Nuvo 10g Skimmer
- Nano Build
- Thread starter Stevied71
- Start date
- Tagged users None
NS Mike D
In the arena.
Brings me back to my favorite discussion about skimmers in nano tanks. What are you seeking to change by adding a skimmer? Are the corals and other life not out competing the nuisance algae with the water changes? Or are you seeking to add a skimmer because that's what we do?
skimmers can be extremely beneficial in a nano, and they can be a waste of valuable space and money.
i have a thread on the subject, albeit not much on skimmer reviews, but member @Luno posted a pic of his modified $40 skimmer that was pulling out sludge :
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/nano-tanks-are-protein-skimmers-sufficiently-effective.360238/
Fwiw, I had the Hydor nano, since it was the only one that would fit inside my CPR HOB fuge, It pulled out light tea regularly, but my cheato and corals were keeping my NO3 and PO4 too low - well actually leaving behind a bit of PO4 making a nice environment for the cyano.
I decided to remove the skimmer and the cyano disappeared as the NO3 and PO4 ratio was better for the corals to out compete the cyano.
don't get me wrong, I am neither for nor against skimmers in nanos, it's my opinion and experience is that it shouldn't be an automatic addition, but rather to address the need to remove organic waste. Organic waste can be beneficial, unless it results in excess nitrates. I recommend reading @Tony Thompson post in the thread on this.
skimmers can be extremely beneficial in a nano, and they can be a waste of valuable space and money.
i have a thread on the subject, albeit not much on skimmer reviews, but member @Luno posted a pic of his modified $40 skimmer that was pulling out sludge :
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/nano-tanks-are-protein-skimmers-sufficiently-effective.360238/
Fwiw, I had the Hydor nano, since it was the only one that would fit inside my CPR HOB fuge, It pulled out light tea regularly, but my cheato and corals were keeping my NO3 and PO4 too low - well actually leaving behind a bit of PO4 making a nice environment for the cyano.
I decided to remove the skimmer and the cyano disappeared as the NO3 and PO4 ratio was better for the corals to out compete the cyano.
don't get me wrong, I am neither for nor against skimmers in nanos, it's my opinion and experience is that it shouldn't be an automatic addition, but rather to address the need to remove organic waste. Organic waste can be beneficial, unless it results in excess nitrates. I recommend reading @Tony Thompson post in the thread on this.
Luno
Well-Known Member
To build on what mike said, I couldn't agree more. Nano's can really be the most difficult reef to keep. The one I have currently is my first however definitely won't be my last it is enjoyable and rewarding to have a small scale reef system. But I couldn't believe how difficult it was compared to my large reef systems.
My skimmer produces a lot of oxygenation for me and that honestly is the main reason I keep it. I've modified it heaps to actually work well. I often refer to it as a Frankenstein skimmer ha!
I have heard many nano reefers be very disappointed in their skimmer performance. I am glad that I found a way to make mine work, and I do think it does a great deal of nutrient reduction but i'm always curious how the system would go if I were to take it offline.
My skimmer produces a lot of oxygenation for me and that honestly is the main reason I keep it. I've modified it heaps to actually work well. I often refer to it as a Frankenstein skimmer ha!
I have heard many nano reefers be very disappointed in their skimmer performance. I am glad that I found a way to make mine work, and I do think it does a great deal of nutrient reduction but i'm always curious how the system would go if I were to take it offline.
