Skimmer drain

[anthonysdad]

Would you suggest running a hose from the nog cup into a 5gal bucket? I ask because I can dial up the flow to get a good amount of nog. I just switched to a refugium from a wet/dry with bio balls and am noticing a huge difference. Or will this huge difference only be temporary? In which case I should just dial it up periodically to do spot cleans?

 

[Reefing Madness]

The skimmate will differ day to day. If its a really big skimmer for your system, its not likey to continue doing that much, if its a moderate skimmer for your tank, then yes, I'd say go ahead and use that hose and a 5g bucket. I have my line going to 1g jugs myself.

 

[anthonysdad]

Thanks, I was just worried it would fill up the cup while I'm at work. But I still want to skim as much as I can for now to get back to square. I have a 210gal with an Octo 160. And it seems to be adjustable enough to let me play with the levels without concern.

 

[redfishbluefish]

They do make skimmate containers, albeit rather pricey. I DIY'ed my own out of 4 inch PVC pipe. But regardless of store bought, DIY'ed or a five gallon bucket, I'd very highly recommend a float switch to turn off your skimmer. You never know when your skimmer will go nuts and start putting out excess skimmate. Here's what my DIY container looks like:

Note the fitting with the nylon bolt will hold the float switch:

 

[anthonysdad]

That's nice, I guess I will need to figure out this float switch for shut off and how it works and wired in. Fantastic idea and I like the indicater tubing, and that should help lower the stench huh?

 

[redfishbluefish]

HERE is the build thread for that container above.

 

[anthonysdad]

Sweet build. I will tinker myself to build one. But for the time being I think I will utilize a bucket. Today will be the first day back at work and letting it run without monitoring it. So I am curious how much fills the cup today.
Thanks for all the advice.