skimmer for biocube 29...

[CLUELESSBIOCUBE29]

I want to get a skimmer for my tank. Does anyone have any reccomendations? I would like to spend $140 max and hopefully have to perform little modification to my hood if possible. My LFS will MOD my hood and put in a skimmer that they build at the shop. It sounds like a good deal, but I'd like to find out if its possible to do my self first.

please post links to good skimmers for the 29g if possible. thanks!

 

[KidNano]

Nanoreefaholic seems to know a lot about nano skimmers so hopefully he'll chime in here for you. I think he's using the Tunze.

Can you find out more about this custom skimmer that they build? See one in action?

 

[CLUELESSBIOCUBE29]

skimmers.

I was wrong, they do not make the skimmers in the shop. they use "rio nano" skimmers. They sell the skimmers alone for $45. Guy said he would do the needed mod (just a cut in the back of the hood) for no charge.

Are rio nano skimmers any good, is this a good deal?

 

[CLUELESSBIOCUBE29]

i did some research. I guess the rio is a pos and not worth it. seems like sapphire makes one for BC29 that does not require any mods. Anyone have any experience with it? Runs $139.99. Also seems like aquac remora nano is good but I don't know if mods are required. anyone have any input?

 

[drty811]

you would have to mod your hood for the remora nano, its hangs on the back. the sapphire fits in one of the chambers.

 

[CLUELESSBIOCUBE29]

ok!

going to get one this week:

which is the best choice:

Sapphire, no mods required
OR
Aquac remora nano with slight cuts into back of hood...

Both are the same price about- $130-$140

 

[drty811]

havent heard anything on the sapphires but i heard the remoras are great skimmers........

 

[NanoReefaholic]

Sorry it took so long for me to get to this post but here's my take. The Sapphire skimmer is about mid to lower mid level. Some still have problems with micro bubbles escaping the body and making their way into your display. The design is still being modified so in a few more revisions it may be something to consider but I wouldn't get it yet.

The Tunze 9002 will fit in the rear of the BC29 with only a slight mod (trim) for the skimmer to sit properly. Outside the BC will look stock as it's only a slight mod.

Sapphire vs Tunze, I'd get the Tunze.

 

[CLUELESSBIOCUBE29]

tunze.

I did some research and the tunze seems like the one to get. it is $130, same price as the other two. What tools are needed to make the cut? could it be done with a good pair of shears? or is a rotary blade required?

I am running my biocube pretty much bone stock (just an added powerhead) bio-balls and all (though I plan to swap them with live rock soon), how would I go about fitting the tunze in and where would I make the cut?

thanks in advance, this is very helpful. My new clown fish will appreciate a good skimmer, I'm sure.

 

[NanoReefaholic]

It's a trim of the lips;

You'd be better off with a rotary tool as you'd get nice clean cuts.

 

[CLUELESSBIOCUBE29]

tunze 9002.

ordered my tunze from marinedepot.com. it was $145 after shipping. will post pics when I get it. thanks for the help.

 

[CLUELESSBIOCUBE29]

tunze!

my skimmer arrived today
it is pretty small!

I'm going to wait until the weekend to install. let me make sure I have this correct:

-get rid of the bio ball and the strainer above them entirely?
-do I leave the carbon filter in chamber one?
-do I load the extra space not taken up by the tunze with something? Liverock? or do I leave empty?
-Does the pump in the third chamber stay as is?

Also, not really reef related, but any suggestion for a good dremel to use to make the cut, and what kind of bit?

And finally, do you suggest I take the fish out while doing the work or can I leave them in and just shut off all the pumps and empty the chambers?

thanks for all the help. my reef has been very successful so far because of this board!

 

[CLUELESSBIOCUBE29]

any suggestions?

???

 

[zpyro]

I dont think fish would appreciate you using a dremel on their home while they're in it

 

[JDSmith]

Nano Skimmers

What do you do if you want to add one to an aready established tank?

 

[Torch Jockey]

I wish Iwould've gotten here sooner
I'm running ared sea prism skimmer w/a slight hood mod.
It is easier to acomodate than the tunze and has much better cleaning capacity Ive left my bio balls In for now and since the hood is the only piece I had to cut I could install w/ no prob. without even shutting off the pumps

 

[phils514]

i have the sapphire and it works fine for me. it collects light brownish greenish water and i've only installed it for 2 days. i put a small filter bag in it and it eliminates the bubbles.