View Full Version : What protein skimmer AND a ? about calcium
Andy16
10-07-2003, 8:55 PM
Ok well i decided to make 2 threads in one just to save some space.
Anyways, i am looking for a protien skimmer for my 20g tank under $120. My that i will be getting will take up ALL of the space on the top of my tank so i think it has to be free standing. Also, what kind of pump do you need to run a protien skimmer?
Now for the calcium question. How do i keep the calcium levels high enough for corals?
I think that all i can say about the calcium since i dont know much about that LOL.
Guy W
10-07-2003, 11:40 PM
for small tanks I've heard Prizim hang on skimmers are pretty good. I think they are by Red Sea but I might be wrong.
As for calcium... you can use a 2 part suppliment, and on a small tank it won't get to expensive over the long run. B-Ionic is one such 2 part suppliment.
You could drip kalkwasser, which can be a pain in the A$$ but it works really good and it also helps maintain pH and percipitates Phospates in such a way that it will help prevent algea growth if you do have phos. in your water.
the only other way I know about is a Calcium Reactor. Real expensive to start up, and for a 20 gallon tank not worth it.
I would probably go with a 2 part suppliment or maybe dripping kalkwasser if you have patience. word to the wise don't get kalkwasser in your eyes (don't ask why i know :rolleyes: )
Guy
mogurnda
10-08-2003, 8:26 AM
Premium Aquatics (http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=PA&Category_Code=Bakpak) has the bakpak 2r for 119.99. That is just under your limit. I like mine, and from what I read it's easier to tune than a Prizm. However, I just re-read your post, and it sounds like you want something free standing. The only models I know are HOB or in sump, so I am clueless.
In a 20, you should be able to keep your Ca and Alk steady with 2-part additives. I use ESV B-Ionic for mine, and they are steady at 425 and 3.5. You will have to figure out the dosage with a little patient experimentation.
kreblak
10-08-2003, 9:00 AM
I have a Prizm skimmer, and I like it just fine. It hangs off the back of my tank, required very little in the way of fine tuning (maybe I just got lucky), and cost $99.99 plus S&H from www.drsfostersmith.com
My only complaint is that it is a little noisy. However, anything above a whisper qualifies as noisy to me, so take that with a grain of salt. ;)
BrianH
10-08-2003, 11:47 AM
For the amount your looking to spend I would go with the Bak Pak. IMHO it and the Aqua C remora(more money) are in their own class(far & above the best) for small tanks.
Brian
Originally posted by BrianH
For the amount your looking to spend I would go with the Bak Pak. IMHO it and the Aqua C remora(more money) are in their own class(far & above the best) for small tanks.
Brian
Aqua C has a great reputation for having awsome skimmers, but i'm only familiar with their EV series. But yes I would look into the Remora as BrianH recommended. I forgot all about them having a hang on.
Andy16
10-08-2003, 9:44 PM
the protein skimmer is still undecieded.
But im still a bit confused on the calcium. Does anyone have a link that has a picture of what hte product looks like?
Here are some Calcium and Kalkwasser Suppliments...
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/sub.cfm?siteid=6&pCatId=4676
There are other brands of A/B suppliments and Kalkwasser but that should give you an idea.
Guy
mogurnda
10-09-2003, 8:08 AM
I like this article a lot. It lays out the fundamentals on getting your Ca and Alk to where they should be. Look here (http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/feb2003/chem.htm).
Andy16
10-09-2003, 9:04 PM
What is the difference between calcium and kalkwasser?
That link you gave me morgurnda is going to have to wait until this weekend, very long. I cant wait when i get the time to read it though.
I think the easiest way to explain it (or the best way I can) is, Calcium is the element you want in your tank (Ca). Calcium suppliments like the 2 part additives or Kalkwasser are just a vehicle to add that element to your tank.
Guy
mogurnda
10-10-2003, 8:32 AM
To add a little bit, corals need Ca and CO3 to make skeletons. Problem is that CaCO3 is not very soluble, so you either have to add them in 2 parts (like B-Ionic), or in a form like kalkwasser, that gets there via a slightly different route.
Andy16
10-10-2003, 4:23 PM
So kalkwasser is both CO3 and calcium?
Maybe i just hsouldnt ask, just put it in my tank and get at the right level and be done with it. lol