Skimmer or no Skimmer on Evo 13.5?

[Sobo's Reef]

So are you guys going with the skimmer or no skimmer on the Fluval Evo 13.5? I have mine going but my tank is only like 3wks old and coming up on the end of its cycle. Just curious to see what everyone else is doing with theirs!

 

[Green5Delt]

I wouldn't run my skimmer during the cycle, due to the fact your trying to build up bacteria so you are pulling out some of what your trying to establish. Also there shouldn't really be anythingto skimm out. But after the cycle I always recommend running a skimmer myself! Hope this helps.

 

[Orcus Varuna]

So are you guys going with the skimmer or no skimmer on the Fluval Evo 13.5? I have mine going but my tank is only like 3wks old and coming up on the end of its cycle. Just curious to see what everyone else is doing with theirs!

I don't think it hurts you to run it during the cycle at all. Even the most effective skimmers only remove around 30% of dissolved organics and I am never against the increased oxygenation of the water column a skimmer provides.

 

[Sobo's Reef]

I wouldn't run my skimmer during the cycle, due to the fact your trying to build up bacteria so you are pulling out some of what your trying to establish. Also there shouldn't really be anythingto skimm out. But after the cycle I always recommend running a skimmer myself! Hope this helps.

Oh no! I only just turned it on yesterday. I didn't have it running during the cycle at all mostly. Just wanted to get other peoples feedback!

 

[Mikedawg]

I just bought one today because I keep a pretty good bioload in my Evo, three small gobies and two clowns plus assorted CUC. Many reefers who see no need for a skimmer just change water frequently and I do as well; still, I'm always looking for a method to improve water quality. BTW, skimmer tuning instructions are inadequate, but there are some pretty good videos on YouTube.

 

[Sobo's Reef]

I just bought one today because I keep a pretty good bioload in my Evo, three small gobies and two clowns plus assorted CUC. Many reefers who see no need for a skimmer just change water frequently and I do as well; still, I'm always looking for a method to improve water quality. BTW, skimmer tuning instructions are inadequate, but there are some pretty good videos on YouTube.

I've recently turned mine off. I ordered a media tray for chamber 2 so when that comes in and I have my media in place, I'll turn it on and try again

 

[Mikedawg]

I've recently turned mine off. I ordered a media tray for chamber 2 so when that comes in and I have my media in place, I'll turn it on and try again

Yeah, I've got the feeling that an inexpensive protein skimmer requires extra "love" to get it working right.

 

[Reeferram]

Yeah, I've got the feeling that an inexpensive protein skimmer requires extra "love" to get it working right.

I have an evo 13.5 and had a skimmer for it. I couldnt get it tuned properly and gave up on it. Tried using two intank basket with biocubes and chemipure but i have had a massive hair algae outbreak since. Have a shrimp goby combo, six line, & splendid dottyback..lol.. i know they arent supposed to get along but they are best friends somehow. Probably going to go back to skimmer.

 

[Reeferram]

I have an evo 13.5 and had a skimmer for it. I couldnt get it tuned properly and gave up on it. Tried using two intank basket with biocubes and chemipure but i have had a massive hair algae outbreak since. Have a shrimp goby combo, six line, & splendid dottyback..lol.. i know they arent supposed to get along but they are best friends somehow. Probably going to go back to skimmer.

Any tips on tuning such a small skimmer would be much appreciated.

 

[Forsaken77]

I think I already answered this in another recent thread, but a 2.5-5 gallon water change from syphoning the sand will remove way more than a tiny skimmer.

With the Evo, imo, it's better to use those areas for bio media, chemipure nano bags, and filter floss. It's just important to stay on top of changing the floss in a timely manner.

I used the inTank baskets in both chambers instead of the PS2 skimmer, which is junk. I literally have not seen one positive review for it. Though there are better alternatives for a skimmer of this size.

I was actually looking into upgrading the return pump. I was looking at the IM Mighty Jet DC Desktop pump for it. Just don't know if it'll fit.

A small powerhead is also needed in this tank, btw. I used the small Hydor one, which is cheap.