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protein skimmer setup

7K views 39 replies 5 participants last post by  Reefing Madness 
#1 ·
So I have a relatively new saltwater tank. I have live rock and an external power filter for filtration. From what I've read online and in books a protein skimmer is an essential part to every successful saltwater aquarium. I'm looking for some advice on what would be the best setup for my aquarium. Its a 55 gallon FOWLR for now and I have two damselfish and a firefish in it. I don't foresee getting into any real corals with it but maybe an anemone someday. Anyway I'm starting to see a bunch of crud and what looks like an oily substance floating on top of the water from tine to time so I figured this means its time to make the investment. Any pointers would be much appreciated!
 
#4 ·
Yes there are sump skimmers. I have one and so do lots of people :)
 
#13 ·
Yeah I figured I would have to do something to clean it up. The pet store recommended using baking soda to clean stuff before I used it bmy tank when I got it and it left a residue on the glass so I think I'll def use the vinegar this time. I had to scrub my tank with a sponge to get it off. I think it will be plenty for my tank as its only a 55 gallon and I'm not getting into keeping a real coral tank yet. What modifications did you have to make to it before you got it running correctly?
 
#34 ·
i got my reef octopus last week and i cant wait to use it. have to finish building my sump first though. it looks like a pretty good piece of equipment though and actually i went to my lfs to talk about sumps and overflows and stuff and this was the skimmer they were recommending (for like $80 more) should i get a sump set up from them.
 
#35 ·
Got my sump all set up and running this afternoon. Its a recycled 24 gallon tank. I'm using a filter sock to pre filter the big stuff out and I have my reef octopus skimmer in there as week. Skimmer isn't running yet though because I overlooked the fact that it needs to be in 6 to 10 inches of water to run and my sump is 12" drop. Have to get a stand for it. After like 2 hours of fine tuning I got my overflow box and return pump matched up so my water level stays steady. I left plenty of room in my sump for excess water in the event of power failure. Just hope that little aqua lifter does its job. Makes my display tank look awesome without the heater and that power filter in there.
 
#37 ·
So after running my sump for about a day now with the protein skimmer I'm noticing that there are a ton of micro bubbles getting back to my tank. When I installed the baffles for the bubble trap in my sump I put them an inch apart. These bubbles aren't a good thing right? What could I do to get rid of these?
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#39 ·
Yeah they are all in my display now and only since the skimmer has been on. Actually now that you mention it I've seen a bunch of pictures of skimmers with the sponges on the end of the return. No doubt they had the same issue. I just was worried maybe they could be harmful to the fish...I guess I'm a Lyle gun shy after the last go around.
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