skimmer

skinson

New Member
I have an Orca 12g nano tank that comes with a skimmer in the second chamber. When I turn it on it sends millions of tiny bubbles into the main tank! Any advice how to overcome this?
Dave
 

dynamic21

New Member
The fission nano skimmer is the biggest waste of $30 bucks I've ever made. Unfortunately for me, I read the hundreds of negative reviews AFTER I bought the P.O.S.

What are the problems? Jeez... where do I start...

Firstly, the cylindrical foam intended to filter the microbubbles does a horrendous job. This nano skimmer was popular with the nano-cube owners because of how nicely it fit into the back of the JBJ 24 I believe.... there's a MOD.... a FRIGGIN MOD just so you can eliminate the microbubbles. Else, you'll be stuck with those microbubbles...

Secondly, once it clogs, (and yes, it WILL clog sooner or later), you'll find it nicely overflowing right through the top of the skimmer.

Now.... all this wouldn't really be a problem... IF it did it's job (pulling tea-colored/brown skimmate out of the tank). But it doesn't.... surprise surprise. The best you're going to get is a very very very light tea colored skimmate, but I wouldn't be surprised if you get nothing but white froth. .... which is my third point.... It doesn't do it's job.

But there's a plus side!.... The little pump it comes with sure packs a punch for its size. Other than that, don't ever buy that skimmer....

It isn't even worth 30 bucks... I don't care how nicely compact it is... it's just a pump blowing microbubbles into your tank.

Also... I forgot to mention... The water level at which this skimmer sits in, is EXTREMELY important for correct function.... a few centimeters off you are from the intended level, and you might as well remove the skimmer.

If you have a 12 gallon nano.... don't bother skimming at all.... There's just too many BEAUTIFUL skimmerless nano-reefs to prove this.
 

skinson

New Member
To be honest I don't know what make it is it came already in chamber 2 of the tank. So would it be better to remove it and fill the chamber LR?
dave
 

dynamic21

New Member
For a 12 Gallon tank, absolutely. I just don't think you need to be skimming such a small setup.

IMO, the best nano filtration involves only water changes, a refugium, and phosphate-removing chemical media.

In your case, I'm assuming you don't have a fuge, so if it were me, I'd continue with the 20%-40% weekly water changes I'm sure you've already implemented, and I'd add a phosphate sponge into that extra chamber.
 

skinson

New Member
Thanks for all your help. I had only been doing a 10% change because all my tests are ok! I will try to get hold of a phosphate sponge.
Dave
 
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