OMG! Thinking of Getting Remora Skimmers, Need Advice Please

Beverly · #1 03-31-2006, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marie

I would like to ask why you want a skimmer. My zoo/ricordea tank hasn't had a skimmer on it since it has been set up and with what I would consider a good bio-load, yellow tang, 3 chromis, and a potters angel. The sponges and feather dusters are doing way better in that tank then the other "skimmed" ones and with less algae problems.

Good question, Marie. Right off the top of my head, I would answer that so many people talk about how useful skimming is and they have the skimmate to prove it. However, I'd have to think about your question more to provide a more rounded answer.

I have a few questions about the tanks you skim and the one you don't....

- Why do you think you have more algae problems in your skimmed tanks than in the one you don't skim? Larger bioloads that the skimmers are unable to keep up with, maybe? Or other factors? I would have thought skimming would reduce algae problems, if all your tanks were similar in feeding and bioloads.

- Why do you think you have more sponges and feather dusters in the non-skimmed tank than in the skimmed ones? Could there be predators in the skimmed tanks that eat dusters that do not reside in your non-skimmed tank?

On another note, I just realized that the 120g and the 67g have Euro-bracing under the trim around the perimeter of each tank, which means I may not be able to use HOB skimmers on them. Can anyone tell me the maximum size of trim the Remoras will fit on?

TIA

danny zubot · #2 03-31-2006, 06:10 PM

Geeez Bev, whats next? A sump?

Though I can't comment on the remora, and though everyone has already preached the skimmers to death already. I can relate one tidbit; My skimmer pump crapped out a while back for a few days, and altough algae growth on the glass is common in my tank, it grew much faster with now skimmer. I like the effects I see after cleaning my skimmer, then seeing the tank much cleaner a day later.

I hope the remora or whatever you choose will work for you, I hope they are less maintainence then mine.

marie · #3 04-02-2006, 03:59 AM

Quote:

Good question, Marie. Right off the top of my head, I would answer that so many people talk about how useful skimming is and they have the skimmate to prove it. However, I'd have to think about your question more to provide a more rounded answer.

I have a few questions about the tanks you skim and the one you don't....

- Why do you think you have more algae problems in your skimmed tanks than in the one you don't skim? Larger bioloads that the skimmers are unable to keep up with, maybe? Or other factors? I would have thought skimming would reduce algae problems, if all your tanks were similar in feeding and bioloads.

- Why do you think you have more sponges and feather dusters in the non-skimmed tank than in the skimmed ones? Could there be predators in the skimmed tanks that eat dusters that do not reside in your non-skimmed tank?

The tank that is skimmerless doesn't have less algae but it doesn't have more either. The only real problem I have is the film on the glass, I do have to clean it a lot more often on the skimmerless tank which I think is the reason the sponges and feathers are doing much better in this tank...more phytoplankton for them

.

I did put a skimmer on this tank for about 3 weeks but took it off because there was no real change (I know 3 weeks probably wasn't long enough) and because the tank is viewed from 3 sides and there was no room on the 4th side the skimmer looked ugly.

hawaiiguy · #4 04-03-2006, 06:09 AM

To respond to marie, why wouldn't you want a skimmer? I'm not saying skimmerless systems are necessarily bad; I know there are many who don't use them and have lots of success. But I think using one can only improve your system. It can be a great buffer if organics start going up without you knowing. I think they are especially important if you have a heavily stocked reef. FOWLR systems probably don't need them as much.

I have a Remora Pro with a Mag 3 and I haven't had a single problem with it. There's no way it'll overflow (I have a hose adapter that connects the collection cup to an external container) and I have clamps for the Mag 3 pump. I'd say your chances of a mishap are low with this product. Also, if you're shopping around for the best deal, you might want to try e-bay... I got mine used and in excellent condition for 220 CAD (including shipping).

Beverly · #5 04-03-2006, 10:28 PM

Well, over the weekend, dear husband had a chance to look at the Remora and Remora Pro via Internet pics. Once he saw the honkin' huge Mag 3, 5 and 7, he nixed the Remora Pro and the Remora with upgraded pump.

I guess he and I have more talking to do and perhaps go on a fact finding mission with someone local with a Remora and Maji Jet 1200.

And then we have to consider the comments made about if it ain't broke, why fix it?

Thank you, again, for all your great input

Doug · #6 04-03-2006, 11:38 PM

Bev, I dont know if you followed our thread in the equipment review section but we discussed the Deltec MCE 600. Plus they had a good feature on it in one of the RDO mags.

No pumps in the tank. High quality skimmer and not that bad looking, at least by the pics. Several members running them here. Depending on my tank size after I move, and if I have a sump or not, I may run one

Willow · #7 04-03-2006, 11:47 PM

the price is a little.. umm high on those deltec's tho. for that kinda money why wouldn’t you drill and run an asm.

Ruth · #8 04-03-2006, 11:59 PM

You know, I would have thought the same thing as Willow before I ran a system with that Deltec. I have the Deltec set up on a 44g cube. I also have an ASM G4X with the recirculating mod set up on my 230g. The Deltec skims every bit as good if not better than the the ASM. I have a sump on my cube and could run an in sump skimmer if I chose to but I would be hard pressed to be convinced to take the Deltec out of operation. I also have a Remora Pro (yeah I know too many skimmers in my house) and would rate the performance as good, not as good as the Deltec, but still good. It's just as Beverly said it's that darn honking Mag pump in the tank.

Doug · #9 04-04-2006, 12:20 AM

I would agree with that Willow but I,m only going to use it, if running sumpless, which is Bev,s situation. I would not likely use one, if running a sump, as I would stick with my beckett.

For myself, in my new place, sumpless may be the way to go, thus the Deltec.

Good comparison Ruth.

Chad · #10 04-10-2006, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Willow

the price is a little.. umm high on those deltec's tho. for that kinda money why wouldn’t you drill and run an asm.

Space is the main reason I got myself one. I already have a big becket for when I have a chance to actualy set up my sump. When I do have that sump I will switch the deltec over to a Sea Horse tank I will eventualy set up.

Deltec is pricey, but its certainly worth it IMO.