Skimmer for a Innovative Marine 38 gal

lshuler · Mar 6, 2013

I will be purchasing a Nuvo 38 gal tank next week and can't decide on a skimmer. I realize Innovative Marine makes a skimmer that pairs well with this model but I do not like the way it towers above the rim of the tank. I was considering the Tunze 9004 but not sure it will fit. Any recommendations.

FragStar101 · Mar 6, 2013

hydor nano slim skimmer fits perfect! gets the best rating from consumers

lshuler · Mar 6, 2013

I was considering the Hydor also. Is it quiet enough.

reefhead · Mar 6, 2013

The skimming power is pretty limited on the hydor. It is a good skimmer, but also I see alot of entry level people buying them so they would be more likely to leave a good review as they do not have anything to compare it to. They work good on smaller tanks, but 38gal is getting a little high imo. I would go with a tunze.

The 9004 will work on nuvo 38. You could also do a 9002. I would pair it with a tunze nano osmolator. The water level is very important with any of these. And then I would put a intank media basket and put purigen and chemi pure elite with polishing pad. Just my opinion though.

lshuler · Mar 7, 2013

Thanks for the feedback. The 9004 seems like a tight fit, however I will find a way to test the fit before I purchase. Reefhead, when you suggest a media basket, are you also suggesting getting rid of one of the filtration trays that comes stock with the unit and placing the media basket there.

reefhead · Mar 7, 2013

lshuler said:
Thanks for the feedback. The 9004 seems like a tight fit, however I will find a way to test the fit before I purchase. Reefhead, when you suggest a media basket, are you also suggesting getting rid of one of the filtration trays that comes stock with the unit and placing the media basket there.

The 9004 were def fit. Just google it, that is what i did lol
There are some youtube videos showing this as well

I forgot this tank already had a filtration tray. But yes I would put in the stevieT inTank basket. That is what I use. Top level foam polishing pad, middle level purigen, and bottom level a mix of carbon and GFO. It has worked great on my 30gal. Always had no or very low phosphate, rite, and rate. Then in the middle chamber I have a tunze 9002. Like I said I dont have your tank, but it is an AIO and well those are all pretty similar when it comes to the rear section.

my tank

I saw the Innovative Marine skimmer on a tank at the lfs when I was deciding on a replacement skimmer recently. It was pulling out some nasty stuff, but the fact that it stuck out so far above the water line was a deal breaker for me. I asked for 9004, but lfs only had 9002. I would also suggest the tunze 3152 osmolator. All of these skimmers require a very precise water level and the ATO will keep that water level right where you need it. Probably the best $100 I have put into my tank. It is super easy to set up and no more manually pouring water into the tank every couple days. Always use ro/di.

lshuler · Mar 8, 2013

You have a very nice tank. I would like to see a closer photo of it's inhabitants if you have one handy. I did visit the InTank site and I like what I've seen. I'm placing one of their baskets on my short list.