Please recomend skimmer for heavily stocked 30g zeovit system

[leftcoastreefer]

Hello everyone,

I really need some advice on a new skimmer, as I'm confused with so many too choose from.

Currently I have a 34g (18"x25"x18") with a 10g sump. I just started a zeovit program about 3 weeks ago, and I just don't think my skimmer is up to the challenge. I'm running an older model octopus nw-110, alongside a 25m filter sock(changed daily) phosban reactor with carbon and a custom zeovit reactor.

For the most part, my skimmer is not that bad. It takes up a lot of space, its a little noisy and outdated and inefficient. I do pull a lot of foam out with it, it makes a nice foam head. But my concern is I'm still stuck with "green tea". I wanna pull black sludge like everyone else.

Just for referance, I am heavily stocked with multiple stony colonies the size of softballs and monti the size of coffee plates with about 50 diff types of zoas, plus lps and 4 fish that eat like pigs.


First I was going to go with the 2010 octopus nw-110 cone. Now I'm leaning towards a bubble magus NAC 3.5 cone. At first I was looking at the nac6 and nac7, but it seems everyone running those has a much bigger system then mine, plus I only have a 10g sump. Please help me out guys. Thanks in advance.

[rgfast]

just wonderring how much resreach youv'e done on the Zeovit system I've read alot on it and believe when every thing has cycled to it there is little need for heavy skimming I like the Zeovit system but selling frags to other who don't use the system stops me from being able to use it

[leftcoastreefer]

just wonderring how much resreach youv'e done on the Zeovit system I've read alot on it and believe when every thing has cycled to it there is little need for heavy skimming I like the Zeovit system but selling frags to other who don't use the system stops me from being able to use it

I've been experimenting and researching bacteria systems for about 2 years now. I'm sure skimming becomes less demanding as your nutrient levels drop and the system stabilizes. I don't really question the system I'm running, I'm just looking to make it more efficient. Most people would probably be content with the production of my skimmer. I'm just looking for something a bit better. My octopus is quite big and makes it difficult to work in my sump.

Due to supplies being limited, my lfs advised me to place my order asap or I might have to wait another month. I went ahead and ordered the bubble magus NAC 3.5 cone and should have it in a few days. I got it for 171 which is like 30 bucks less then what BM's usa retailer sells it at +shipping. From everyones experiences I've read with BM's quality of skimmers, I'm sure I will be pleased. My other option was the nac6, but its rated for a 150g system and my goal is not to over skim but to have a well balanced skimmer.

[stanlalee]

I have a 30g with 10g sump and went from this Octopus PS-120 (basically a NWB-110 without the tapered top. I upgraded the wheel to from needle to new pinwheel too). I dont do zeovit but I have done vodka, biofuel and/or vinegar for over a year before getting tired of dosing every single day (now I just use GFO and carbon which I was doing anyway along with oversized BAS shown below and larger water changes. only difference is I actually have to clean the glass once a week or so vs NEVER when carbon dosing).
http://dubfidub.homestead.com/30gallonsetup69.jpg

SWC 160 cone. Of course I heard it would be too big, get the 120 cone for this size tank ect but it works great on my set up (which is currently 4 fish and mostly sps, some lps and zoanthid (no softies besides zoanthid/palythoa). I think it works GREAT as an oversize skimmer for this size tank using Zeovit or carbon dosing (or even if you just an established SPS tank which you feed fish daily and is stocked halfway decently. It pulls more in three days than the appropriately sized OTP-1000 pumped octopus did in a 7 days.
http://dubfidub.homestead.com/30gallonsetup158.jpg

http://dubfidub.homestead.com/30gallonsetup163.jpg

http://dubfidub.homestead.com/30gallonsetup162.jpg

not long after feeding so the foam head is not not even strong yet
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bArmnHxcKFA