I can't find a compatible skimmer anywhere...

[SnakeBlitz33]

I purchased a Trigger systems 36s used from a guy for my 75g tank.

I want to put a skimmer in the first section and a fuge in the second section if that is possible.

The first section of the sump can have a skimmer footprint of 8" by 11.5". The constant water depth is 9.5" and the height from the bottom of the sump to the bottom of the display tank is 25".

I need some affordable skimmer options. If width is a problem, I could use the second chamber as the skimmer section.

Also, are biopellets all the rage these days?

 

[SnakeBlitz33]

I would like to have a mixed LPS/SPS reef tank and feed my fish heavily.

 

[stunreefer Verified Sponsor]

I run several of these in tight sump sections and they're rock stars. Very affordable for the performance as well.

Biopellets are just another means of reducing nutrients, namely NO3. Do your research - not all pellets or reactors are equal.

 

[SnakeBlitz33]

Thank you for the recommendations!

It says 8" max water depth what do most people use to prop them up on?

 

[AAE]

Considering the immersion depth of 9.5", Seaside Aquatics makes good skimmers that fit within that foot print and an about 21' in height.

 

[dsmooth]

I increased the height of my skimmer by making a stand out of egg crate with silicone. I hope this helps

 

[SnakeBlitz33]

I like the reef octopus space saver skimmer. Seems like the way to go.

Any recommendations on a brand of Biopellet reactor then?

 

[stunreefer Verified Sponsor]

It says 8" max water depth what do most people use to prop them up on?

You can run them in a bit deeper water without any issues. You'll just compensate for the added depth by setting the water level within skimmer via stand pipe appropriately.

Any recommendations on a brand of Biopellet reactor then?

I've installed several and actually really like the RO BioChurn line. They do a heck of a job tumbling them and no pellet is left behind! Every other unit I've installed (including standard RO pellet reactors) doesn't get nearly the tumbling action that these do.

With that said please ensure you do your homework and you feel that you absolutely require biopellets. I only recommend them for well established aquariums with extremely high bioloads. You also want to make sure you're using high quality pellets (I like Warner Marine or Dr. Tim's NP). In short, biopellets are a dissolvable carbon source. They're not all made from the same type of polymer and we're not sure exactly what is coming out of these things - namely the cheaper one's. Note that cheap ≠affordable. Please make sure you really require these prior to splurging on a system for them otherwise you'll likely end up chasing your tail. Stick to the basics unless your specific system calls for them.

 

[Fin]

You might look at this skimmer - the Reef Life Support Systems (RLSS) R6-i. Footprint is 9" x 6.7 x 21.9 and it is rated for 105-158 gallons. I have the R8-i (which may also fit your sump) and of the three skimmers that I have had on my 140 over the years (LifeReef, ReeFlo Orca 200), the RLSS performs the best for me.

http://www.rlss.ca/#!protein-skimmer

I honestly had never heard of them before, until I saw a thread here by Tony Vargas on one of his tank builds. These are what he uses. He is a pretty trustworthy source to me. Tony Vargas, along with Julian Sprung wrote the book "The Coral Reef Aquarium."

This is my R8-i on the job...

 

[SnakeBlitz33]

Yeah, I got to meet Tony Vargas and Julian Sprung at the 2013 MACNA conferences, cool guys.

Heck, the Biopellet reactor may not be required for my system at all. I'll buy one down the line if I can't get nitrates or phosphates in the proper range by other means.

Think just a decent skimmer and a fuge with some macro is enough to keep SPS thriving for a while?

 

[stunreefer Verified Sponsor]

Heck, the Biopellet reactor may not be required for my system at all. I'll buy one down the line if I can't get nitrates or phosphates in the proper range by other means.

Exactly. I think most people are implementing them without really needing them, which can certainly cause other unforeseen issues.

Think just a decent skimmer and a fuge with some macro is enough to keep SPS thriving for a while?

Yep. If you keep up with water changes you may not even require a fuge. I don't generally implement them... nice efficient skimmer coupled with 0 ppm TDS source water and a high quality salt will go a long ways.

 

[SnakeBlitz33]

Stunreefer, can you post a link to your tank thread? I'd like to know more.

 

[SnakeBlitz33]

I bought a ten gallon tank today that I'm going to use as a salt mixing tank. I got it to auto fill with a float valve from the RO unit. What brand salt is considered "high quality" these days? I've been in and out of the hobby for the last ten years.

 

[SnakeBlitz33]

Just wanted to follow up on this thread.

I found a decent skimmer. Good reviews. Aquamaxx coneS CO-1. It was $235 at affordable aquatic.

Anyways, just wanted to let yall know I found one.