Skimmer and media basket question

[rbillings]

I have a 28 gallon Biocube. Light load in tank for now but I’ve only had it setup for a couple months. I bought it used but it was an established tank when purchased. I’d like to put a skimmer in the overflow compartment but not sure which one to use. I’d like some suggestions please. Also there is nothing in the middle compartment. Right now I’m using filter pads at the top. Should I buy a basket to put in there or is there a better option? Thanks in advance

 

[webmanny]

I have a DIY 3d printed one on mine, but I have read great things about the new version of the Coralife biocube skimmer v2.

Coralife BioCube Protein Skimmer (V2) w/Needle Wheel (No Airstone or Air Pump Required!)

The Coralife BioCube Protein Skimmer (V2) is an improvement over the old skimmer that required an airstone and air pump.

www.marineandreef.com

 

[rbillings]

I didn’t know they came out with a non air type. I have the one that requires an air pump and hate it so much I refuse to use it. I’ll look into that one thanks for the info

 

[Mkus]

Tunze DC skimmer but IMHO you would be better off with a fuge in the middle chamber I did with my 24 best upgrade on my tank loaded now with pods! and water looks amazing!
Tank has almost no algae growth..

 

[webmanny]

I agree. get a skimmer that goes on the first chamber and put a fuge on the second chamber. Forget about media baskets.

This is just my opinion, but I'll share what I have on mine and you get to decide what you want to do.

Chamber 1:

• Heather
• Skimmer
• Ceramic bio media balls (Just a few at the bottom and I never touch them)

Chamber 2:

• Floss pad on the top
• A few more ceramic bio media balls at the bottom
• Chaeto ball in the middle floating

Chamber 3:

• Return pump
• ATO water line
• All the probes (Temp, Salinity, PH, etc.)
• Dosing tubes for Triton Core 7

This is my tank:

This may be a better picture:

 

[Mkus]

Here’s mine started 2008 as a 14 gal now a 24

 

[rbillings]

Thanks for the info. Your tanks look awesome. Will definitely go skimmer in first chamber and five in second. How do you keep the Chaeto in the middle chamber? You’ve never had a problem with it getting into return pump chamber?

 

[Mkus]

I have a bit of live rock in the bottom of the middle chamber and Chaeto on top with a small Led plant grow light fixed to the back with Velcro...
I found on my tank with the tunze DC skimmer it stripped a lot of the nutrients from my water too much lol..When I clean my pump maybe once every two months there is some lodged in it but I can tell by the flow usually. that Tunze DC skimmer is a great small skimmer its a little more than the no DC but worth it!
Mark

 

[rbillings]

What do you have for a power head? I was thinking am mp10. I would think that’d be fine but is there a better option? Thanks for the info. This community is awesome. I’ll definitely be making a fudge in the next week or so.

 

[Mkus]

IMHO those are a lot of money Hydor makes a new one that you can control with your phone it’s just a tad over $100.00

 

[Mkus]

Here it is got great reviews what I’d buy those Eco pumps are made in China rip off

 

[Mkus]

These are controlled by your phone and move lots of water if you want it to

 

[Mkus]

Here a link on YouTube

 

[dreamcatcherr9]

I have a Aqamai on my Nuvo 20. It’s great! Got it on sale at Petco for under $100! Compared to other WiFi options, it’s was a awesome deal. Works just as advertised. I will get 2 more for my large build later.

 

[rbillings]

I like saving money. Thanks for the help. I appreciate it.

 

[webmanny]

What do you have for a power head? I was thinking am mp10. I would think that’d be fine but is there a better option? Thanks for the info. This community is awesome. I’ll definitely be making a fudge in the next week or so.

I have a Jebao RW4 or PP4 (New version). I placed it on the side opposite to the return.