equipment concerns (or desires)

[heavy K]

Evening all, I'm toying with my 70 gal future reef tank and have a good idea on the refugium setup and placement. I am currently pondering a protein skimmer and realized that I am completely clueless on the pros and cons of protein skimmers. I mean, I grasp the concept of removing the matter, and that's about where it ends, my grasping that is. Is there a type or style that's better than others, also, ease of operation, maintenance, best placement, and so on? Oh well, I'll start with that for right now and thanks for any and all help you may give, and thanks for the help and info to this point!!!

[inwall75]

As far as cons are concerned, I would only say that some of the poorly made models sometimes throw microbubbles into the tank. It's not damaging but it sure is ugly. They remove a little Calcium, a little Magnesium, and Iodine during their operation but I don't think that's a big deal.

The Pro's are huge IMO. They remove organics before they have a chance to break down and cause algae problems. Additionally, this keeps the water looking clearer. They remove phosphates. If set up properly, they remove many particulates floating in your water. They help Oxygenate your water.

Before getting to particulars of which is best, you need to decide if you want a Hang-on model, an in-sump model, or one that is plumbed to your sump.

Skimming Basics 101: Understanding Your Skimmer by Frank Marini, Ph.D. - Reefkeeping.com
What is Skimming? by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com
MARINELAND.COM - DR. TIM'S LIBRARY

[heavy K]

Thanks inwall.As far as placement, the system goes from the tank to a canister filter to the refugium and back to the tank. So I'm thinking in the refugium if it's possible. If not, where would the next best place be?And at the risk of sounding stupid, whats imo? Thanks again

[inwall75]

Sorry....IMO means In My Opinion

If you put a protein skimmer in a refugium, you need to build baffles to separate the skimmer section from the refugium section. You're going to want your skimmer in the first section that gets the dirty water directly from the display tank.

I'm not sure that I like the idea of a cannister filter being the water source to your sump/refugium though. If you have a pump problem on the return pump, you'll keep sucking out the water from the main tank.

Look at this web page. An overflow is probably a better idea. Http://www.melevsreef.com

[heavy K]

Ok, my refugium actually sits above my main tank water line. I'm open to new ideas as nothing is set in stone yet.How about a limit switch on the refugium water line