research our site for a full explanation>>
Should I replace them with live rock or rubble?
<<You can, yes'¦or even use/rig the chamber for chemical filtrants (carbon/Poly-Filter)>>
The previous owner of the tank threw in a refugium that he had running with some success, but it was neglected and became a rotting mess.
<<Oh?>>
The dimensions are 8"wide x 7"tall x 36"long. Because of the shape of it I can't figure out how I will ever get Chaeto to "tumble" any ideas?
<<Not to worry'¦the Chaetomorpha does not have to tumble. I have kept 'non-tumbling' Chaetomorpha in a 55g refugium for nearly seven years now. Just supply adequate lighting and flow (as little as couple hundred GPH has proven sufficient in my experience), and keep it thinned periodically, and it should be fine>>
It's hooked into the main pump using a tee section and a ball-valve, but I can't adjust the flow too much higher because of the baffle system at the entrance of the refuge that causes the sand bed to float into the water which drains back into the sump.
<<As stated'¦no need for a huge amount of flow>>
I know this won't work as a true refuge,
<<'¦?>>
but my main concern was added filtration from the macro by pulling out nutrients.
<<It can/will work'¦but within the confines/limitations of its size>>
Lastly I've been looking into cooling fans for the halides in the canopy to keep them from running hot, keep evaporation under control,
<<Actually mate, 'promoting' evaporation will assist with cooling of the tank water>>
and to make sure the heat doesn't warp the wooden canopy I built. I found some great prices for a variety of fans, but don't really know what CFM I should be getting?
<<Pretty much anything that moves air will help'¦just keep in mind the higher the CFM rating the LOUDER the fan is likely to be. I utilize 12v fans for this reason (generally not as powerful as 110v fans given the same size'¦but lots quieter) but if you use 12v units you will also need a suitable transformer/s>>
I also don't really know what CFM means in layman's terms.
<<CFM stands for Cubic Feet per Minute and references the 'volume of air' the fan is rated to move>>
Could you guide me in the right direction?
<<I hope I have'¦do look to sources 'outside' the aquarium industry for the best prices>>
Sorry for the length of this, but I know you guys are busy and I hate to bother you with multiple questions.
<<No worries mate>>
So with that being said, I'll let you get back to work. Thanks for all your help and guiding words.
-Drew-
Sent from my iPhone
<<Is a pleasure to share, Drew'¦ Cheers'¦ EricR Sent from my HP desktop>>

Coralife Super Skimmer Needle Wheel - up to 65 Gallon 3/30/09
What is the tubing size I need to fit on to the rio pump for CSS 65?
Also, what kind of tube is connected to elbow output and what size it is?
<I have no idea on either count....take the parts with you to the store to make sure everything fits or direct this email to the folks at Oceanicsystems.com.  The distribute these skimmers, they should know.>
thanks a lot. Please.
<Welcome, Scott V.>
Michael

Coralife Super Skimmer 125 issues 3/14/09
Dear Crew,
<Hello Justin.>
I come to you today in distress over my "not so great deal" Super Skimmer 125. Well now it seems as it doesn't want to pull any air at all. I have to have an air pump hooked up just to generate enough bubbles to keep it skimming. I have cleaned it inside and out, made sure the venturi was not clogged, replaced the air hose, made a shelf 2.5" from the top of the water in my sump (it's recommended 2"-3"), and generally everything I have read to do (through various websites and here). As my budget does not allow me to purchase a whole new skimmer (well not the EuroReef or Aqua-C I would like to have) I was wondering if you could give me some advice.
<Okay.>
1. Would it be a good idea to replace the pump with a Sedra 3500 designed for the ASM G2. I can get one for $90 brand new shipped
<I would not bother.>
2. I was thinking if I was putting $90 towards a new pump, should I maybe limp along for a week and look at getting a Reef Octopus 150 NW? My LFS swears by them, but I don't know much about them.
<Not my first choice, the AquaC, EuroReef and new Vertex line are much better for comparable money.>
3. Should I hold out a little longer and look at getting an ASM G2? I haven't heard much about ASM personally.
<The ASMs are great skimmers, but have become kind of overpriced with the new competition. The Vertex line is much better constructed and work just as well for a cheaper price.>
4. If the G2 is a possibility should I maybe go with a MSX 160? I have heard these are good skimmers and is the another "great" choice by my LFS, again I have no experience with them.
<These are actually very fine skimmers.>
I have been trying to read as much as I can, but now it's down to crunch time, as I don't know how long my "patch" will work with my skimmer. I need some resolve in the near future or I fear my livestock might end up suffering for it. I would love to invest in a Euro Reef, or an Aqua-C....but I just can't make it work....my budget is quite tight given our current economic plight, and I need a less expensive alternative for the time being. Thanks you for your help!
<Do take a look at the vertex line, they are great bang for the buck....and as for your current skimmer, if you feel the need to help it out for the time being be very stingy about it. A cheap air pump with a limewood airstone put in the skimmer chamber can make it perform like you would not believe.>
Sincerely,
Justin
<Welcome, Scott V.>

Coralife Super Skimmer Flooding On To Floor! -- 03/22/08 Dear Crew, <<Morning, Andy>> I was hoping you may have heard of a solution for my problem (other than "buy a AquaC or EuroReef" ;-) ). <<Mmm'¦but 'is' good advice [grin]>> I have a Coralife Super Skimmer that actually does a pretty good job at collecting dark green skimmate daily. However, one thing about this skimmer that I absolutely HATE is that it is prone to spontaneously go nuts and overflow the collection cup, with water all over my floor. <<I would hate that too>> There is no rhyme or reason to this. It will operate great for months and then one day I will come home to find 4 gallons of water on my floor. <<Yeeikes! Troublesome indeed!>>>> Tuesday night, I thoroughly cleaned every part of my skimmer. It worked great until last night, when my wife says "Why is there water all over the floor?" <<Uh-oh>> I searched WWM and found a post from someone that had the same problem, and Crew directed that he contact the manufacturer. So, I did this but haven't heard back yet. <<Likely of little help in this situation, as you explain it>> I'm sure I will hear "refer to page X of the manual. Make sure the bubble diffuser isn't clogged, blah blah blah." <<Yes'¦or something even less useful>> I know that additives can impact the operation of this skimmer, <<Indeed'¦especially caustic elements (Kalkwasser) that cause saponification of fatty Esters in the water. And though this can/will increase a skimmer's efficiency/skimmate output, it ordinarily won't cause it to flood 4-gallons of water on to the floor. On the other hand, some 'liquid coral foods' contain so much of these fatty components and the like that ANY skimmer will 'go nuts' for a time.>> but the only thing I add to my system other than top-off water is ESV B-Ionic 2-part calcium buffer. <<Hmm'¦wouldn't think this to be the problem here>> I have checked everything, so I know it's this skimmer and not me or the other elements of my system. I was hoping that the Crew might have gotten some updated information about this skimmer in respect of this problem. Maybe it just is the skimmer design and my only real solution is to bite the bullet and get an AquaC. <<I think it is as you have stated'¦that the 'design' and engineering of the skimmer are likely the problem here. The best skimmers in the world can 'flood' under the right circumstances'¦but a quality product of good design wouldn't be giving you the headaches you seem to be experiencing'¦based on the information you have provided. Aside from replacing the skimmer'¦you could try setting it to produce a less-wet skimmate which may reduce its potential for 'accidents.' Another option would be to live with the skimmer's quirks and modify the skimmer cup for the addition of a drain line to a larger container, if feasible>> Thanks for any input/thoughts. Andy <<Not sure I've done any more than maybe confirm what you already knew [grin]. Regards, EricR>>

Re: Coralife Super Skimmer Flooding On To Floor! - 03/23/08 As I expected, Eric. Darn!! <<Ah yes'¦figured you 'already knew'>> Attaching an outlet hose to the collection cup wouldn't work here. When this thing goes crazy, it GOES crazy--if I didn't have a Tunze auto top-off system running, it would drain my sump in no time. <<I see>> Ironic that the top-off system actually contributes to my wet floor issues here, although the alternative would be a fried pump . . . <<Indeed'¦bit of a 'Catch-22'>> It's funny--all the money I've spent on lighting, livestock, etc.--I just bought 2 IceCap 250W MH ballasts to replace my stock Odyssea ballasts. $281, but I hesitate spending that same amount for a quality skimmer . . . Priorities, priorities. <<Perhaps being more than just priority, it's normal to try to save a buck here and there'¦the trick (obviously) is learning where to pinch those pennies. It's not always easy considering manufacturer's often outlandish claims and even those of individuals trying to justify their own poor judgment/choices>> Thanks again for your help. Andy <<Happy to share. EricR>>

Coralife Skimmer Update 4/5/08 Dear Crew, <Hello Andy.> A few weeks ago, I posted to WWM regarding a problem I was having with my Coralife Super Skimmer violently overflowing and flooding my floor. I wrote in to Coralife for help, and they finally responded to me. For the benefit of all who may be having similar problems, I am forwarding the response I got. Andy <Thank you for this Andy, we will share it with others. A very comprehensive reply. Scott V.> "Sorry for the delay in response. We have been absolutely swamped with emails. Actually, compared to the quantity of them sold, it is not as common as people make it out to be. There are only a few of reasons for any higher powered skimmer to do what you are describing. 1) If there is something inside the air silencer that occasionally plugs the hole (whether it be a flap of plastic from the molding process, a chunk of lint, etc), then anytime it does the bubbles can be temporarily stopped or reduced and you will get a stronger force of water shooting into the skimmer. This will make the water in the reaction chamber shoot up fast and flood out the cup. If you remove the air silencer and run it that way for a while you can tell if that is the issue or not. 2) If there is any salt or mineral buildup in the venturi nipple you can get a similar effect. I have attached two photos of the venturi chamber showing the air nipple clogged and cleaned. 3) If there is mineral deposit on the impeller shaft, impeller magnet, or the walls of the impeller well in the pump then the impeller can be slowed down, which will cause a reduction in air intake, and all of a sudden let loose and flood out the cup. 4) If the corrugated outlet tube going back to the tank is to close to the sponges in the bubble diffuser box it can occasionally cause back pressure and flood the skimmer cup. 5) If the sponges in the bubble diffuser box start to clog up with algae, debris, or any organisms of any sort that would restrict water flow thru them then depending on the severity of the clogging, you can get occasional to constant back pressure on the corrugated tube and cause back up and flood the cup. There may be a few other possibilities as well, but it all boils down to a temporary reduction in air intake thru the venturi and the resulting increase in water flow floods the cup, or if everything is good with the air intake system and pump, then it has to do with back pressure at the skimmer outlet hose area. There is no other feasible way for it to happen. Impellers and pumps don't get stronger over time, they weaken so you would get less water flow (but usually takes a long time). Give those things a look. Regards, Rob Moneyhan Central Aquatics Product Lines Tech Support Lead"

Coralife Super Skimmer Flooding On To Floor! -- 03/22/08 Dear Crew, <<Morning, Andy>> I was hoping you may have heard of a solution for my problem (other than "buy a AquaC or EuroReef" ;-) ). <<Mmm'¦but 'is' good advice [grin]>> I have a Coralife Super Skimmer that actually does a pretty good job at collecting dark green skimmate daily. However, one thing about this skimmer that I absolutely HATE is that it is prone to spontaneously go nuts and overflow the collection cup, with water all over my floor. <<I would hate that too>> There is no rhyme or reason to this. It will operate great for months and then one day I will come home to find 4 gallons of water on my floor. <<Yeeikes! Troublesome indeed!>>>> Tuesday night, I thoroughly cleaned every part of my skimmer. It worked great until last night, when my wife says "Why is there water all over the floor?" <<Uh-oh>> I searched WWM and found a post from someone that had the same problem, and Crew directed that he contact the manufacturer. So, I did this but haven't heard back yet. <<Likely of little help in this situation, as you explain it>> I'm sure I will hear "refer to page X of the manual. Make sure the bubble diffuser isn't clogged, blah blah blah." <<Yes'¦or something even less useful>> I know that additives can impact the operation of this skimmer, <<Indeed'¦especially caustic elements (Kalkwasser) that cause saponification of fatty Esters in the water. And though this can/will increase a skimmer's efficiency/skimmate output, it ordinarily won't cause it to flood 4-gallons of water on to the floor. On the other hand, some 'liquid coral foods' contain so much of these fatty components and the like that ANY skimmer will 'go nuts' for a time.>> but the only thing I add to my system other than top-off water is ESV B-Ionic 2-part calcium buffer. <<Hmm'¦wouldn't think this to be the problem here>> I have checked everything, so I know it's this skimmer and not me or the other elements of my system. I was hoping that the Crew might have gotten some updated information about this skimmer in respect of this problem. Maybe it just is the skimmer design and my only real solution is to bite the bullet and get an AquaC. <<I think it is as you have stated'¦that the 'design' and engineering of the skimmer are likely the problem here. The best skimmers in the world can 'flood' under the right circumstances'¦but a quality product of good design wouldn't be giving you the headaches you seem to be experiencing'¦based on the information you have provided. Aside from replacing the skimmer'¦you could try setting it to produce a less-wet skimmate which may reduce its potential for 'accidents.' Another option would be to live with the skimmer's quirks and modify the skimmer cup for the addition of a drain line to a larger container, if feasible>> Thanks for any input/thoughts. Andy <<Not sure I've done any more than maybe confirm what you already knew [grin]. Regards, EricR>>

Coralife Skimmate 1/21/08 Hi guys... <And gals, hello Chris.> love the site just like everyone else. I have a 20 gal FOWLR with a Coralife SuperSkimmer 65, 20-25 lbs of live rock, 20 lbs of live sand. Bio load is; 1-mandarin goby, 1-yellow tail damsel, 1 percula clown and a couple of cleaner shrimp. <This system is way too small for the mandarin. Please read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/mandarins.htm > Anyway, I am having a hard time getting the skimmer adjusted correctly. I am getting about a quarter of a cup of light green-clear skimmate <skimmate> every couple of days. I called the manufacturer thinking it should be more based on what I hear from posts on this site, and they said that my live rock and sand was doing a more than adequate job in breaking down impurities in the water and the skimmer was working fine. Does this sound correct to you? <This sounds like a reasonable amount of skimmate given the tank size and bioload. If your nitrate is 0 this tells me your skimmer is likely working fine combined with your feeding regimen and water changes. The idea of the skimmer is to pull out certain compounds before they get broken down.> My water params are 0 across the board with ph 8.3 calcium 420-480. Chris <Best regards, Scott V.>

Replacement pump for skimmer 10/29/07 I currently have a Corallife Super Skimmer 125 and need to replace the needle pump. My LFS store has an Octopus Model 3000 Turbine Needle Wheel Pump. I was wondering if this would be too much water going through the skimmer. I am fairly new to skimmers and am not sure what pump I should get. Any other recommendations would be appreciated also. Thanks <<Todd: Usually, it is best to stick with the original pump the manufacturer calls for. If your LFS cannot get a replacement part, if you do a search, you will find replacement parts online. If you don't over feed, your tank can go without a skimmer while you are waiting for a replacement pump. Best of luck, Roy>>

Corallife Skimmer Won't "Skim" - 04/30/07 I am new to the world of saltwater tanks but have worked with freshwater for the past ten years. <<Some new wonders to discover...just be sure to do your homework [grin]>> Recently I set up a 155 bow front. <<Neat>> I have live rock, live sand and all the necessary equipment but I've run into a slight problem that you can probably help me with. <<Well let's see>> I set up a Coralife Super Skimmer on the outside of my wet/dry but for some reason I can't get it working. <<Can't say as I'm surprised mate...not a great product>> I've checked the setup with the instructions repeatedly and the pump is fine.  So I was wondering if you had any suggestions for what else could be wrong? <<Aside from the inherent quality issues, part of the problem may be the placement/position of the skimmer.  I'm thinking the water level in the wet/dry is not "high" enough...try a test run with the skimmer mounted on the display tank itself and see if its performance improves>> I would greatly appreciate any input because I want to get it working so I can start putting fish in my tank. <<Mmm...patience Grasshopper [grin]>> Thank you, Robin in Delaware <<Happy to assist, EricR in South Carolina>> Re: Coralife Skimmer Won't "Skim", skimmer use/f'  - 05/12/07 What exactly is the importance of a protein skimmer? <<Mmm...total removal (as in "from the water column") of organic/toxic elements, increased oxygenation, elevated redox, pH support...>> Nobody has been able to explain this in terms that make it seem important to the maintenance of a saltwater tank. <<These don't seem important?>> Is it really a necessity? <<Largely a matter of opinion...mine is yes, they "are" a necessity.  But on the same note, there are hobbyists who don't use/are successful without skimmers.  But this requires attention to detail/system balance most aquarists don't or won't apply...in my opinion.  Regards, EricR>>

Protein Skimmer Choices...  4/26/07 How do you feel about a Coralife Super Skimmer 65 for a new 55 gallon tank? <I would prefer another brand honestly, if you are going to use the Coralife in it's hang-on arrangement, the Aqua-C Remora would be my choice for a swap. If you are set on the Coralife I would go with the next size up, I believe it's the 125? Adam J.> Question regarding Coralife 220g skimmer   3/22/07 I recently picked up a used 220g CoraLife super venture needle skimmer to replace my old 65g. The problem that I am having is that there seems to be no bubbles being produced in the main chamber ... The pump is sucking the water and it is flowing back in the tank from the other side but no skimming is happening as there are no bubbles. The water seems to be rotating but again no bubbles. There are couple of interesting things...1. On the output pipe, there is a small vent which the guy has siliconed but I am pretty sure that has nothing to do with the bubbles and 2. There is that small airline which is going in the pump and has a small oval cylinder attached to it. As per the seller, I have to play around with the cylinder and adjust the height to get the bubbles working. I have tried many different heights but no success. When I blow air (manually or orally) :-)  , the bubbles show up in the main chamber. So I think what is happening that for some reason the air is being not sucked up...Any help as always would be highly appreciated. Many Thanks, Amir <Sorry for the delay in response, Amir, but I've been indisposed lately. It sounds to me like a venturi problem with your pump. You should contact ESV (the manufacturer of the Coralife SuperSkimmer) and describe the issue to them. They may have a replacement part or solution available to you for repairing the venturi, and barring that, they will be able to direct you to a replacement pump for your original. Hope this helps! -JustinN> Coralife 220g Super Skimmer  3/19/07 <Hi Amir, Pufferpunk here> I recently picked up a used 220g Coralife Super venture needle Skimmer to replace my old 65g. The problem that I am having is that there seems to be no bubbles being produced in the main chamber ... The pump is sucking the water and it is flowing back in the tank from the other side but no skimming is happening as there are no bubbles. The water seems to be rotating but again no bubbles. There are couple of interesting things... 1. On the output pipe, there is a small vent which the guy has siliconed but I am pretty sure that has nothing to do with the bubbles. <That vent should be open.> 2. There is that small airline which is going in the pump and has a small oval cylinder attached to it. As per the seller, I have to play around with the cylinder and adjust the height to get the bubbles working. I have tried many different heights but no success. <That cylinder is just to reduce bubble noise.  No adjustments needed.  All the adjustments should be done with the red knob.> When I blow air (manually or orally) :-) , the bubbles show up in the main chamber, so I think what is happening is that for some reason the air is not being sucked up.  Any help as always, would be highly appreciated. <I found that when the pump wasn't tight against the intake tube, it wouldn't produce many bubbles inside the skimmer.  When I tightened the connection, it worked great.  I suggest contacting the manufacturer.  They were very helpful with I had problems with my CSS 125.  ~PP> Many thanks, Amir

Skimmer Placement For Optimal Performance   1/6/07 I have a 220 gal FOWLR.  The set-up is about 2-1/2 years old and has about 150 pounds of LR.  My protein skimmer is a Coralife Super Skimmer-Needle Wheel for up to a 220 gal tank. It is producing the lighter tea-colored skimmate instead of the dark stuff it should be. <As a quick aside: I'm a big believer in "dark and yucky" skimmate, but sometimes lighter material will be produced simply because that is what is being removed at the time. Obviously, if the skimmer is continuously producing weak, watery skimmate, it's time to re-evaluate the performance, placement and maintenance of the skimmer in question!> Right now, I have the skimmer feed pump inside the sump, but it doesn't get "fed" until after the tank water goes through the prefilter and the bio balls.  My understanding from reading WWM is that I should "feed" the skimmer first, before the prefilter and bio balls.   <That's the optimal placement for a skimmer, IMO.> I can make that happen with no problem by adding small tub to take the tank surface water directly and put the skimmer feed pump in there.  I can then use another pump to move that water to the sump and then back to the tank. The questions I have are as follows:  Where should I send the water that comes out of the outflow tube on the skimmer?  Can I just let it run right back in the tub where the skimmer feed pump is located, or does it need to go to the sump? <I'd have it run into the sump. There's no sense in having the skimmed water going right back into the area where the skimmer is taking in water!> Also, is 2-1/2 year-old LR still effective at filtering my tank? <The "effectiveness" of the rock is really a function of the microfauna population. Rock can be quite old and still be useful for nutrient processing if there are sufficient populations of bacteria residing within.> Thanks. <Glad to be of assistance! Best of luck to you! Regards, Scott F.>

Skimmer Question <brand>, Corallife, sel.  8/8/06 Hello Bob and Crew, <James today> An employee at my LFS suggested that I use a Super Skimmer for my 36 gallon saltwater tank. <Why do I think he sells them. Coralife Super Skimmer I assume.> I have read that the needle wheel stuff is not the greatest. What exactly makes the needle wheel unproductive or not a good product? <Not really unproductive at all.  The needle wheel is designed to break up the water more so than standard impellers.  This, supposedly allows more and finer air bubbles into the reaction chamber.  Generally, the smaller the bubble, the more efficient the skimmer becomes.> Would the Super Skimmer be sufficient for my tank that will only hold a few corals/invertebrates and about 4 or 5 small marine fish? <The claims say it will...Not familiar with this product to comment.  Another decent skimmer for a small tank is the Red Sea Prizm Pro.  I've used one and thought it did a decent job.  May be cheaper than the Super Skimmer also.> Thanks for all your help! <You're welcome.  James (Salty Dog)>

FD Cyclop-eeze, Gravel Vacuuming, Coralife Skimmer review of sorts, RO...   7/31/06 Hi again Mr. Fenner.  Thank you so much for getting back to me.  I have not yet had the chance to read over the links you provided, but I am about to do so. <Please do...>   I plan to act upon your suggestions regarding the Cyclop-eeze and work on improving my water quality.  There is one thing I haven't really done as a part of my maintenance, and that is vacuum my substrate. <Is generally a worthwhile practice... not to too-clean... perhaps "half at a go/time"... at least stirring...> I guess I just can't comprehend how to do so effectively without sucking it all up. <Siphons with "exploded ends"...> Just to note, it is about 2 inches of aragonite.  I do have 4 Nassarius snails burrowed in there, but they do not seem to stir it up much.  My Allen's damsel is a better janitor.  I do not know if it is the species or just this particular one I have, but it literally plowed out the aragonite on 2 sides of a large piece of live rock, making a wide tunnel from one side to the other underneath the rock.  I have 2 mountains of substrate on either side. The funny thing is, for the longest time, I didn't know who the culprit was until the one day I just happened to see him make himself vertical and head in tail first with a sweeping motion.  At first I would go in and push it back into place, but I realize it is a losing battle on my end.  I guess it helps to aerate it a bit. Now, back to business... I would love to purchase another skunk cleaner shrimp, but I definitely won't do that until I can bring down the nitrite level.  As for my protein skimmer, that I am having a hard time with.  I believe I mentioned it is the Super Skimmer by CoralLife. <Yes... I would seek another brand, make... These are reviewed on WWM>   I have pretty much had issues with it from the get go.  On 2 occasions it overflowed in the middle of the night, the first time I probably lost about 10 gallons of water. <Yikes... no fun>   Yes, onto my carpet, through the floor, into my basement.  The good thing about that, my cat's litter box caught most of the water that made it through the floor. <That/this is lucky!>   The second time I lost about half as much water. I had no idea what to do, so I called the company and spoke to someone.  The gentleman basically told me the directions are incorrect <?!> (he mentioned he is working on having them changed) and told me what I needed to do to prevent the overflow from happening again.  So I had to turn valves differently, arrange pads differently where the water re-enters the tank, and basically keep it shut off for at least 4 days if I use a dechlorinator. <... and if it's raining in Nova Scotia?> He said the dechlorinators, like Prime, which I use, cause it to "overwork," but if I keep it shut off for at least 4 days after a water change or adding top off water, I will be just fine.  Now basically that means I would pretty much never be able to run it.  I told him I make my saltwater for the water changes at least a week ahead of time and have it sitting with a powerhead and heater.  He said that doesn't matter.  I still need to unplug it.  So what's a girl to do? <Get a real product> I try to run it all day, but for fear of another major overflow, I unplug it at night.  Commonsense tells me I am so wrong to do that, and that in order for it to truly be effective, it should be kept on. Maybe this is why I never collect a foam, but just a film that coats the neck from time to time. <Yes... that and the inherent feebleness of this unit> Have you ever heard of such a thing?  He did tell me they get so many calls about this very same thing. <At least this agent/employee is/was honest>   I certainly in no way want to speak badly about anyone because the man was so knowledgeable and apologetic, but I feel like I wasted more money on yet another skimmer that doesn't work.  Could I get away without one, or is that asking for more water quality troubles? <I would definitely use a skimmer... Once you have a "real" one working, you will not want to do w/o it> I think I might know what your answer overall may be, but I guess I need to hear it.  I admit I have not one time researched an RO/DI unit, so I don't know what that is exactly, other than it seems a lot of people do, and that it is a good thing.  Do you not need a dechlorinator then? <Nope> I am picturing this huge contraption, the size of a dishwasher, I have to hook up to my sink! <Nope again... can be quite small... particularly w/o a storage tank> I do want to make mention that when I was purchasing all my equipment, I was planning to buy one, but was basically steered away from one, being told it wasn't really necessary. <Depends on the make-up of your source water... what you do with it... Read my friend. These answers and many more that are related that you're not likely aware of currently are posted on WWM> Where I get everything, livestock included, is a very reputable place, so I listened. My apologies for another lengthy email, my intention was a quick thanks and to say I will check out the links.  Even though I am not necessarily talking to someone on the phone or face to face, can you tell I lack a bit in the adult conversation area???? <Mmm... no>   I have evolved from a working girl into a stay-at-home mom of 2 1/2 year old twins, so my extent of conversation is mainly about dirty diapers and nursery rhymes. <Heeeee! I can imagine how this must of a necessity "down" ones word usage, complexity of sentences... I mostly chat with our three dogs during the majority of days... They are attentive listeners (with the exception of the Jack Russell... who really has selective hearing...), but one can only do so much with "biscuit", "here", "stop!">   But seriously, thanks again for all the past help given to me and for this time around too.  It is nice to know there are folks like you and the rest of the crew out there. Sincerely, Tiffani <Do take a read on WWM re Skimmer Selection, Reverse Osmosis... Bob Fenner>



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