Equipment questio s

Jivatma · May 29, 2021

Getting closer to actually having an aquarium! I still need a few pieces and need to plumb some stuff, but I'm enjoying the torturous wait, oddly enough.

1st question!
Can somebody recommend a skimmer for a 75g tank? I prefer performance>noise, but i also don't want the noise to be obvious. On my own searching i've randomly picked Nyos Quantum 120 and a RO S-130. Any feedback or personal problems with either of these? I also plan to try an Apex controller in the future at some point so not javing to rebuy a skimmer would be nice.

2nd question!
I think I understand flow pretty well, but what is the best way to achieve this? Several smaller powerheads or one big powerhead? I dont plan on starting corals straight away as I need a light still so its not as critical, so I think I still have some time, but I wanted to know if it were better to get a few smaller ones or just one big one.

Thanks in advance!

Gtinnel · May 29, 2021

As for the skimmer I have never used a nyos or that model of Reef Octopus but given the reputation of both I don't think you could go wrong with either of them.

For the WaveMaker, you are better off having multiple smaller pumps instead of one big one. I would always reccomend having at least two so that they can be placed on opposite sides of the tank and move water in both directions.

kintle · May 29, 2021

Either of those skimmer should be fine and I'd be jealous of you either way.

As to flow, it's something that will change over time as coral grow out, that said I agree multiple is nice. I am currently running an mp40, an aquamai that was from a previous tank and a jebao I inherited on my 100 gal cube. If I find dead spots I adjust the smaller powerheads to start hitting that area. My sps are still frags and I'm already thinking about getting another mp40 or two mp10s for more chaotic flow instead of the 2 small ones I have and just keep those as backups.

PeterC99 · May 29, 2021

The NYOS 120 is probably a little small for 75 gallons - would go for NYOS 160.

Would recommend that you go with an adjustable DC skimmer instead of the AC NYOS. AC skimmers run at only one speed (full) and can be difficult to tune. The adjustable DC skimmers will give you additional options such as effectively adding a CO2 scrubber.

Gtinnel · May 29, 2021

PeterC99 said:
The adjustable DC skimmers will give you additional options such as effectively adding a CO2 scrubber.

I've never used a CO2 scrubber, but why can't they be used on a AC skimmer?

PeterC99 · May 29, 2021

Gtinnel said:
I've never used a CO2 scrubber, but why can't they be used on a AC skimmer?

CO2 scrubber can be used on AC skimmer but it’s much easier to tune on the adjustable DC skimmer.

Adjustable DC skimmer let’s you control the speed of the motor and thus the airflow through skimmer & scrubber - allowing you to optimize and perfectly dial in the skimming and scrubber for desired pH level.

Gtinnel · May 29, 2021

PeterC99 said:
CO2 scrubber can be used on AC skimmer but it’s much easier to tune on the adjustable DC skimmer.

Adjustable DC skimmer let’s you control the speed of the motor and thus the airflow through skimmer & scrubber - allowing you to optimize and perfectly dial in the skimming and scrubber for desired pH level.

On many AC skimmers you can adjust how much air it pulls in, although admittedly not as easily as you can on a DC one. Do people adjust the air intake on their skimmer to adjust their pH? Wouldn't that cause their skimmer to not work efficiently because they're not tuning their skimmer for it to perform better?

I assumed anyone who uses a scrubber just hooked it up to the skimmer and then adjusted the skimmer normally to make their skimmer work the best not control their pH. All of this just makes me glad that I draw my skimmer's air in from outside to raise my pH.

Barnabie Mejia · Jun 9, 2021

Nyos Skimmers are good, I personally run a Reef Octopus 150INT and I really like it, it is sized for a little bigger tank, but I like what it does for the tank. 8" of water level in the sump seems to be working really well for it.

As far as flow in the tank, there are a few options that you have. you can use 2 gyres to move the water and have it "crash " in the center of the tank. You can also have a few different Powerheads placed around the tank to create the circulation and flow that you want.
in my tank I have (1) MP40 and (2) MP10s and I have pretty decent flow, I also use the return pump as a supplement for flow, but I don't really rely on it helping the tank out. I do want to get another MP40 and I think I would be set. I would place the two MP40s on the ends of the tank and the two MP10s on the back wall... I know BRS sells a kit of 2- mp40s and 2- mp10s for $1300, seems steep, but I wouldn't put anyother kind of power head in my tank. its clean looking and easy to service them when needed. plus no cords in a tank is just beautiful!