My first reef (90g)

Rikotek · #1 03-29-2007, 03:57 PM

You know, I never even thought about an in tank model skimmer. When I mentioned it to some people over at Big Al's they said that they frequently get a lot of returns on those. I always take their advice with a grain of salt however as some of it has proven to be good but a lot seems to be just very strong personal preference.

I will look and see if I can find an in-tank unit that would work for 90g. That would be preferable as I do not have a sump (yet), and, when I set up my tank, I don't believe I left enough clearance for a HOB model (I only have about 3" from the wall

live and learn I suppose)

woodcarver · #2 03-29-2007, 06:21 PM

keep the log going! Very interesting for us newbies

Rikotek · #3 03-30-2007, 03:26 PM

So last night was a big day, I bought a Remora HOB protien skimmer (it just barely fits behind my tank, damn me and my poor planning). I rinsed it with hot water to reduce the break in period and already it is generating a bit of foam and a tad bit of tea colored water.

Figured this called for a photo update. I swear that one day I will buy a camera to replace my broken one, but for now, its cell phone pictures :|

Haven't done a livestock update post yet, so here is whats in the tank. I don't plan on adding much else for a little while. I am going to let the tank age (and my wallet replenish) for a bit.

4 Clowns
10 Turbo Snails
10 Hermit Crabs
1 Zoo Frag

I put a sofa near the tank and it has become my favorite reading area in the house. I find the sound of the water to be very relaxing and I can just stare into the tank for hours. I can only imagine the effect it will have when it is fully matured with lots of healthy fish and corals

michika · #4 03-30-2007, 03:41 PM

Looking good!

BCOrchidGuy · #5 03-31-2007, 07:55 AM

Not trying to be critical just offering an opinion but you may want to add at least one more power head or a couple of small ones to move water around your rock etc... Any dead spots meaning low or no water flow and you'll see red algae show up. As for your skimmer I had one before and liked it but I added a wooden airstone and a small air pump and I liked it a lot better. If you keep your feedings down, and do water changes you should be fine with the skimmer as is.

Keep us posted as to how things are going.

Doug

Rikotek · #6 04-02-2007, 04:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BCOrchidGuy

Not trying to be critical just offering an opinion but you may want to add at least one more power head or a couple of small ones to move water around your rock etc... Any dead spots meaning low or no water flow and you'll see red algae show up. As for your skimmer I had one before and liked it but I added a wooden airstone and a small air pump and I liked it a lot better. If you keep your feedings down, and do water changes you should be fine with the skimmer as is.

Ah, that explains a lot! I have been noticing a bit of red algae showing up on the far end of the tank. It seems to be spreading a bit but I did not know if it was a bad thing or not (as it has yet to get out of control). Incidentally, that area of the tank is the area that has the least water circulation. I have an additional powerhead that I have been using for mixing new batches of saltwater, I will mount that on the other side of the tank. Perhaps if the currents from both sides of the tank collide somewhere in the middle I can reduce the likleyhood of this algae appearing futher?

As for the skimmer, it seems to be doing just fine so far, but if I run into troubles, I might just have to give your method a try

-Eric