Does Size Matter?

redfishbluefish · May 3, 2016

I've been running an SWC 160 skimmer for years. My only complaint about this skimmer is the pump....an Atman POC. I'm now on my fifth pump (it might be six....I've lost count). The last pump that burnt out was the end for me, and put me on the lookout for a new skimmer.....with a quality pump.

So today I purchase a used SeaSide ES5, which is actually a Bubble Magus Curve 5 with an improved pump....a Sicce SK200....a quality pump. (FYI, the original Curve 5 had an Atman as well). I purchased this unseen, and based my purchase on the stats on this skimmer.....rated up to 140 gallons (FYI, SaltyCritter rated it for 65 gallons, which I just saw.) I have a 90 gallon DT....medium/high bioload.

When I got the skimmer, my first thought was that it was small. The bubble plate is a fraction of the SWC...not to mention the collect cups. Here is the SeaSide (currently running), with the SWC 160 collection cup next to it.

Did I buy a skimmer that is too small for my system?

McMullen · May 3, 2016

Great question, I've always been curious with the tank ratings and sizes, skimmer body and pump!

redfishbluefish · May 3, 2016

I think the other thing that amazes me about this skimmer is that they state the proper water depth is 9.5 to 11 inches. I was told that this was "off" and started it at 8 3/4 inches, fully open. Even at this "low" depth, and fully open, it still produced a very wet skimmate. I've just now raised it to 8 1/4 inches, fully open, and will leave it like that until tomorrow morning to see what I get.

Anyone else wish to comment on what they have their BM Curve 5 or Sea Side ES5 set at as far as water depth?

Downbeach · May 4, 2016

I had a SSA CS180(BM HERO 180 but with a Sicce PSK1000) the forerunner to the Curve 7 on my 180 with a fairly heavy load, including BP's. They also suggested a depth of 9.5" to 11", but I also ran it about 8 1/2" deep. I ran it a little wet with a discharge setting of ~ 1 3/4.

redfishbluefish · May 4, 2016

Running overnight in 8 1/4 inches of water (again, rated 9 1/2 to 11), I have about 3/8 inches of a weak tea....with exit port fully open.

I'm going to raise it another half inch and see what I get.

reefwiser · May 4, 2016

There have been several studies in the past on skimmers and what they do in the aquarium.
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2010/1/aafeature
The above link shows that protein skimmers remove only 20 - 35% of the measurable Total Organic Carbon.
An this study goes into what is in that nasty stuff.
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2010/2/aafeature

The really most critical factor in Skimmer design is how reliable and how constant is the production of small bubbles the skimmer produces.
One can have the biggest skimmer in the world and if it doesn't product constantly a fine bubble and maintain a constant water level it is worthless.
The size of the skimmer is a marketing tool. I have built skimmers that where made out of 4 inch PVC T using the ETS design that Kicked A**.

redfishbluefish · May 4, 2016

Well, size does matter! I pulled the Sea Side ES5.....just wasn't producing. Here's a picture of my original SWC160 on the left, the SeaSide in the middle and an SWC 120 (pump missing), on the right. Check out the size of the bubble plate on the 160 versus the Sea Side. The bubble plate on the SWC 120 is considerably larger than the Sea Side.

The Seaside is closer to an SWC 120 than a 160. So I'm back to using the SWC 160 until I can find another replacement skimmer with a quality pump....and hope this Atman doesn't crap out soon.