sump/skimmer help

[Chokeit89]

my sump is 16 gallons and i feel like it just doesnt accomplish nothing i have a filter sock and my skimmer in the first chamber but i am suppose to have the water level around 25 cm for the skimmer to work at is best but my baffles wont work right.

So should i go with another skimmer that will work in shallower water or any suggestion that might be better.

also my tank is just cycling right now, its 2 weeks in


thanks for the help

[neoalchemist74]

Hunh, a bit of a head skratcher. If your intent on a refugium then then yeah you'll have to go with a differant skimmer or sump but if your willing to ditch the "fuge" then you can run it as is and use that space for a pair or reactors, one for carbon, and one for GFO.

[Chokeit89]

Hunh, a bit of a head skratcher. If your intent on a refugium then then yeah you'll have to go with a differant skimmer or sump but if your willing to ditch the "fuge" then you can run it as is and use that space for a pair or reactors, one for carbon, and one for GFO.

this is my first tank so im open to any advice,

if i did the fuge what skimmer should i go with or if i put reactors in the open spaces can u point me in the direction?

[neoalchemist74]

Usually you would pick the best skimmer you can afford thats right for you tank and that will fit in your stand which it looks like you have, and then plan the sump or order a sump with baffle hight based on the requirements of the skimmer. As fer as reactors look at Bulk Reef Supply they have good quality stuff at competative prices, Two Little Fishes also sells popular reactors. As far as reactors go you will at some time want them whether you run a fuge or not.

[Chokeit89]

okay, i will try to do something different, i just dont like my sump every time i look at it drives me up the wall, i was looking at medium sump on BRS and it will fit just inside the lower half of my cabinet and then a new reef octopus protein skimmer, but idk it will be worth it or not

[neoalchemist74]

Keep an eye on Graigs list. It can be a good way too trade up. If you go with a differant skimmer and its recomendations are to run it in shallower water than your sump you can biuld a platform with pvc and or egg crate. Either way it all starts with the skimmer reqiurements. Oh and welcome to RC!

[Chokeit89]

Okay thanks for your help:)

[Rowdeus]

Good luck!

[Chokeit89]

Good luck!

what do you think?