Skimmer scfh numbers

Saltgator · Feb 23, 2015

After reading and doing a lot of thinking, I like others want to know how my skimmer is handling my system. From reading different things, I've come to the conclusion that a skimmer is rated on 2 things, pump performance and skimmer size. So this leads me to asking you guys how the best way in your opinion is to rate your skimmer? In my situation, my skimmer is a big boy (imo) as far as size (base, height and neck). So next comes the pump performance. My stock pump (askoll) was replaced with a laguna 1500. I'm still using a modded mesh impeller. I'd like to believe the numbers laguna states, but that would me believing someone else's findings. Every system is different. I'd like to know the scfh my pump is doing so I could be confident it's handling my system and a upgrade is or isn't needed in the skimmer section. So, should I get a flow meter and do some testing? Is there some other way to know and be confident on my skimmer's performance? If I missed something or and taking this out of this world, lmk.

Reefing Madness · Feb 23, 2015

Once you've modified anything on the pump, you've changed the numbers for it, now you won't be able to come up with correct numbers anymore. The numbers given for any particilar pump are based off x, then you modify x, it can no longer sustain x.
Pump performance, L/H Air Intake, GPH
Skimmer Size
Bubble Plate
Recirc Pumps
Lots to go off of with todays skimmers. Also in your situation, does the Laguna have a ceramic shaft? If it doesn't I'd think about replacing it, as the SW may start to corrode the current shaft over time.

Saltgator · Feb 23, 2015

Yes sir. It's ceramic. I was reading this weekend because a few have told me I'm well undersized in my swc 230. I looked at replacements and what I kept seeing (especially in the cone skimmers) was the exact same measurements of mine (overall cone size). I then started looking at the pump that drove those skimmers and that led me to my question above. Since I didn't look into the bubble plate, what am I looking for as far as performance wise (size, placement, diffusion of bubbles, etc)?

Reefing Madness · Feb 23, 2015

Depends, do you want a cadallac or just a normal car? We can go anywhere from a Aquamaxx AM350, to a Power Cone 250 I Series, to a SWC 250 1A Cone Skimmer. Those types of numbers. Going that big, and having a choice, I'd be going with the recirc skimmers, but its not a neccesity. Your right, they all are about the same sizes at that point, but the L/H Air Intake is different, and the big boys get alil fatter.

Saltgator · Feb 23, 2015

I was looking at the reef octopus regal 300int, but can't pull the trigger til I see why my 230 is underrated. As far as choices, I can't drive a Cadillac because it's too nice of a car (for me, lol). I'm a gritty truck guy, a truck that gets any job done. Lol, so in skimmer words, I'm wanting a skimmer that handles the job, a skimmer that I'm not afraid of a scratch getting on it.

Reefing Madness · Feb 23, 2015

You've gotten away from a very good pump and installed a pump of which the numbers we can't verify, becaused its been modified. Now we don't even know how much GPH it is, nor the L/H Intake. But on a side note, that skimmer is underrated for your sized tank to begin with, you should be looking at a 400g skimmer at a minimum.

Saltgator · Feb 23, 2015

Reefing Madness said:
You've gotten away from a very good pump and installed a pump of which the numbers we can't verify, becaused its been modified. Now we don't even know how much GPH it is, nor the L/H Intake. But on a side note, that skimmer is underrated for your sized tank to begin with, you should be looking at a 400g skimmer at a minimum.

So let's here some options in your opinion if ya don't mind or you want me to reference off the list you mentioned above?

Saltgator · Feb 23, 2015

https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/selling-forum-dry-goods/192392-fs-swc-skimmer-300-gal.html

nicodim55 · Feb 23, 2015

Saltgator said:
So let's here some options in your opinion if ya don't mind or you want me to reference off the list you mentioned above?

I currently have the AM350 listed above in my 150g and I'm very happy with its performance

Reefing Madness · Feb 23, 2015

I can rustle up a list if you'd like. Or you can run with the one you've listed on the for sale side. But, you gotta tell me your number. What are you willing to spend? Thats the key. I know the SWC aint' cheap, so what kinda cash you looking to spend, Im just trying to get you the best skimmer, rated at the highest we can get for you tank.

Saltgator · Feb 23, 2015

Reefing Madness said:
I can rustle up a list if you'd like. Or you can run with the one you've listed on the for sale side. But, you gotta tell me your number. What are you willing to spend? Thats the key. I know the SWC aint' cheap, so what kinda cash you looking to spend, Im just trying to get you the best skimmer, rated at the highest we can get for you tank.

Lol. I was waiting for you to say that. I'm not looking to put a mint in but don't want to compromise the reef either (let's say my budget is $750, preferably lower) My budget is variable atm depending on my convincing the wife. Btw, since we both have 240g, is your skimmer gonna make the list? Also in case you need it or haven't seen my thread lately, still the 240 with a 55 Sump and 50g fuge. Tangs and sps.

Saltgator · Feb 23, 2015

Also, I know the 55g sump has a small.foot print so I possibly could swap over to a 40g breeder for foot print. I also run in sump only

Reefing Madness · Feb 23, 2015

No way my skimmer makes the list. I've got an elcheapo and modified the crap out of it. Its also a HOB, I yanked my sump after a flood, and haven't set it back up as of yet. And I Vodka Dose to keep my Nitrates under control, so I don't need anything like your getting into.
AquaMaxx AM350 In-Sump Protein Skimmer
AquaMaxx EcoMaxx In-Sump Protein Skimmer
Skimz Oval SV223 DC Internal Protein Skimmer - Bulk Reef Supply
Skimz Monzter SM203 DC Internal Protein Skimmer - Bulk Reef Supply
Reef Octopus 9" Regal 220INT Internal Protein Skimmer - Bulk Reef Supply
SWC 300 Cone
SWC 300A

Saltgator · Feb 23, 2015

All of these play into me dosing vinegar too? Sorry thought I covered that too. My bad. If I had to pick, it's gonna be skimz or aquamaxx over octopus.

Reefing Madness · Feb 23, 2015

Your killin me, I don't see dosing anywhere up in previous posts.
If thats the case, you only need the skimmers made to your tank volume then.

Saltgator · Feb 23, 2015

Yep. I forgot. Vinegar dosing for well over a month, twice a day via jebao doser. Dosing 40mL right now, going to 45mL this weekend. Also in case I forget, 130 lbs of rock (100 of marco), 3 heaters, 3 tangs, 1 angel, 1 Foxface, 3 clowns and 1 goby, probably not done with fish. Sps, lps, softies. Going mostly sps. 4 x D155e reef radiance led fixtures. 1.5 inches of sand. 50g fuge is fern and grape calupera. Feeding is nori sheet every other day, mysis and enriched brine every 3rd day. Dosing diy 2 part. Gfo and brs carbon in a filter sock. No water changes in 2 months. Rodi water, zero tds and filters changed less than 6 months ago. New resin this past weekend.