Limited room..

LokiDawg · Feb 9, 2019

So I'm still cycling and trying to figure out my final setup for my sump.. I really want a refugium.. But I also want a skimmer..
I got a really nice deal on a omega 130 that is a bit over powered for my system. It Literally just barely fits. I have risen it out of the water about an inch and it seems dialed in fairly nice "for now".
Anyways, for the long haul.. Should I ditch this skimmer and go straight for a fuge and get a much smaller skimmer?
I have about 5" of extra cabinet space. For accommodating reactors or small HOB skimmers that will fit in that area if I ditch the in sump one for the fuge. I'll post a pic.
Please excuse the wires.. I'm still cycling and determining where all the gear will live. Thanks!
I also have to figure out where the DOS will go...
I'm strongly considering building another "box" to sit next to the stand. Would be tasteful of course. I have experience with wood working.

James M · Feb 9, 2019

Write out a pros and cons list for the skimmer and fuge and go from there.
Also it isn’t necessary to run a skimmer during a cycle because there’s nothing too skim

LokiDawg · Feb 9, 2019

James M said:
Right out a pros and cons list for the skimmer and fuge and go from there.
Also it isn’t necessary to run a skimmer during a cycle because there’s nothing too skim

I'm also breaking in the skimmer.. Apparently this skimmer is one heck of a beast to break in and takes weeks to master.
Any other advice? I'm new to salt.. Long time planted..

James M · Feb 9, 2019

Nice planted tank !!
Patience in salt in the best advice, nothing should be rushed

Jacked Reefer · Feb 9, 2019

Skillets and fuges are good for different systems. What are you planning to do with your tank?

LokiDawg · Feb 9, 2019

James M said:
Nice planted tank !!
Patience in salt in the best advice, nothing should be rushed

Same as plants!! But again!! Lol.. in your experience do you go for the algae or the skimmer, or some mixture of the both? Ive also been looking at these scrubbers.. What about this miracle mud??
Too many times with previous tanks ive established them, had failures that could have been easily avoided with one easy fix in the beginning.. Just seeing if this particular thing is one of "those" things.

LokiDawg · Feb 9, 2019

Kayden Hutchings said:
Skillets and fuges are good for different systems. What are you planning to do with your tank?

It is a reefer 170. 34g display 43 total. Mixed reef. Mostly soft and sps. With about 6 fish. I have apex with a DOS system. And a icecap 1k gyre so far.
The vertex omega 130 seems a bit much. And I really like the idea of a refugium.

LokiDawg · Feb 9, 2019

Kayden Hutchings said:
Skillets and fuges are good for different systems. What are you planning to do with your tank?

I plan on a high bioload

LokiDawg · Feb 9, 2019

Kayden Hutchings said:
Skillets and fuges are good for different systems. What are you planning to do with your tank?

And I dont have kids... So I have extra cash to spend on the aquatic ones! Lol

Jacked Reefer · Feb 9, 2019

With 6 fish a skimmer is probably your best bet. Fuges can’t handle very much but do have more benefits. You could look into an algae scrubber as a compromise

CindyKz · Feb 9, 2019

I have a vertex 150 on my 75 gal tank that I love - but for 34 gal I think the vertex 130 might be a little too much firepower. I have a 32 gal tank with 5 fish and am getting by with a tiny (nano sized ) skimmer and tiny fuge in a softie tank. I have pretty high nitrates though

the softies don't seem to care much.

I think I would look for a smaller (but still high quality) skimmer and find a way to fit in a tiny fuge. Hang onto the Vertex though - you will want it when you upgrade.

James M · Feb 9, 2019

LokiDawg said:
Same as plants!! But again!! Lol.. in your experience do you go for the algae or the skimmer, or some mixture of the both? Ive also been looking at these scrubbers.. What about this miracle mud??
Too many times with previous tanks ive established them, had failures that could have been easily avoided with one easy fix in the beginning.. Just seeing if this particular thing is one of "those" things.

Only have experience with skimmers so cant say much about the whole fuge system.

LokiDawg · Feb 9, 2019

CindyKz said:
I have a vertex 150 on my 75 gal tank that I love - but for 34 gal I think the vertex 130 might be a little too much firepower. I have a 32 gal tank with 5 fish and am getting by with a tiny (nano sized ) skimmer and tiny fuge in a softie tank. I have pretty high nitrates though the softies don't seem to care much.

I think I would look for a smaller (but still high quality) skimmer and find a way to fit in a tiny fuge. Hang onto the Vertex though - you will want it when you upgrade.

Idk if I will upgrade to a bigger tank. I think this will be my pride. I have a 35g cube planted and also this 34g salty. I just want to make sure they are both above and beyond the necessary requirements.

LokiDawg · Feb 9, 2019

I may just get a hang on, but keep in the sump and turn it into a fuge..
For now I'm staying with the omega... Until I see a REAL need to change it.. I just really want a fuge.. I love the dynamics of all of that.. ****** fantastic! It's like planted, but salt!