Skimmer and Canister necessary?

Discussion in 'Protein Skimmers' started by Lbannie, Jan 15, 2014.

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  1. Lbannie

    Lbannie Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    Right now I'm running a canister filter on my 40 breeder... I hate it. I have microbubbles a lot of the time. I'm looking into the Reef Octopus BH 2000 (used) I'm wondering if I get the skimmer, do I need to continue using the canister? I have about 40 pounds of rock.
     
    Lbannie, Jan 15, 2014
    Lbannie, Jan 15, 2014
    #1

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  2. oldfishkeeper

    oldfishkeeper Giant Squid

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    I ran a canister for a long time and found that it was best to take it off-line. You don't need it and unless you keep it clean, it can raise nitrates. I'm bad at visualizing how much 40 pounds of rock is in that size tank.
     
    oldfishkeeper, Jan 15, 2014
    oldfishkeeper, Jan 15, 2014
    #2
  3. sailorguy

    sailorguy Torch Coral

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    You shouldn't be getting microbubbles from a canister,could be a problem with the lines or fittings or maybe a seal.I wouldn't ditch the canister entirely,if your tank has been up for awhile you probably no longer need it for biological filtration but they can be very useful for running media such as phosban,carbon,ect. They just need to be maintained well.
     
    sailorguy, Jan 15, 2014
    sailorguy, Jan 15, 2014
    #3
  4. Lbannie

    Lbannie Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    I used to have a marineland canister that made terrible bubbles, sold it and bought my current API xl canister and for a while it was ok. Now I'm back in bubble land. It's a real Pain to clean and change. I'm hoping the skimmer route will be better! My tank has been going for 4 years now (1crash due to storm Irene power outage) I love my tank but get so discouraged at the bubbles.
    So when I decide to get the skimmer, it shouldn't be a problem to disconnect the can?
     
    Lbannie, Jan 15, 2014
    Lbannie, Jan 15, 2014
    #4
  5. sailorguy

    sailorguy Torch Coral

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    No you should be fine as far as biological filtration goes.If your canister is that much a PITA...ditch it! If you need to run carbon or whatever a reactor would be best but even an inexspensive hob filter would work.
     
    sailorguy, Jan 15, 2014
    sailorguy, Jan 15, 2014
    #5
  6. Mr. Bill

    Mr. Bill Native Floridian

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    +1

    Not necessary at all. :)
     
    Mr. Bill, Jan 16, 2014
    Mr. Bill, Jan 16, 2014
    #6

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  7. Lbannie

    Lbannie Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    Great! I'm lookin at a couple used ones. I'll let you know what I get!!
     
    Lbannie, Jan 16, 2014
    Lbannie, Jan 16, 2014
    #7
  8. Swisswiss

    Swisswiss Caribbean Reef Squid

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    careful labnnie, its commonly said in this hobby that "you get your moneys worth" if you are able to hunt a good deal for a good product go for it. but in terms of filtration and light when you spend less you end up spending more, so be careful.

    i can give you my personal experience with my filtration system, a tunze reef pack 505 but its overkill for a 40 gallon.
     
    Swisswiss, Jan 16, 2014
    Swisswiss, Jan 16, 2014
    #8