Skimmate Consistency

Discussion in 'Protein Skimmers' started by gabbyr189, Nov 27, 2011.

to remove this notice and enjoy 3reef content with less ads. 3reef membership is free.

  1. gabbyr189

    gabbyr189 Bubble Tip Anemone

    Joined:
    Feb 5, 2011
    Messages:
    666
    Location:
    Philadelphia
    So I have an aquamaxx hob skimmer, which has awesome reviews.. AquaMaxx HOB-1 Hang-On-Back Protein Skimmer

    I had it set as high as it goes when I first got it, and I got dark thick skimmate. I then moved it down as necessary. It was only like that for a few weeks though, now its pretty clear liquidy green skimmate. Sounds appetizing I know. I haven't changed anything besides emptying it and repriming it once or twice.

    Yes I know the drill:
    I have a midas blenny, a clown, a melanurus wrasse, a mandarin, and a YWG in my 37g DT with a 10g sump/fuge. Plus a little LPS, lots of SPS, and a bunch of zoas. This really isn't a huge bioload, is it possible that there just isn't enough to skim? The dark skimmate may be the result of waiting over a month to replace my broken skimmer.
    As of a week ago (this has been going on longer than a week):
    pH 8.0
    Ca: 420
    Alk: 7
    Mag: Around 1400 I think
    NO3: 0
    NO2:0
    NH3: 0
    Phos: unreliable/unreadable test kit but low algae growth
     
  2. Click Here!

  3. -Bubbler-

    -Bubbler- Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

    Joined:
    Mar 25, 2011
    Messages:
    91
    Location:
    Ironwood, MI
    I have the same unit on my 55g, works really good for me, it was fussy when I first started it, but it has calmed down and produces a whole cup of nasty skimmate every 5 days.
     
  4. gabbyr189

    gabbyr189 Bubble Tip Anemone

    Joined:
    Feb 5, 2011
    Messages:
    666
    Location:
    Philadelphia
    Whats your bioload like?
     
  5. -Bubbler-

    -Bubbler- Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

    Joined:
    Mar 25, 2011
    Messages:
    91
    Location:
    Ironwood, MI
    Bi color blenny, clown goby, small yellow tang, ocellaris clown, six line wrasse, toadstool, large colony of zoas, and a giant polyp Duncan with four heads.
     
  6. -Bubbler-

    -Bubbler- Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

    Joined:
    Mar 25, 2011
    Messages:
    91
    Location:
    Ironwood, MI
    There's a picture of it in the show your skimmate thread