Skimmer Recommendations for the Fluval 13.5?

[Larry101]

Hey everyone! I think it is about time I get a protein skimmer for my fluval 13.5 tank. I am looking to get recommendations for the best skimmer that will fit in the first chamber of the back filtration area, the dimensions are about 3.5in x 3.5in x 8.75in. I am basically looking for a skimmer that is fairly quiet (the quieter the better) and is also effective. Those are basically my only 2 asks in a skimmer for the tank. I have just been having a hard time finding skimmers that will fit the tank but is still quiet and effective.

 

[Reef.]

You don’t have too many choices, I’ve looked into this and the 2 that keep coming up as the best options are the Tunze 9001 and the IM ghost skimmer.

 

[ClearLife]

The Cad Light PLS-50 skimmer is 3.25 X 3.5 X 14
not a bad skimmer but takes time to dial it in.

The Fluval PS2 Mini skimmer
3.0 X 3.0 X 10

 

[Larry101]

You don’t have too many choices, I’ve looked into this and the 2 that keep coming up as the best options are the Tunze 9001 and the IM ghost skimmer.

Will the tunze 9001 really fit the 1st chamber of the fluval 13.5 back sump area?

 

[Larry101]

The Cad Light PLS-50 skimmer is 3.25 X 3.5 X 14
not a bad skimmer but takes time to dial it in.

The Fluval PS2 Mini skimmer
3.0 X 3.0 X 10

Isn’t the fluval PS2 skimmer a bit in the louder side?

 

[ClearLife]

Its a little loud.

 

[Reef.]

Will the tunze 9001 really fit the 1st chamber of the fluval 13.5 back sump area?

not sure, I was meaning those 2 seem to be the best nano skimmers I have researched.

 

[Jim8o]

I used the TMC Reef skimmer 50.. worked well.

 

[Larry101]

I used the TMC Reef skimmer 50.. worked well.

Do you know if it’s available here in the states?

 

[Nano sapiens]

May I ask why do you believe that you need a skimmer in such a small nano?

Typically, regular water changes and some detritus removal are all that's needed in a small nano aquarium. A skimmer might be of help if you were dead-set on a really high bioload, but then you have the maintenance, taking up of space and noise to contend with.

Just something to think about...

 

[Larry101]

May I ask why do you believe that you need a skimmer in such a small nano?

Typically, regular water changes and some detritus removal are all that's needed in a small nano aquarium. A skimmer might be of help if you were dead-set on a really high bioload, but then you have the maintenance, taking up of space and noise to contend with.

Just something to think about...

Well I have been doing 20% water changes each week for about 3 months now and I am running carbon, gfo, and filter floss, but there is still the occasional detritus buildup and I am getting what looks to be the start of hair algae on the back wall. I think I just need another way of nutrient export (might be overkill). I am ok with a bit of noise and space isn't a big deal to me at all in the 1st chamber as long as the skimmer fits.

I was either thinking a skimmer or a diy chaeto reactor. Which way of nutrient export would you personally choose?

 

[Nano sapiens]

Well I have been doing 20% water changes each week for about 3 months now and I am running carbon, gfo, and filter floss, but there is still the occasional detritus buildup and I am getting what looks to be the start of hair algae on the back wall. I think I just need another way of nutrient export (might be overkill). I am ok with a bit of noise and space isn't a big deal to me at all in the 1st chamber as long as the skimmer fits.

The best ways to deal with detritus build up are:

1. Use a turkey baster to first blow it off the rocks and then vacuum the sand bed (if you have one)

and/or

2. Kick up the detritus into the water column and use floss in a chamber or a filter sock on the return nozzle. Then clean/replace floss or clean the sock and replace.

The back wall can be scraped before the detritus removal with an old credit card (or similar) and the biofilm/algae caught in the floss or sock.

Algae can be controlled, but not eliminated, with an appropriate cleanup crew and reasonably low nutrient levels.

I was either thinking a skimmer or a diy chaeto reactor. Which way of nutrient export would you personally choose?

For a nano tank, neither (IMO/IME, unnecessary complexity). These types of nutrient export methods lend themselves to much larger systems where water changes are much less frequent due to the cost of salt and the increased effort required to change relatively large volumes of water.

I've been maintaining a 12g nano for 12 years with just live rock/live sand for filtration, 10%/week water changes and some weekly detritus removal. Most successful long-lived small nanos follow a simple methodology.

 

[hotdrop]

You can do 50% changes is you need to on a tank that small.You would be better off with a continuous water change setup using a DOS or vectra if you have the space. Skimmers arent very effective at that size.

 

[Uncle99]

May I ask why do you believe that you need a skimmer in such a small nano?

Typically, regular water changes and some detritus removal are all that's needed in a small nano aquarium. A skimmer might be of help if you were dead-set on a really high bioload, but then you have the maintenance, taking up of space and noise to contend with.

Just something to think about...

And excellent thoughtful advice

 

[Ulm_nano_diybudgetreef]

If the tank is still young, then the outbreaks are to be expected I guess.

How old is the tank?

 

[Larry101]

If the tank is still young, then the outbreaks are to be expected I guess.

How old is the tank?

It's pretty new, I've had it since around April

 

[Ulm_nano_diybudgetreef]

It's pretty new, I've had it since around April

This is normal, this is called the ugly stage. Just clean it manually and get a CUC if you dont have one

 

[Larry101]

This is normal, this is called the ugly stage. Just clean it manually and get a CUC if you dont have one

I still would like my phosphates a bit lower, right now I am at around 0.09

 

[Ulm_nano_diybudgetreef]

Yes, parameters can always be worked on or controlled. Your tank is still new, so it needs time to mature and as it matures, it will stabilize.

 

[Ulm_nano_diybudgetreef]

You could prob add a refugium but again ur tank needs to be a bit older to support macro algae growth.