Coralife Super Skimmer 220

tainte97 · 01-17-2006, 08:48 AM

I just bought this skimmer 2 weeks ago and it seems to be working well. My question is do you all use the bubble diffuser box it comes with. I've heard these skimmers don't like back pressure and it seems like the padding in the box clogs in a day or two and creates back pressure. The box is below the water surface in the sump so I don't see a problem with removing it and just let the drain tubing sit in the sump. Just wanted to know if anyone else does this?

VWD · 01-17-2006, 09:21 AM

I use my box and it is just ate the water level, I have never had it clog. But the foam also has a hole right down the center, I see no reason you really need it,

ScruffyRubicon · 01-17-2006, 09:42 AM

I took my padding out within two weeks of getting it and have been using it happily ever since.

Casey · 01-17-2006, 09:44 AM

I use mine at the water level and it hasnt clogged as of yet at least a month now.

Brent Cone · 01-17-2006, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tainte97

I just bought this skimmer 2 weeks ago and it seems to be working well. My question is do you all use the bubble diffuser box it comes with. I've heard these skimmers don't like back pressure and it seems like the padding in the box clogs in a day or two and creates back pressure. The box is below the water surface in the sump so I don't see a problem with removing it and just let the drain tubing sit in the sump. Just wanted to know if anyone else does this?

I just set mine in the sump no dif, box, works great!
Brent.

DebsSisterFlo · 01-17-2006, 10:26 AM

oh did I have problems with mine, even called Brent a couple times! I ended up taking that box off and cutting the tube to half the length. Now I have a round filter sponge pushed onto the output tube to calm down the bubbles and it works great!

ScruffyRubicon · 01-17-2006, 10:29 AM

What mine would do is the white fiber at the bottom would start to clog and the box would begin to overflow. The sponge itself would not clog. My understanding is that the sponge and fiber are just there to stop bubbles from entering the main tank. As long as there is enough space between your skimmer box and the return pump to the tank you should not have a need for the fiber. Besides that the fiber is just one more thing to collect all the nasties you don't want in the tank and will have to clean.

Casey · 01-17-2006, 10:32 AM

exactly take it out if it clogs,it just breaks up bubbles is all it does.

tainte97 · 01-17-2006, 03:14 PM

Thanks everyone. Its the white fiber that is clogging. Imjust going to remove the whole thing because the bubbles would have to make it thru bioballs, cheato, live rock and then the pump to get into my tank LOL Dont think that will happen!

tainte97 · 01-17-2006, 03:17 PM

Hey one more thing, I think Im running it wet but it seems very wet! Does a gallon of skimmate every 2-3 days seem like alot or should I say too much? Its not dark more of like a light tinted green but it sure does stink! Im sorry for the questions, this is my first skimmer. Also the water it pulls out do you all replace it with RO water or salt water?

Loverotties · 01-17-2006, 05:50 PM

RO/DI water or your salinity would go up!

beach bum · 01-17-2006, 08:31 PM

actually i believe it pulls out saltwater, not fresh. I could be wrong though as I have never tested the salinity of a cup of skimmate - perhaps that will give me something to do tonight...

Casey · 01-17-2006, 08:48 PM

My skimate is dark green about a gallon every 2 weeks.You must be running yours real wet.