Skimmer for 9" water depth

Trevor W · Aug 18, 2015

I have a custom sump that was built with the skimmer chamber baffle being 9". I originally wanted the baffle at 7" but I was talked into making it 9. I then purchased a Vertex Omega 150, after doing further research about tuning the skimmer and peoples experiences with it, I came to see a trend that most people have trouble running this skimmer in higher water levels like 9". I am still in the build phase so I have not been able to test this yet on a tank. I am not wanting to build a stand to raise the skimmer because of the limited height under the stand and I just don't want to throw a skimmer on top of an ugly stand.

So here I sit,... do I wait and try running the skimmer at this height when the tank is running?
Do I cut my losses and try recouping some money from an un-used omega 150?
Do I purchase a different skimmer more suited for the higher water level like a bubble magus curve 7 or 9?
Any other skimmers you can think of with a similar footprint to an omega 150 but better suited for the water depth?

Ebone · Aug 18, 2015

I would just build a stand... or find see if someone can build you one from acrylic...

ReeferEric · Aug 18, 2015

Agreed, if you have the space for height then build a stand. Easiest way to do it and keep the custom sump.

Downbeach · Aug 19, 2015

I think the stand would be your best solution. How much head room do you have? I ran a similarly designed skimmer also with a Sicce pump, and had it in ~ 8 1/2" of water, so you may only need about a 1" stand for optimal performance. You could try making one out of egg crate to get the best depth and once you're happy with its height get one made out of something, i.e. acrylic, that would be more to your liking. Keep in mind that a new skimmer will take some time to break in(up to 2 weeks according to Vertex), so you will have to give it that time before you start making too many adjustments. I used to run my new skimmers in a 5 gal. bucket with vinegar for a couple hours, before placing it in my sump, to help to shorten the break in period.

Trevor W · Aug 19, 2015

Thanks for the input! I will measure how much room there is to raise it when I get back home, currently working away from home this week. I like the idea of raising it on a make shift eggcrate stand if I can and later getting a nicer one made from acrylic.

Ebone · Aug 19, 2015

great idea... I raised mine with eggcrate and pvc with intent of buying acrylic in the future... then I put my ATO reservoir in front of skimmer chamber and no longer even know what it looks like!

Zechirian · Aug 20, 2015

My old sump had a 9" depth as well and my older skimmer didn't cut it and the egg crate thing didn't work very well for me. I ended up going with a Bubble Magus Curve 7 which is now in about 9.2-9.5" of water and it pulls out some horrendous smelling crude. If your sump water level varies (my first sump did greatly and i didn't have ATO) then a Curve 5,7,9 will be a pain in the rear... however if you can have a stable water level, it's an awesome skimmer.

Downbeach · Aug 20, 2015

Egg crate and zip ties worked great. I'd suggest you make it a little higher than you think you need(allowing for head height), allow it to break in, then if needed take off one row of the egg crate to get to your sweet spot. Here is an example: