Setting Up a Protein Skimmer
I got my hands on a brand new SWC Xtreme 160 cone protein skimmer last week and I just had to film my new toy being setup.
I also included some key points that are often overlooked when it comes to setting up a protein skimmers. Reef Junkies and reef enthuiasts, eat your heart out. Tank dabblers, this includes you too.
Browse the Store! Questions?
hey nice video i am trying to figure out what skimmer to use on my system and was thinking of either getting this swc skimmer or a similar bubble magus bm-nac7 which is considerable cheaper. i am not sure of it is going to be super cheap quality or loud because i am going to ultimate quiet since it is in my room. any advice for my decision? is the swc a way better skimmer? thanks for any and al help:)
J…which tank personality would you say that you are? Once I know that piece of info, I can point you towards the skimmer for your tank.
Thanks for the question.
– Mark
Mark,
I’m an enthusiast turned dabbler who’s trying to get back to being an enthusiast. I’m doing my research and your website has been a big help. I’ve quickly learned that my sump is way undersized and the cheap protein skimmer that came with it is junk. My problem is that the tank is a “built it” and the carpenter didn’t leave much usable room under the tank for a decent sized sump (not that I knew it then). I don’t think I can get what I need under there so I’m not sure how to proceed when it comes to getting the other stuff I need to get my tank in good shape and keep it there. Is there anyway I can send you a picture of my setup so you can see what I’m dealing with?
Thanks,
Wade
Mark,
Do you think the 160 would work well on a 75 gallon tank or should I get the 120? Thanks
Mark,
Need your advice I have been piecing my tank together for a while now. I’m an enthusiast, my tank is a 90 gallon with a 40 gallon sump. My question is which skimmer do you recommend; are you happy with the Swc 160 cone? I’ll be running a mixed reef w/ a bare bottom. The footprint for the skimmer section is 9.25″ x 14″. Looking to spend no more then $350. I beening researching everything under sun I can find there’s just so much info out there. I think the looks of the reef octopus sri-2000int or maybe the new diablo 2500 w/ sicci pump coming out in October or the Swc 160 cone just to name 3 of all the good one out there. Please Help any advice would be great.
Mark,
I have a CoralLife 225 skimmer in my 90 gal FOWLR that I want to upgrade. Well I am currently a dabbler I really aspire to be a junkie..
My sump is a SeaLife System ReefMaster Pro 200 Refugium http://www.sealifesystems.com/ReefMaster-Pro-200-Refugium.html
My question is: with the SWC 160 will the microbubbles be an issues since the skimmer and return pump sit in the same 12″x 11.5″
area?
Thanks – Pete
Pete…putting any skimmer in the same chamber as a return pump can cause micro bubbles in your tank. Any bubbles that get out of the skimmer will get sucked up into the return pump, chopped up then put into your tank
Good video, how do you install the drain pipe and impeller that come with swc 120 skimmer?
Thanks
I’ve had a salt water tank for some at least 2 years, but i have been running it with the bare minimum. 55 gal tank, a few rocks a couple of clown fish and thats about it. I recently purchased a reef octopus protein skimmer online but it hasn’t arrived yet. so i’m trying to figure out what i need to get next. i’m thinking a refugium tank. but i really have no idea. what would you do. Im in the heart of KY and there isnt’t anyone i know of around hear I would trust.. Thanks for the info I look forward to hearing from you.
I have an hob reef octopus bh1000 on my 55 and I was wondering can I use the same skimmer in a refugium. I have. 40 gal refugium can u use it or do I need to buy a different skimmer thanks
Josh…I wouldn’t use a skimmer in a refugium.
Hi Mark I have a coral / fish tank it’s 75″ long 35″ wide 35″ deep and when I ask questions people don’t believe me. I live in Proserpine Qld Australia. I don’t have many people around me who know much about tanks. I normally do 1000 litre water changes directly from the sea on incoming tides. I not happy with the sump that came with it so I am changing it with a larger one in the next room which will be easier to get at, my question is what type & size protein skimmer do I really need also it has halide lights which I want to change to LEDs, due to depth I don’t know what to purchase. Thanks Jeff
Hey I had a similar question as Adrian Brown on June 9, 2011.. Can you help?
Thanks
Hi Mark,
Im setting up my first marine setup..Id say im an enthusiast, love researching and want to do it right can you reccomend a suitable insump skimmer for my 190g set up? I dont have any decent lfs close by so Ill be buying online..
cheers
Aussienewbyreefer
Sarah..reef octopus is a popular brand and none of my clients that have them like them. Checkout Cad Lights, Tunze or ATB
Hi Mark, I have a question. This is my first saltwater build. For a sump I have a megaflow #4 sump. I have not purchased a protein skimmer yet. I would like to have the first chamber / area as a refugium. Next would be my skimmer. (Looking at a Eshopps PSK-150) then return. My question is, how important is a skimmer in the first chamber vs in the 2nd or even the last chamber? Also how big does a refugium need to be effective for a 90 gallon tank?
Hey, Mark, great info as always, your videos are super useful, thanks a lot!
PS Love your dog!
Regards, Bob