The Evolution of a Filtration System Part 1

Discussion in 'Filters, Pumps, etc..' started by Wrassman, Mar 15, 2003.

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  1. Wrassman

    Wrassman Peppermint Shrimp

    Joined:
    Mar 9, 2003
    Messages:
    448
    Location:
    Stockbridge, GA,Georgia
    I am probably the strongest supporter of protein skimmers you will ever meet. I haven't always been this way. Remember, when I started this SW hobby over 20yrs ago, there weren't any protein skimmers. There were Undergravel filters, and maybe a canister filter, if you had big $$$.

    Times change and so does attitudes toward SW filtration. Now, good filtration almost has to include a protein skimmer (I know some Eco-Systems don't, but I'm not going there right now). For those of us who like to keep heavy bio-loads, the protein skimmer becomes an enormously important piece of equipment.

    As it says in my signature, and I mention every chance I get, I run the AquaMedic Turbofloater 1000 multi. This skimmer is rated for tanks up to 200-250g. Especially with the upgrade AquaMedic Ocean Runner 2700 Pump with the patented needle-wheel impeller assembly. Without this incredible skimmer, I could not keep the amount of critters in my 58g tank alive, and quite healthy. I'll give you a list of the critters some other time, but for now, allow me to show you TWO DAYS worth of skimmate:
    [​IMG]

    Without my "skimmer on steroids" most of this gunk would still be in the tank, causing all kinds of problems. Is the skimmer pulling out any good stuff along with the bad? Probably. But, I am willing to continue to put additives in the water and run my skimmer.  At least I know that my tank is good and clean.;D

    Edit: Colors for clarity.
     
    Wrassman, Mar 15, 2003
    Wrassman, Mar 15, 2003
    #1

    2. Click Here!

  2. Matt Rogers

    Matt Rogers Kingfish

    Joined:
    Dec 31, 2000
    Messages:
    13,466
    Location:
    Berkeley, CA
    WoW! [smiley=thumbs_up.gif]

    You sure have that thing dialed in Wrassman!

    I am with you about skimmers. Love 'em. ;)
     
    Matt Rogers, Mar 15, 2003
    Matt Rogers, Mar 15, 2003
    #2
  3. CheckMateKingll

    CheckMateKingll Feather Duster

    Joined:
    Mar 9, 2003
    Messages:
    200
    Location:
    SouthEast, FL,Florida
    Come on guys,,
    I took the plunge,,,
    Now, I'm a Eco-Freek,,,
    No prtoien skimmer on this baby... [smiley=2thumbsup.gif]
     
    CheckMateKingll, Mar 15, 2003
    CheckMateKingll, Mar 15, 2003
    #3
  4. Matt Rogers

    Matt Rogers Kingfish

    Joined:
    Dec 31, 2000
    Messages:
    13,466
    Location:
    Berkeley, CA
    Hey that's cool. But don't you miss watching a skimmer get out the scum? ;D
     
    Matt Rogers, Mar 15, 2003
    Matt Rogers, Mar 15, 2003
    #4
  5. CheckMateKingll

    CheckMateKingll Feather Duster

    Joined:
    Mar 9, 2003
    Messages:
    200
    Location:
    SouthEast, FL,Florida
    Not at all Matt,
    I watch my Calurpa grow and suck it out, then I get my Hedge clipper and do some pruning, hehe...
    I just got finished making a Mickey Mouse head out of one of the clumps... [smiley=tounge2.gif]
     
    CheckMateKingll, Mar 15, 2003
    CheckMateKingll, Mar 15, 2003
    #5
  6. Craig Manoukian

    Craig Manoukian Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Dec 15, 2002
    Messages:
    3,330
    Location:
    Marina del Rey, California
    [glow=red, 2, 300]The only knock on skimming, I've got two on my tank, is that they take good and bad dissolved solids out of the water coumn. This may inhibit coral growth. I'm a big bioload guy, but I do appreciate an Eco-System.

    Will use an Eco System and put a skimmer on a timer on my next tank just as a back-up.[/glow]


    :) ;) :D ;D 8)
     
    Craig Manoukian, Apr 7, 2003
    Craig Manoukian, Apr 7, 2003
    #6