Skimmer Observation

[90galguy]

I'm still somewhat of a "newbie" but I'd like to say that my new addition to our DT has completely changed the production of my skimmer. We added a Kole Tank and that thing can put out some waste!!! I went from standard light brown skimmate to some really dark brown/green pukie looking stuff! I guess my fish and the system is working fine. :fish:


Just an observation!!!!

 

[miami dolfan]

I believe that as the tank ages the skimmate changes to the stinky green stuff.

 

[rdnelson]

My Kole was in the tank long before I added a skimmer. My skimate has always been very runny and just a light shade of green. In the past week, it changed to a little thicker liquid and much darker green. I noticed at the same time my water seems to be clearer. Must be the weather.

 

[cbj25]

yup, tangs graze all day (eating) therefore they are producing waste all day so the new addition could make since for the change but could just be the tank maturing or something else all together. my thing with skimmate is if it is dark, clumpy and smelly and you have to clean the neck of the collection cup more than once a week the skimmer is working well

 

[rdnelson]

cbj25;746182 wrote: yup, tangs graze all day (eating) therefore they are producing waste all day. my thing with skimmate is if it is dark, clumpy and smelly and you have to clean the neck of the collection cup more than once a week the skimmer is working well

Does cleaning the neck of the collection cup make a big differance? That may have been what did it for me. I never cleaned it because I thought building up a film was part of the "Break In" and that washing it would cause me to have to go through another break in.

About a week ago, it started making a ton of noise and I couldn't get it to stop so I pulled it out and cleaned it. When rinsing the collection cup the film in the neck started to come off. After that, it is quiet as a church mouse and the skimmate looks more like I would expect it to.

 

[jennm]

Yes it will work better if the neck is cleaned. Didn't Mother always tell you to wash your neck! :lol:

Nothing like comparing the quantity, colour and smell of skimmate! :yuk:

Jenn

 

[cbj25]

rdnelson99;746183 wrote: Does cleaning the neck of the collection cup make a big differance? That may have been what did it for me. I never cleaned it because I thought building up a film was part of the "Break In" and that washing it would cause me to have to go through another break in.

About a week ago, it started making a ton of noise and I couldn't get it to stop so I pulled it out and cleaned it. When rinsing the collection cup the film in the neck started to come off. After that, it is quiet as a church mouse and the skimmate looks more like I would expect it to.

IMO, yes, I produce nearly 1/3 more skimmate over the course of 4 days if it is clean vs dirty, I clean it at least once a week, prob 1.5 times per week is more accurate

 

[rdnelson]

That's what I love about this site. Always learning something new. Thanks guys.

 

[k3nnyp]

Nothing like a little light fish poop reading in the morning to get your day started.

 

[jead85]

mine gets pretty gross, you cant even see through this one.
I put it in the toilet, flush, spray lysol, turn on fan and shut door. Nasty!
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[rdnelson]

jead85;746404 wrote: mine gets pretty gross, you cant even see through this one.
I put it in the toilet, flush, spray lysol, turn on fan and shut door. Nasty!

WHAT ARE YOU FEEDING YOUR FISH?????? LOL Nasty

 

[grouper therapy]

jead85;746404 wrote: mine gets pretty gross, you cant even see through this one.
I put it in the toilet, flush, spray lysol, turn on fan and shut door. Nasty!

Wimpy!!! I use mine for air freshener.

 

[90galguy]

grouper therapy;746450 wrote: Wimpy!!! I use mine for air freshener.

That explains a WHOLE LOT!!!!!:doh: