"Sump"thing I was wondering

[BrianA]

I am a little confused on what the actual function is of a protein skimmerhttp://www.maast.org/images/icons/icon4.png Is it a pump as wellhttp://www.maast.org/images/icons/icon5.png Also I would like to know some of the benefits of having a Calcium reactor included in the under tank plumbing other than the fact that it helps majorly in the growth of the reefhttp://www.maast.org/images/icons/icon4.png

[justahobby]

I will tackle the first question since its the least involved and I'm pressed for time. A skimmer will have a pump (though sometimes not included) which pushes and or mixes air bubbles and water together. The bubbles collect dissolved solids like fish food and poo. The bubbles travel upwards into a collection cup. Aside.from water changes it is the only way to removed solids BEFORE they break down and foul the water.

[jroescher]

Protein skimmer removes proteins (wastes) from the water. It uses a pump for circulating water into and through the skimmer. Every skimmer I've seen requires a free flow for the water exiting. It can't be used to pump water through your tank or anything else because that would cause pressure on the exhaust, killing and flooding your skimmer.

Can't speak for the CA reactor. Never used one.

[BrianA]

Thank you! :) So that means I need a separate pump and I now need to know what you all would suggest? I know that I need a minimum of 500 gph to optimize the skimmer. Any recommendations will be helpful.

[robalv]

here is a link on reactors
http://www.corals101.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=59:calcium-reactors&catid=34:coralarticles&Itemid=56

and Protein Skimmers
http://www.hawkfish.org/snailman/skimmer101.htm

[robalv]

Mag 5 on the pump

[BrianA]

Awesome, Thank you for the links and the lead Rob!! Much appreciated

[ErikH]

What brand is the skimmer? Once you see what they pull out, you will avoid seafoam when you're at the coast. Another advantage of being a reefer ;)

I have a Deltec CA Reactor on my 200, although it's not too useful except for growing coralline algae :) A calcium reactor constantly drips calcium and alkalinity into your tank to keep those levels stable. Set it and forget it.

[BrianA]

Erik it is a Red Line. I am sure that I won't even get near tx coastal water anymore, lol. As for the corals I just want whatever shows up!! :) I know I will be happy regardless

[ErikH]

What direction are you heading towards? Reef, Fish Only, Mixed Reef, or... ?

What type of lighting do you have?

[alton]

Calcium reactor?
1. Something that is very expensive
2. Something you can not buy cheap just to say you have a reactor
3. Most tanks that run them are awesome
4. Something I am still debating on
5. Something I would have already had except for $4100 for injectors and $800 for transfer case on my truck

[BrianA]

Erik: I am looking forward to having a mix of both fish and reef. I feel that it would work best that way since they act hand in hand in nature. However it will raise the expense of the tank and maintenance in the short term. I feel that tank happiness is more of a priority. It will obviously not get done all at once, but I want to make it happen. :)

Alton: I see your pros to having a CA reactor and I think I am going to use one. If I can look over at my tank and instantly feel at ease then that is a must.

[ErikH]

Must have items in the short term....

Correct filtration, reef octopus or better. RO are the BEST bang for the buck. I run two skimmers currently, but it's more of an experiment than a necessity. For a reef with a decent bioload I would aim close to one and a half times what size you need to avoid buying this item twice. Next would be lighting. LEDs are awesome, the evolutions fixtures are inexpensive and plenty bright. Next I would automate my daily top offs with an aqualifter and a reefkeeper. Figure out your evaporation rate, and try as best you can to time it correctly. It's cheaper to do this rather than purchase an ATO unit and then a controller. This will also help keep you sane. You would be surprised how many people throw in the towel just because they have to manually top off. Next would be a Rodi unit followed by your preferred dosing setup. I prefer reactors.