Is it possible to overskim?

fishgeeksrus · 07-06-2004, 10:51 AM

After doing a lot of researching under the search forums, I think I have narrowed my search for a new protein skimmer down to a Precision Marine Bullet 3. This protein skimmer skims up to 400 gals. We have a total of about 230 gals. The lower model covers up to 250 gals. We are going to have a majority of sps and quite a few fish. I am afraid that if I get the next level down, I will be working at its maximum capacity. That is why I am considering the Bullet 3 (400g). Is it possible to over-skim?

Also, they recommend a Iwaki 55rlt. Does this sound right? Someone questioned me asking if that would be too big.

Also, all comments in regards to this skimmer (good or bad) are appreciated. I was also considering the MRC skimmer.

Thanks,
Andrea

scottw · 07-06-2004, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fishgeeksrus

After doing a lot of researching under the search forums, I think I have narrowed my search for a new protein skimmer down to a Precision Marine Bullet 3. This protein skimmer skims up to 400 gals. We have a total of about 230 gals. The lower model covers up to 250 gals. We are going to have a majority of sps and quite a few fish. I am afraid that if I get the next level down, I will be working at its maximum capacity. That is why I am considering the Bullet 3 (400g). Is it possible to over-skim?

Also, they recommend a Iwaki 55rlt. Does this sound right? Someone questioned me asking if that would be too big.

Also, all comments in regards to this skimmer (good or bad) are appreciated. I was also considering the MRC skimmer.

Thanks,
Andrea

You can never overskim bro. If you are going to run a lot of fish and sps you will use it. Dont underskim that is bad, I have never heard anyone complain of overskimming.

**Ninong** · 07-06-2004, 01:21 PM

The simple, straightforward answer to your question is no, you can't overskim.

Some people prefer to operate systems with alternative filtration methods because they suspect that certain species may benefit from more organics in the water column but that's a different discussion altogether.

For most people, an efficient protein skimmer is a valuable addition to their setup.

fishgeeksrus · 07-06-2004, 03:11 PM

Ok now I have a friend telling me to get the AquaC EV240. Which is better the Precision Marine Bullet 3 or
AquaC EV240 ??

fishgeeksrus · 07-06-2004, 04:15 PM

Ok, I decided on the AquaC EV240 with the Iwaki 40RLT for $589.00 vs the Precision Marine Bullet 3 with the Iwaki 55RLT for $728.00. They are almost identical with the exception of the beckett injector. My friend is using the AquaC on his 300g. He likes his. Plus I saved a lot more money.

fishgeeksrus · 07-07-2004, 07:16 PM

After doing more research, it sounds like I should have went with the PM Bullet 3. Should I cancel and go with the PM?

**Poseidon** · 07-07-2004, 08:36 PM

Did you look at My Reef?

If/When I buy another skimmer, that's what it will be!

***Reefland*** · 07-07-2004, 10:36 PM

I'm a My Reef Creations fan but I have never used a Precision Marine. AquaC makes a nice product as well and I think you will be pleased with it.

fishgeeksrus · 07-08-2004, 09:17 AM

Well, I guess I will stick with the AquaC. Hopefully, it works out for me. That was an extremely hard decision! I can't wait until I get to decide on a calcium reactor (eyeroll). Thanks for all of the input!

*Papa Doug* · 07-08-2004, 05:32 PM

Hi Andrea,
I dont think the Bullet 3 is to large for your system. I have not used an Aqua-C skimmer, so cant comment on them. I use a modifed MR3, {Myreef}. Its 32in. high, so I guess its somewhat similar to a Bullet 3.

I only drive it with a Mak4 and it works well but not to its capacity. For sure I would say to use the larger pumps, like the Iwaki 55 on a skimmer of this size. Many I know with one thats similar to mine run Iwaki 70,s on them.

fishgeeksrus · 07-08-2004, 11:15 PM

Well I did decide to go with the AquaC but I got a slightly larger pump for it. The site calls for the Iwaki 30RLT and I went with the Iwaki 40 RLT. I guess we will see...although I don't have the skimmer yet, I do have a new addition to the tank. I bought a Copper Band Butterfly today in hopes that it will help the few Aptasia (sp) that I have seen in the tank. He is really nice. My sohal and Purple tang are giving him a little bit of a time. I turned the lights off early thinking they would leave him alone. Thanks for the input!

07-06-2004, 10:51 AM	#1
fishgeeksrus Council Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Illinois Posts: 377	Is it possible to overskim? After doing a lot of researching under the search forums, I think I have narrowed my search for a new protein skimmer down to a Precision Marine Bullet 3. This protein skimmer skims up to 400 gals. We have a total of about 230 gals. The lower model covers up to 250 gals. We are going to have a majority of sps and quite a few fish. I am afraid that if I get the next level down, I will be working at its maximum capacity. That is why I am considering the Bullet 3 (400g). Is it possible to over-skim? Also, they recommend a Iwaki 55rlt. Does this sound right? Someone questioned me asking if that would be too big. Also, all comments in regards to this skimmer (good or bad) are appreciated. I was also considering the MRC skimmer. Thanks, Andrea __________________ Give a man a fish, he'll eat for a day. Teach a man to fish, he'll put it in his aquarium! Thanks, Dennis and Andrea

07-06-2004, 01:21 PM	#3
Ninong Moderator Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Louisiana Posts: 19,495	The simple, straightforward answer to your question is no, you can't overskim. Some people prefer to operate systems with alternative filtration methods because they suspect that certain species may benefit from more organics in the water column but that's a different discussion altogether. For most people, an efficient protein skimmer is a valuable addition to their setup. __________________ Ninong

07-06-2004, 03:11 PM	#4
fishgeeksrus Council Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Illinois Posts: 377	Ok now I have a friend telling me to get the AquaC EV240. Which is better the Precision Marine Bullet 3 or AquaC EV240 ?? __________________ Give a man a fish, he'll eat for a day. Teach a man to fish, he'll put it in his aquarium! Thanks, Dennis and Andrea

07-06-2004, 04:15 PM	#5
fishgeeksrus Council Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Illinois Posts: 377	Ok, I decided on the AquaC EV240 with the Iwaki 40RLT for $589.00 vs the Precision Marine Bullet 3 with the Iwaki 55RLT for $728.00. They are almost identical with the exception of the beckett injector. My friend is using the AquaC on his 300g. He likes his. Plus I saved a lot more money. __________________ Give a man a fish, he'll eat for a day. Teach a man to fish, he'll put it in his aquarium! Thanks, Dennis and Andrea

07-07-2004, 07:16 PM	#6
fishgeeksrus Council Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Illinois Posts: 377	After doing more research, it sounds like I should have went with the PM Bullet 3. Should I cancel and go with the PM? __________________ Give a man a fish, he'll eat for a day. Teach a man to fish, he'll put it in his aquarium! Thanks, Dennis and Andrea

07-07-2004, 08:36 PM	#7
Poseidon Moderator Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Swartz Creek, MI Posts: 6,181	Did you look at My Reef? If/When I buy another skimmer, that's what it will be! __________________ Need a Photographer? Just say NO to CRABS Mike

07-07-2004, 10:36 PM	#8
*Reefland* Owner Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Bardstown, KY Posts: 13,007	I'm a My Reef Creations fan but I have never used a Precision Marine. AquaC makes a nice product as well and I think you will be pleased with it. __________________ Scott Z. 75 Gallon Reef Log Powered by Reefland's Personal Online Aquarium Log

07-08-2004, 09:17 AM	#9
fishgeeksrus Council Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Illinois Posts: 377	Well, I guess I will stick with the AquaC. Hopefully, it works out for me. That was an extremely hard decision! I can't wait until I get to decide on a calcium reactor (eyeroll). Thanks for all of the input! __________________ Give a man a fish, he'll eat for a day. Teach a man to fish, he'll put it in his aquarium! Thanks, Dennis and Andrea

07-08-2004, 05:32 PM	#10
Papa Doug Gallery Team Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Manitoba, Canada Posts: 791	Hi Andrea, I dont think the Bullet 3 is to large for your system. I have not used an Aqua-C skimmer, so cant comment on them. I use a modifed MR3, {Myreef}. Its 32in. high, so I guess its somewhat similar to a Bullet 3. I only drive it with a Mak4 and it works well but not to its capacity. For sure I would say to use the larger pumps, like the Iwaki 55 on a skimmer of this size. Many I know with one thats similar to mine run Iwaki 70,s on them. __________________ Doug Missing my friend Kia

07-08-2004, 11:15 PM	#11
fishgeeksrus Council Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Illinois Posts: 377	Well I did decide to go with the AquaC but I got a slightly larger pump for it. The site calls for the Iwaki 30RLT and I went with the Iwaki 40 RLT. I guess we will see...although I don't have the skimmer yet, I do have a new addition to the tank. I bought a Copper Band Butterfly today in hopes that it will help the few Aptasia (sp) that I have seen in the tank. He is really nice. My sohal and Purple tang are giving him a little bit of a time. I turned the lights off early thinking they would leave him alone. Thanks for the input! __________________ Give a man a fish, he'll eat for a day. Teach a man to fish, he'll put it in his aquarium! Thanks, Dennis and Andrea

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