Is it worth changing skimmers

[leepink23]

I currently have a skimz sk201, considering switching to a deltec 1000ix, the skimz is fine but I am slowly adding more fish, will be up to 2 tangs, 2 clownfish, 2 anthias, 1 damsel, 1 wrasse and 1 hawk fish in a 150 gallon. I also have an algae scrubber. My tank stays pretty clean but dealing with some hair algae. Would the deltec be a big upgrade? I do plan to add some cleanup crew as mine have slowly died off over the years.

 

[mitch91175]

I'd say between the algae scrubber and the current skimmer that you should be fine. If you feel that your Skimz isn't performing like it should, then maybe look at changing out skimmers. Something else you can do is carbon dose too the help keep nutrients at bay if that is the main objective. I do not think that the skimmer you are looking into is going to do much more than the current skimmer, but I could be wrong too. Maybe use the funds that you want to spend on a new skimmer to do something else to the tank like add coral or a different piece of equipment that you may have wanted.

 

[Reefcowboy]

Treat your tank with Fluconazole and the hair algae will be gone. It is completely reef safe. Like you I have a Skimz 205i and an algae scrubber.

I get a full cup of skimmate a week and have to trim the scrubber weekly as well. I am trying to keep a dirtier tank, as I have undetectable nutrients even though I feed very heavy. Have you tested your NO3? PO4?

Hair algae also thrives in clean, low nutrient systems.

 

[leepink23]

I'd say between the algae scrubber and the current skimmer that you should be fine. If you feel that your Skimz isn't performing like it should, then maybe look at changing out skimmers. Something else you can do is carbon dose too the help keep nutrients at bay if that is the main objective. I do not think that the skimmer you are looking into is going to do much more than the current skimmer, but I could be wrong too. Maybe use the funds that you want to spend on a new skimmer to do something else to the tank like add coral or a different piece of equipment that you may have wanted.

Thanks, the nutrients are pretty good since I stopped feeding reef chili, but wanted some other opinions so I appreciate the feedback. I do plan to get a clean up crew for the small hair algae patches.

 

[leepink23]

Treat your tank with Fluconazole and the hair algae will be gone. It is completely reef safe. Like you I have a Skimz 205i and an algae scrubber.

I get a full cup of skimmate a week and have to trim the scrubber weekly as well. I am trying to keep a dirtier tank, as I have undetectable nutrients even though I feed very heavy. Have you tested your NO3? PO4?

Hair algae also thrives in clean, low nutrient systems.

Yes my phosphate stay at 0.01 on Hannah ULR, Nitrates 2-5 on Red Sea. I started getting hair algae when I started feeding reef chili which I have stopped. The hair algae has slowed way back but I have no cleanup crew.

 

[mitch91175]

Thanks, the nutrients are pretty good since I stopped feeding reef chili, but wanted some other opinions so I appreciate the feedback. I do plan to get a clean up crew for the small hair algae patches.

Yeah if you aren't running into a nutrient issue, I'd say save the $$$ and do something else with it for sure. I was in the same boat as you not too long ago, was thinking about getting a Reef Octopus for my tank and get rid of the Vertex, but then thought to myself, why? Do I really need a new skimmer just for the sake of getting a new skimmer?

I ended up using that money to buy a calcium reactor setup for my system instead. Win, win!

 

[leepink23]

• Yeah if you aren't running into a nutrient issue, I'd say save the $$$ and do something else with it for sure. I was in the same boat as you not too long ago, was thinking about getting a Reef Octopus for my tank and get rid of the Vertex, but then thought to myself, why? Do I really need a new skimmer just for the sake of getting a new skimmer?
  
  I ended up using that money to buy a calcium reactor setup for my system instead. Win, win!

  I am thinking the same thing!

 

[leepink23]

I was curious if anyone has experience with both skimmers though.

 

[mtraylor]

I would let your setup let you know if you need an upgrade before doing anything.

 

[leepink23]

I would let your setup let you know if you need an upgrade before doing anything.

Well I have been getting hair algae is why I started thinking about it, I am going to add some snails next week and go from there.

 

[Blue Spot Octopus]

How long does it take to fill the cup on the skimmer? What is the skimmate like?

 

[leepink23]

How long does it take to fill the cup on the skimmer? What is the skimmate like?

A week, usually tea colored, I can dry skim it darker though.

 

[mtraylor]

Wrap it in black mylar or something similar. Algae needs light to grow.

Well I have been getting hair algae is why I started thinking about it, I am going to add some snails next week and go from there.

Oh ok, I see. Yeah I would try that first and see if your issue is resolved. Check your nitrates and phosphates and see where they are with current feeding and fish and you will know in several weeks where you need to be. Personally I always get the biggest Protein skimmer I can get. I seen a video of your brand and it looked liked it made shaving crème. Very efficient skimmer. If you need a bigger one should you decide, you could also go with the same brand if you like yours. Good luck. Enjoy the tangs. I love them. Have 4 different tangs in my aquarium and love them.

 

[leepink23]

Oh ok, I see. Yeah I would try that first and see if your issue is resolved. Check your nitrates and phosphates and see where they are with current feeding and fish and you will know in several weeks where you need to be. Personally I always get the biggest Protein skimmer I can get. I seen a video of your brand and it looked liked it made shaving crème. Very efficient skimmer. If you need a bigger one should you decide, you could also go with the same brand if you like yours. Good luck. Enjoy the tangs. I love them. Have 4 different tangs in my aquarium and love them.

Phosphate is 0.01 currently on Hannah url, Nitrates were 3 on Red Sea, don’t want any lower really because my coral like it. I like the skimz, I have read the deltec are just more efficient, but I don’t want to buy something just to spend.

 

[mtraylor]

I heard that. Your parms are great and you have a great skimmer. Hopefully the clean up crew will do.

 

[dbl]

It's so easy to want to tinker with things, and it took me a while to understand this, but I've found it better to live by the old adage of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it".

My suggestion for what it's worth, replace your CUC and give some time to the other changes you've made and see how/if things stabalize.

 

[leepink23]

It's so easy to want to tinker with things, and it took me a while to understand this, but I've found it better to live by the old adage of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it".

My suggestion for what it's worth, replace your CUC and give some time to the other changes you've made and see how/if things stabalize.

That’s my plan, sometimes talking it out is the best way for me to decide, thanks for the input!!!