Upgrade not ready yet and DT skimmer quit!

[shootingstar]

Originally Posted by Myka

I hope you're planning a 180 or 230 for the Sailfin!

What was nitrate at while skimmer was running? I think if you're getting nitrate creep that bad already that you should try to look for a used skimmer to put on the tank. Could you put a hang-on skimmer on the side or back of the tank (instead of in-sump)? If so, try to find a Deltec hang-on skimmer since they hold their price well (they are excellent skimmers) and will be easy to re-sell when you have the big tank set up.

I tried Googling to see what you're dealing with, and I can't find any pictures of the sump. Could you post a link maybe? Or at least the dimensions of the skimmer chamber? SWC Cone skimmers have a really small footprint because of their internal pump, and they are reasonably priced.

The new tank is only 135gal but is at least a 6' tank. As much as I am crazy for my critters I am not willing to reinforce the floor, that's a whole new level of crazy...lol. I see this as the way to give the tang some decent swimming room without re-building the whole frikken house for one fish. the house is a 4 level split with the tank on (of course) the top level.

Basement sump (size still to be determined but probably in the 50 gal range)

Nitrate ran 5-10ppm previously when the lame skimmer i had was sort-of working.

Here is a link to the set up I have
http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.co...m?pcatid=21463

Mine is the 60 gal 2x2x2 with the pro lighting.

The sump is super tiny ( there is a link in the above link to see just the sump) and it slides into the cabinet from the back so I can't change the sump right now without taking the whole system down.

Marineland cleverly designed the sump so that only their skimmer will fit. I had no choice but to use it but it never performed even adequately in my opinion and failed twice in just the first year. I'm not willing to buy another one.

I have looked at what i think is close to every skimmer out there and can't find a solution.....well maybe just maybe the MRC O.F. 100...but having trouble getting accurate info on the foot print.

All I have to work with is 6" x 4".....because of the sump design.

which is why I was trying to find an alternate solution to carry us a few months. when we get the big tank set up this system will get a major overhaul to eliminate these design issues.

[MitchM]

Your nutrients are going to accumulate regardless if all you do is try to replace that skimmer.
I would cut the supply and return pipes, clamp on some flexible hose and set up a rubbermaid tub as a new sump, totally bypassing that existing tiny sump.
Trying to move a tank with nutrient and GHA issues will cause a lot of headaches when you move up to your next larger tank.

[shootingstar]

Originally Posted by MitchM

Your nutrients are going to accumulate regardless if all you do is try to replace that skimmer.
I would cut the supply and return pipes, clamp on some flexible hose and set up a rubbermaid tub as a new sump, totally bypassing that existing tiny sump.
Trying to move a tank with nutrient and GHA issues will cause a lot of headaches when you move up to your next larger tank.

Mitch,
This might be the best solution, I could buy the new skimmer now and set it up in a rubbermaid tub. Although I know lots of people use them I thought they were best avoided as they are not food grade plastic ?

Given this as a potential game plan does anyone here have thoughts/recommendations on the skimmer?

Assumming a total water volume of 165 - 185 I am considering:

Vertex IN-180 or IN-250
or
SWC Xtreme 200

comments on any of the above 3 or perhaps an alternate would be much appreciated.

[MitchM]

Originally Posted by shootingstar

Mitch,
This might be the best solution, I could buy the new skimmer now and set it up in a rubbermaid tub. Although I know lots of people use them I thought they were best avoided as they are not food grade plastic ?
....

I've only seen information regarding the rubbermaid Brute garbage cans that show they have plasticizers in them that can be harmful to invertebrates.
It might be a better idea to find a substitute for a cheap sump that would be food safe. I've never heard anything bad about the plain rubbermaid containers.
I'm not even sure what the plasticizers are used for. They may be used to keep the garbage can flexible in cold weather, which wouldn't be the intended use for the rubbermaid tubs. (just a guess)