Starting a Reef Tank - Page 2

OneDummHikk · 03-04-2008, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kimsie

I agree - in an ideal situation this would be a perfect thing to do... However - when you're first getting into the hobby - it's nearly impossible as there's so many fish/inverts/coral - that you don't even know about!

I have a bad habit of overthinking things, simplifying some things, and not always communicating what I think about. I have three books that I bought just for that purpose. To see what was in the books that I might want. Looking through member gallery images, google images, or books (even from the library) can give some ideas and let you see some things. It won't always mean they are available to you (either cost or not available).

Two of them are fish books, the third is an invertebrate book.

amandap80 · 03-06-2008, 05:19 PM

OK, the skimmer in my garage is a Top Fathom 200. Any thoughts?

OneDummHikk · 03-06-2008, 05:28 PM

All the hits on it on Google said decent things about it. The #6 hit for "Top Fathom 200" is a TRT link:

http://www.thereeftank.com/forums/ar...p/t-12242.html

amandap80 · 03-06-2008, 05:34 PM

Thanks Randy! I was just googling it too. It seems it should be big enough, though the venturi vs needlewheel is a bit confusing. Can a venturi skimmer wear out? I mean, after sitting in my garage for 4 years?!

OneDummHikk · 03-06-2008, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amandap80

Thanks Randy! I was just googling it too. It seems it should be big enough, though the venturi vs needlewheel is a bit confusing. Can a venturi skimmer wear out? I mean, after sitting in my garage for 4 years?!

I doubt it. The only thing it could possibly do is dry out. Plug it up and see if it works

amandap80 · 03-06-2008, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OneDummHikk

I doubt it. The only thing it could possibly do is dry out. Plug it up and see if it works

I wish I could! I don't have a silly pump for it yet, and from what I am reading, I will need a bigger pump.

amandap80 · 03-06-2008, 05:58 PM

Maybe this one?
Oceanrunner

3500

900 gph

10.5 ft

65

1"

3/4"

Too big? Too little?
Although on the tech specs I can find it says 250-400 gph.
But, on the top fathom page, I find this: "There is one important note on efficiency: our protein skimmer becomes more efficient with a higher pressure pump. In general we have noticed that venturi skimmers used with powerheads and smaller pumps, though effective, can be more so when upgraded."
I guess I am confused on how pumps rate and the gph comparisons.

OneDummHikk · 03-06-2008, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amandap80

Maybe this one?
Oceanrunner

3500

900 gph

10.5 ft

65

1"

3/4"

Too big? Too little?
Although on the tech specs I can find it says 250-400 gph.
But, on the top fathom page, I find this: "There is one important note on efficiency: our protein skimmer becomes more efficient with a higher pressure pump. In general we have noticed that venturi skimmers used with powerheads and smaller pumps, though effective, can be more so when upgraded."
I guess I am confused on how pumps rate and the gph comparisons.

First thought is that is too big. If the tech specs say 250-400, you are wanting to double that. You could try it and if the pump is too strong, use it for a CLS system and get a different pump