TDS and skimmer

Discussion in 'Protein Skimmers' started by radwrasse10, Jan 19, 2008.

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  1. radwrasse10

    radwrasse10 Astrea Snail

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    Do efficient protein skimmers help reduce TDS or is it all on the RODI system?? Im only wondering because im soon to be purchasing an RODI unit and want to know if the skimmer i have now is going to be good enough?

    - 6 stage RODI unit with dual DI systems

    - ASM G-2 w/ sedra 3500 on a 65 gallon
     
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  3. reef_guru

    reef_guru Humpback Whale

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    ro/di's take out different types of organics than a skimmer. both imop are needed in a reef tank.
     
  4. radwrasse10

    radwrasse10 Astrea Snail

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    but does it help with TDS? I know TDS is a wide range of materials but does having a skimmer going to make a TDS reader, read lower then a tank without a skimmer??\
     
  5. Jason McKenzie

    Jason McKenzie Super Moderator

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    TDS is a measurement of Total dissolved solids in fresh water. it is not possible to measure TDS in Saltwater as the Salt itself will effect the readings. RODI will get you TDS of your city supplied water to near 0. From that point the addition of salt and the waste created in the Aquarium is in part removed by good skimming. So both are equally important. I had a ASM G3 on my 75G and liked it a lot. I would say with the addition of a RO/DI unit you'll be set

    J
     
  6. radwrasse10

    radwrasse10 Astrea Snail

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    see now i didnt know you couldnt test TDS on saltwater lol. Yeah im in the precess of building a sump and overflow design so hopefully it will work without hassle. Im having problems getting the GPH down. I dont want to have it were its taking in to much water and the pump not pushing enough water or the other way around.
     
  7. reef_guru

    reef_guru Humpback Whale

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    if you put a tds meter in a saltwater tank the measurement will off the scale.
     
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  9. aquaboy

    aquaboy Panda Puffer

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    An overflow should only remove as much water as your return pump is bringing from the sump......for example, if you have an overflow rated at 600gph and your pump is pushing 560 gph, your only moving 560gph. But if you have an overflow rated at 600gph and a pump for 700gph, you will need to lower pump GPH so you dont overflow tank....HTH

    Robert Kociuba