Breaking in a new skimmer

[CarlaW]

Hey all, I am gonna put a new skimmer on my 300 gallon. I am changing from a Barr Aquatic sk1200 to a Barr Aquatic sk4200. I understand that it will probably take 2-3 days for this monster to start acting somewhat proficient, but what I'd like to know is what effect is this gonna have on my tank and critters. If you need more info, let me know. TIA
Charlie

 

[CarlaW]

Anybody??????????????????????

 

[jlehigh]

Overall I think you will be fine and the impact will not be measurable.

I think it would depend on the stability of your tank and the amount of nutrients you add. Some hobbyists go weeks without a skimmer alltogether. I have gone over a week without any measurable differences.

Now if something significant changed in the tank like a large fish or specimen dying and deteriorating it might make a difference..

If you are really concerned you could cut back the feeding amounts but then again a tank that large should be very stable.

 

[wrightme43]

Just my opinion but I think you will be just fine Charlie, You know when something is off and if anything went way out of whack I think the skimmer would start to work sooner. Have you asked Willis? LOL Congrats on the new skimmer. Post a photo if you will. Steve

 

[CarlaW]

Thanx jlehigh and steve. I can't believe it is already goin' to town with the foam. Anyways, I'll keep an eye on things, that's for sure.
Here's some pics.

 

[wrightme43]

Like Eric Cartman says "Hella Cool" LOL Thats a monster. Congrats Charlie. Steve

 

[CarlaW]

I can't wait til I get it dialed in. I'm pretty confident it will kick some serious butt.

 

[MikeS]

looks like a monster skimmer!

I agree....impact on a healthy tank should be minimal during breakin...

MikeS

 

[Zephrant]

Hey Charlie- Glad it is kicking in already. When I added two brand new frag tanks to my setup, my skimmer shut down for days. That brand-new acrylic takes a while to get a bio-coat on it I suspect.

I suspect that performance will slowly increase over the next few weeks.

Zeph

 

[CarlaW]

Thanx, Brent, I am looking forward to that.

 

[DLONG]

Zeph,

I have been "eyeing" the 4200 for awhile now. I see that Charlie is running a Iwaki 100. Will this skimmer run with a Iwaki 70 pressure pump? That's what I have running my downdraft at current.

Also are you toying with making any recirc. skimmers out of these? Or perhaps trying the Mojo route with airstones?
Thanks
Doug L

 

[Zephrant]

Doug- The Iwaki 70 would be fine, especially for smaller tanks (200 gallon range). For tanks in the 400+ range, I would recommend the 100.

The new 4200's can be ordered with a recirculating option, but they will not be available until March. I need to do some testing on how the pump responds to the extra air in the water flow.

Drop me an email for the list of new features that come with the 2005 models.

Zeph

 

[DLONG]

Thanks Zeph, probably will wait to see how the recirc. skimmer responds. Might be just the trick to make the Iwaki 70 plenty of pump.

In the mean while, I'll be emailing you about a calcium reactor very soon.