To skim or not to skim, that is the question!

[Discotu]

I actually have an Avast skimmer neck cleaner but it’s still nasty inside the collection cup; hence I’ve removed it! I can 3D-print a nozzle, add a solenoid, and flush the whole thing with RODI everyday. Yes, that would be fun but then — if something goes wrong, it will flood the 5gal bucket, and flood the fish room.

EDIT: can you just imagine all that nastiness on the floor? lol - I’ll be homeless cause my wife will kick me out!

It sounds like you like your toys as much as I do. Might I recommend the Aquadriver Helix for your BK300. I have one for my BK200 with the washdown ring and I don't touch my skimmer for months sometimes. Infact I spend more time dumping the 5g catch basin, which eventually i'll plumb outside into the ground.

https://www.royalexclusiv.net/Skimm...Cleaning-Head-for-Protein-Skimmers::2886.html

 

[bakbay]

It sounds like you like your toys as much as I do. Might I recommend the Aquadriver Helix for your BK300. I have one for my BK200 with the washdown ring and I don't touch my skimmer for months sometimes. Infact I spend more time dumping the 5g catch basin, which eventually i'll plumb outside into the ground.

https://www.royalexclusiv.net/Skimm...Cleaning-Head-for-Protein-Skimmers::2886.html

Very cool - the Avast Swabbie will clean the neck but this one squirts water so definitely cleaner. Thanks for passing it along
https://www.avastmarine.com/products/swabbie

Picture of my sump below. Yes, I enjoy tinkering with toys — sometimes more than reefing! I actually don’t have a good place to put the 5gal bucket, short of drilling a hole to outside the house. That said, I could find/build an acrylic “bucket” and put it inside the sump — just take and empty that one instead of the skimmer neck, which can be a “pain in the neck” to clean! lol

 

[bakbay]

Ever since the installation of the Deltec XF8000 fleece roller, I don’t have to clean the skimmer that often. I can go ~3 weeks without cleaning (vs weekly before) so that ain’t bad. However, now I’m dealing with crazy roller replacement costs, burning thru $120/mo alone! Hopefully have this drastically reduced in the coming month….

 

[dontavo27]

In my case, I think the amount of pulsing xenia growing in my tank is filtering out most of the crap.

 

[bakbay]

In my case, I think the amount of pulsing xenia growing in my tank is filtering out most of the crap. View attachment 130793

You are one brave reefer! I’m so scared of Xenias — they’re actually worse than aiptasias since there are no known natural predators! lol

 

[dontavo27]

You are one brave reefer! I’m so scared of Xenias — they’re actually worse than aiptasias since there are no known natural predators! lol

They spread faster then I can pluck them.

 

[DETANE]

Stopped skimming at the wholesale businesses I’ve worked at and all the coral did better. Must be the nutrients and a well established ecosystem (biome). Significantly More polyp extension and growth. We also found that more flow made SPS skin thicker.

 

[DETANE]

Just one big family. Just get them all from the same tank they grew up in and you should be fine

View attachment 130784

What type of nems are those?