New hobbyist, please help, thank you!

ReefFreak@ · Nov 15, 2014

For a first time reefer A+ on tank, I to agree you will need some stronger light, i have a jbj unibody 54 watt led id let you have for a steal. As far protein skimmers i would highly recommend one. Heres what I've come up for you, And what I've used in the past with great success.Its a cps hang on the back refugium. I put the hydro skimmer inside there along with some chemipure elite. I also modded the intake pump to suck water from the top of the tank, which will get rid of that silly organics at the top of the tank. It pretty much takes care of all your problems and is way cheaper and easier than plumbing in a sump.Let me know what you think.

Mike J. · Nov 15, 2014

Bubble Magus make very good skimmers that will last for years. And equally important is that you can get parts for it. I'd consider this one if I were you.

Bubble-magus Bubble Magus NAC 5E Hang-On Tank Protein Skimmer Aquarium Skimmers

krystlemike · Nov 15, 2014

Took my sea cyclone back and got this one instead! Ty for the heads up everyone!

Mike J. · Nov 15, 2014

I've been running one of those on a 55 gallon for over nine years. Well, it's the second one. Just took this picture. Pure fish poop.

krystlemike · Nov 15, 2014

Ty for the tip, im sure my fish are in debt of you

krystlemike · Nov 15, 2014

Setting it up as we speak. Reeffreak@ Ty for the offer but I might wait a week or so to buy another light. Ty for the compliment on my tank. Im trying my best and with the thanks of this community I know our fish and corals will be very happy!!!!

krystlemike · Nov 15, 2014

Super Skimmer 65G, is this set up correct? What setting should I have it? Not sure how this works.

Mike J. · Nov 15, 2014

I knew that was coming. Looks to me like you have it set up right. Your bubble level is correct. The out going cup needs to be 1/4" above the water; so lower that.

Mike J. · Nov 15, 2014

Also I'd open the valve on the incoming tube all the way and adjust from there. Turn it so its pointing straight down the pipe. They put that on the new skimmers, don't know why. I had to glue mine in because it will pop out when it gets older.

krystlemike · Nov 15, 2014

This cup needs to be at least 1/4" above the water line?

krystlemike · Nov 15, 2014

I had the valve open all the way and my cup filled with water about 3/4 full

Mike J. · Nov 15, 2014

Yes, no more than 1/4", it makes a big difference. The water is supposed to flow over the sides.

Mike J. · Nov 15, 2014

Okay, knew that was coming too. The water that fills your cup when you first start using a skimmer, and have it turned all the way down, needs to be poured down the drain. If you pour it into the tank it will keep doing it.

krystlemike · Nov 15, 2014

So its like getting rid of all the bad water?

krystlemike · Nov 15, 2014

Valve is all the way open and cup is stable

. However I cant figure out how to get that cup 1/4" above the water line....

Mike J. · Nov 15, 2014

Correct. It should only do it once or twice. Keep it adjusted so the bubbles are about 1/2" into the neck for the first few days. If it overflows it goes on your floor.