How to tell if you need a new skimmer...
by
, 01-29-2010 at 04:56 PM (1542 Views)
Something that it seems that everybody is always considering upgrading is their skimmer...but how can you really tell if you need to upgrade your skimmer? There are the obvious answers like if you skimmer is not producing any skimmate and you have a fully stocked 75 gallong mixed reef tank, you probably need to upgrade your skimmer, but what if you do get "stuff" and your tank is healthy and thriving?...how can you ever tell if you need to seriously upgrade your skimmer.
I'm almost always ashamed to admit I have (oh gosh, here it goes) a Red Sea Berlin skimmer (sigh...there I did it). Although it brings me a bit of comfort to know that the previous owner just threw it in with the 75 gallon tank that I bought from him for $75. I've modified it in a couple wasy suggested on some other forum posts by users who also admit to using this skimmer and to be honest, it produces skimmate to the point where I have to empty it out every 4-5 days...and then clean it out at least once a month because of a sludge that will build up in the neck leading up to the collection cup. I know I could do better with a new skimmer, but where is the real price point? I don't see myself ever spending over $250 for a skimmer on this tank...so, does it make sense to even consider upgrading?
Wondering what thought processes people go through to decide to upgrade their skimmer.