skimmers

[stevem]

I am constantly ask about skimmers, and let me say this the cheep one are cheep for a reason.
when I am asked for a good skimmer for under $100. I do not have an answer. I have tried most of them and have never been happy with any.
You end up spending more in the long run
I have bought many $69. specials
I could have spent more the first time and got it over.

[robertprice]

Best Choice Products has just introduced a $74.95 protein skimmer that are touting very highly.Also the new Reef Octopus BH100 hang skimmer. Can I have your opinion on these? Also, how do I get rid of mats of red algae primarily on the gravel of my reef tank? I think they came out of 1 coral frag. The tank has a Zoo Med 50/50 light, a regular home depot daylight tube, and gets a few hours of direct sunlight.

[stevem]

I have hooked up 1 reef octopus 1000
it was ok but take a while to break in
as far as the other never heard of it
now the algae red sheet algae is also called blue green algae or cyanobacteria
in a new reef setup you should not get that so soon
first you need more flow such as power heads
second more hermit crabs to clean detritus before it turn in to cyno
direct sunlight never good
home depot bulb also not good
they should be 10000 k for a reef or actinic and they have to be changed every 12 months
old bulbs produce algae

[robertprice]

Thanks for answer. I have a ZooMed 50/50 reef actinic bulb on the tank, I think it's over illuminated, so will shut down the Home Depot regular tube. I can't keep crustaceans with my little Trigger (whom I actually like better than the coral frags anyhow). As far as the window goes, it will stop getting in much sunlight by September, but all my indoor plants are there so I can't close it off. I have a AquaClear 70 on the 29 gallon, and there is quite a bit of current flow. Since the sun came out, green algae is now replacing the cyanobacteria. Are there any fish that like to eat red algae? The green scapes off easily and dosn't grow on the crushed coral gravel like the red. Actually, there is no red on the glass at all.

[stevem]

remember reefs need a lot of light and flow, a aquaclear 70 in not enough flow
for a reef
don't remove the home depot bulb just buy another 50/50
also get several hermit crabs and snail or you will always have red algae

[robertprice]

Thanks again.

[robertprice]

Coralife lists its headquarters in Franklin, Wisconsin. It wan't until a few days a purchase of one of their new Super Skimmers that I noticed in very small letters on the bottom of the box that they are made in China. Now I know why I couldn't quite understand the instruction manual. If we are importing their protein skimmers, why not import their cars as well? The Super Skimmer is rated 4 or 5 stars by dealers, but members of our board have reservations, at least about the previous models. So far mine in working (warming up for 3 days) in a large bucket, but I have reservations about hanging anything that's two major components are held together by a plastic tube, albeit a thick piece. Also, the seal between the collection cup and the body must be tightened very hard, or the O-ring allows drips.
It will probably wind up in a sump, which I was trying to avoid.

[Astchiefy]

You might want to note that not all bulbs are created equal. 50/50 bulbs from various manufacturers are very difference in spectrum and output. You might want to pay close attention to the specs on the bulbs packaging. a 50/50 bulb with the daylight in the 5000 - 6500 spectrum will generate heavy algae growth. I learned that the hard way.

[Astchiefy]

Steve,
I want to order anothe WP40 or smaller wave maker. Anybody selling them?

[john fox]

Hey bob what make and model of a Chinese car can I order ?

[robertprice]

The Great Wall Hover and the Geely are top rated.