Protein Skimmers - what you need to know, and the newest NYOS Quantum skimmer!

[@joeecajoe]

Can't wait to see you're updates on both skimmer and pump. Especially the skimmer I've been eye balling them myself lol

[@jpruitt546]

Good to see that old Euroreef still in action. I'm still running my CS8-2. Love it. Tried many other skimmer but keep going back to ol trusty. Good video.

[@erick6102]

Mel, you're a wealth of knowledge! I tune in for your videos even as a freshwater guy. Please keep us posted on the return pump. I have a waveline DC pump, which has been awesome, but I'd like to see something even more quiet.

[@TheUofAfan]

I’m still buying all my stuff for my new build and I chose the NYOS 120. Or actually it chose me cause it came free with my new waterbox aquarium. I leave town a lot so I’m having to automate nearly everything and have plenty of backup power too. But so happy to be getting back in the hobby

[@marquiiswells]

Very excited to see what the NYOS Quantum skimmer can do, I love that it comes in a attractive look. So tired of vertex and so many others using just white... Love the videos! Keep up the good work.

[@durts9166]

great review. I appreciate how well you articulate your product reviews and educational videos. You always answer all my questions by the time your review is over. keep up the good work.

[@meekaboi]

Definitely my favorite reef tank youtuber (though I also enjoy thekingofdiy, brstv, mrsaltwatertank, etc), and I always am pumped whenever my feed shows that you've posted a new vid. Great information in this one. I have a slightly overstocked tank and run a HOB skimmer and a small HOB refugium with some carbon, and aside from some glass hair algae issues that don't stress me out too much (mandarin picks around at the pods living in it), everything is healthy, the water is clear, and parameters are solid despite not changing the water as much as typically recommended. Also really enjoyed your 'nem vid, since my 40B tank essentially became an rbta aquarium completely by accident, and you gave a fantastic breakdown of your own experiences that was really helpful.

[@melevsreef]

Sounds like it's doing quite well. Thanks for being a subscriber.

[@Forgetii]

Great video. Love seeing your skimmer and swabby? in action. It's nice to enjoy premium equipment if only vicariously.

[@jeffjarry4257]

Thanks Mel for the information on tuning skimmers. Because i had the ASM G2 for years and the only thing i hated was the adjustable pipe. so i upgraded to a Skimz SP 257 and i love it so far.

[@TheCoralReefTalk]

I'm looking into NYOS as well, they look great. Looking forward to your review, Great video!

[@daveonbass79]

great info as always. the new products look amazing. btw, I really appreciated what you said at the end about not making changes when you're about to leave. I literally cancelled a trip cause I was in the middle of a dosing change and didn't want to mess it up. my g/f didn't quite understand but I tried to explain it like you did. what you said is great advice. thanks again for the video and hope you have safe travels. I HOPE to see you on October 3rd.

[@Cliffepoos]

I really enjoy your videos. They are intelligent and well made. I have been keeping fish for over 40 years and I still keep learning. I hope you keep making these videos. Cheers!

[@melevsreef]

My goal is to reach everyone, including people just like you. Thanks for the feedback. Yes, I'll keep releasing videos.

[@Jwhiser1302]

Cannot wait for these reviews! Excellent video my friend!

[@silkscorpion777]

AWESOMMMMMMMME. Can't wait to see the skimmer in action. It looks about as tall as I am.

[@melevsreef]

It's about 23" tall by 19" long by 14" wide.

[@RogueAquariums]

Thanks for the vid Marc showing the importance of proper skimming. Its obvious that your skimmer is of quality to be running satisfactory 12yrs later..

[@markhansen4301]

Love your videos. Thanks for taking the time to share your skills and knowledge!... Mark from South Africa.

[@jay2pic]

Thanks for the help with skimmer wasn’t really sure of best setting for my bubbles 👍👍👍

[@shifty51008]

love the euro reef skimmer, may be old school but those things are a beast

[@ArrickthaRed]

This video really hit home as I have bailed on my current skimmer and got a new one. I went with the same brand cuz I like the quality but went with a smaller skimmer after talking with the retailer and them telling me this manufacturer under rates their skimmers. One more thing to take into consideration.

[@melevsreef]

+Arrick L Which one did you get? Nyos? I'd like to hear your thoughts.

[@campaholic8998]

as always awesome video enjoy watching them all thank you for providing all the info that you provide

[@9StickNate]

Following! These skimmers look very sharp!

[@DanielFernandes-sy9if]

Awesome video melevs your tank is amazing

[@scottneuhauser5778]

Another great video. I'm a new subscriber and really appreciate your view points and explanations on what you do and why.

[@melevsreef]

+Scott Neuhauser Thanks Scott. That's a compliment. :)

[@billshreeveable]

Another enjoyable video, thanks.

[@magwarblood]

Brilliant video there mate , from the U.K. 👍

[@pjfreak99]

Great video. Your wife is cool with cleaning that skimmer in the sink?! Wow. Keep up the good work!

[@melevsreef]

+Brett Abbott Being single has its perks. :)

[@Cincy_Kid]

love your videos! lots of common sense!

[@DiepBlueC]

will you run the L1 internally and if so how much heat does it add to the water? Terrific video as always. That skimmer looked like a ReefDynamics (same as EuroReef?), too bad they aren't still around, I had one back in the day and liked it.

[@melevsreef]

+DiepBlueC I could use it internally, but I won't. I'm using the Vectra M1 in the sump of the 60g (did you see the video update "27 months" yet?). I doubt they add much heat at all considering how little power they use. The EuroReef skimmer is very old. That company went away, and Reef Dynamics became the newer incarnation of that brand. That's why they look similar. Same owner made both. I was getting parts for my EuroReef skimmer from Reef Dynamics. Now that company is gone too.

[@JanetDiaz6152]

YEEEEAAAAAAA Another Awsome Vid....

[@melevsreef]

+Janet Diaz Thank you! :)

[@jessicahuffman743]

nice return pump! I'm jealous lol.

[@melevsreef]

+Jessica Huffman I already want another one or two, and I've not hooked this one up yet. ;)

[@The_Potionist]

you have very cool and informative videos, you earned my sub :) I'm not a reefer but I do have a freshwater tank but I'm just curious about the equipment needed for a reef tank for future plans :) greetings from Holland

[@melevsreef]

+Potion of Kings Thanks! This article talks about the equipment needed for a reef tank: melevsreef.com/tanks.html It's just a basic overview. If you wanted to know about more specific parts and their costs, this article will be more in depth: www.reefaddicts.com/content.php/167-What-does-it-cost-to-set-up-a-saltwater-reef-tank

[@timur1059]

Great video. I have tha smallest model of Nyos Skimmer on a 300 litre tank - works like a charm. Could you make a small video about Ich and other common fish diseases?

[@melevsreef]

+Timur Zeinetdinov I just built the skimmer stand for this Nyos so it sits at the proper depth. Should be installed tomorrow. I may do something on fish disease in the future. I haven't really encountered much of that over the years I've been in the hobby.

[@ArrickthaRed]

No not Nyos. I went from a vertex 200i to a 180i. I went this direction mainly because of the footprint. Space is a major issue in my sump. I do like the quality and the fact that they are quiet. I just could never get the 200i dialed in contact overflow and when I did stop that it didn't produce good skim. After researching online found was a common issue with that model. The reason I didn't go with Nyos is because they are so new and could not find enough info on them. I was an early adopter with the 200i and got burned so scared to jump in with nyos even though they look SEXY.

[@melevsreef]

+Arrick L Good points. Thanks.

[@bmorsh]

I love your videos. Learning a lot from you. I have a nano reef tank (well, recently set up). I am new to the hobby. I only plan to keep my 2 clown fish and shrimps and snails and crabs. Light bio load. Will add soft corals in a month or two. I bought a cheap skimmer, Aquatic Life internal mini protein skimmer. It made way too much noise in the tank and too many micro bubbles. So I bought a AC110, reduced the flow, and I am using it as a "makeshift" sump. I am happy with it (for now). I put in my GoPro Hero 3+ camera into the tank to see what life looks like from fish perspective, and it was "loud". The fish don't seem to be bothered, but I don't know if it is OK. How much sound is OK in the tank?

[@melevsreef]

Those kinds of microphones are misleading. Have you put your ear to the glass? I try to keep things quiet and isolate gear to avoid vibrations when possible.

[@bmorsh]

+melevsreef Thank you for your reply. The only realistic way to reduce most of the vibrations is to move the micro skimmer to a sump (add a small sump). I tried to get away by adding the AC110 (reduce sound + get rid of micro-bubbles being dumped directly into the tank) but failed to realize the AC110 is noisy itself. Now, I do have one more thing to try before I dive into the sump (my 20 gallons tanks is just too small and my table is not exactly the best for setting up a sump): I am going to add some sponge on all contact surfaces (between AC110 and the tank). Maybe that's do the trick. If not, sump it is. If I do have to go the sump way, what size sump do you recommend? I do have a 15 gallons tall tank that I could use as a sump. I would have to do some innovative design in it (since it is a square) but I think I can do it. By the way, I thought my $800+ setup (so far) was expensive; then I saw your videos and I am like: oh, his rocks cost more than my setup ... it is a fun (and very addictive) hobby. Loving it so far.

[@britt247]

This was really cool for me to learn about! We're about to start setting up our 75 gallon! Any advice??

[@melevsreef]

+Breanna Hogan About setting up a tank from scratch or only about a protein skimmer?

[@915Mang]

If it was a DC Pump, then yeah. DC pumps are the future for skimmers, way better

[@windwaterwaves]

Love your videos, I have been reefing for a while but starting a new 200 and grabbing your best practices :). I can't find the next video about your knew vertex and the nyos review. Can you drop in the link .. Thanks!

[@melevsreef]

+windwaterwaves Haven't released it yet, but it will happen soon.

[@clivelewis2499]

Hi Mel Great video, When you wash your skimmer do you use tank water, ro/di or straight from the tap. Clive

[@dalewhitmore143]

I have a aqua one G220 skimmer and it never gets gunk in it like that just a light slightly greenish stuff

[@tsurro8086]

Hey, just started dosing prodibio, on your recommendation from ur video, wanted to try something new!!

[@melevsreef]

+T “Kingofpipe” Surro Let me know how it goes.

[@AprendizAdulto]

[@tristanbeligan6242]

Are you coming to Reef-a-palooza at the Orange County Fair this year?

[@melevsreef]

No, I have a speaking engagement in Long Island that weekend.

[@Emmanuel-rs7eu]

Great and educative video! Do you dry off the tap water off the skimmer once you finished cleaning it? I dry it off with a towel once I finish cleaning mine. But now I'm wondering that it may not be necessary...Is it?

[@melevsreef]

+Emmanuel D. No, not usually. It's wiped off enough not to drip bringing it back to the tank.

[@melevsreef]

The NYOS Quantum 300 review is here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZTWh4agltyfp6c

[@pmrossetti1]

Pumps in the skimmer are a pain imo.Nice video.

[@melevsreef]

+Peter Rossetti You are potentially right. I've always had pumps external to the body of the skimmer, but even then I only had to work on them about twice a year. If I have to do the same with the Nyos, it will be a good time to clean the skimmer body.

[@sheldonjessup]

Do you still have the Nyos Skimmer? I know you were going to release it, but you didn't like it. I just wanted to know if you would recommend the skimmer?

[@PalJoey-rm2yh]

Hey Mel: You sound like a rational man. Give me the answer to this scenario: Activated carbon will adsorb all dissolved organics - the substances that feed the nitrate cycle. And for the cost of your expensive protein skimmer, I can use a fresh, large bottle of carbon (around $10) each month for 10 years in my sump. One step further: a Polyfilter (Poly Bio Marine) absorbs organics, ammonia, and phosphate and the pads change color when exhausted. So, here we have two products (and there are others on the market) that will absorb/adsorb the very substances the protein skimmers are working on, plus a whole range of heavy metals, dyes, medications, and other pollutants. Why use a protein skimmer in light of this? Don't get me wrong. I love technology and contraptions. I'm into high end stereo and computers. But I've never been able to generate any respectable amount of foam from a skimmer when I've used carbon or, Polyfilter that is well shielded by polyester fiber to do the mechanical filtration. And I've always had healthy, crystal clear salt water tanks.

[@melevsreef]

+PalJoey1957 There are reef tanks set up with no sump whatsoever, or with a set up as you've described. You can definitely do as you've done with pleasing results. If your corals and fish are healthy, and you like your method, don't change a thing. For me, skimmers are the ultimate safety net. They pull out waste, and I don't have to change pads, socks, floss etc. I don't have anything like that in my system and people remark how clear my water looks when they see it in person. I do run GAC in a reactor, but its effectiveness doesn't last long. Within a few days, the water doesn't look as clear as it did initially. I run fresh carbon once a month to polish the water for three days, 1/2 a cup per 50g of liquid volume. Depending on the skimmer you tried, maybe you didn't get the best results. Mine uses needle-wheel impellers. At one time years ago, I modded them to use mesh material for finer foam bubbles. But they needed mending every month, which was unacceptable so I went back to needle-wheels. I clean the skimmer thoroughly once a year, and the pumps twice a year. Since I don't do water changes very often, I find this piece of equipment crucial. :)

[@PalJoey-rm2yh]

+melevsreef Well, you've got a second tank that you're not using as a sump, but for me the importance would be that's it's using the same space. I'd use it as a 4 section sump. I change the first compartment of polyester fiber each month, or as needed, leave the second compartment of fiber permanent for bio filtration, and use compartments 3 & 4 for carbon, changing each alternately every month. Changing the media is really no hassle if you use filter socks. Hint: add the empty sock to the compartment first and spread it out to fit. Then pour in the carbon to fill flush to the walls. Eliminates 'channeling' around the carbon. You've made a stout defense of your system, but I still don't have my answer. Here's an experiment for you. Add one or two large Polyfilters to the set up and let us know what happens to the foam and the skimmer. Best of luck. I like your channel.

[@melevsreef]

+PalJoey1957 Second tank? What do you mean? The sump I have is three zoned: Skimmer zone, Refugium zone, and Return zone. I use a filter sock for a few days maybe three times a year. I hate cleaning socks, which is why I hardly ever bother. It's for the times I'm going to do a deep clean of the system. I've blogged about how much I hate socks before. www.reefaddicts.com/entry.php/29179-Cleaned-the-filter-socks-(sounds-boring-right-) Carbon doesn't last as long as you seem to believe. Within a few days, the absorbance is done. I read a good article on this years ago, but I don't think it is online any longer. I do like using Polyfilter (TM) on occasion to determine if something is wrong in the tank, looking for a color change for a clue. Bottom line, my reef looks beautiful the way I run it. Here's a picture from this month: melevsreef.com/pics/15/9/fts-92115.jpg

[@PalJoey-rm2yh]

+melevsreef I simply mean the tank under the display tank that you use for the equipment. No sweat, I'm just presenting an alternate view. The shortest authoritative active time for carbon that I've seen is two weeks. Way too short in my view. I've had carbon last two months in African Cichlid tanks removing dyes.

[@melevsreef]

+PalJoey1957 Perhaps freshwater is different than saltwater in that regard. The tank under the display tank is a sump. This is basically the "berlin system" with a refugium zone.

[@reeferboy3278]

saw you macna. I was hoping to get a picture with you but you got in the elevator and the doors shut -_- couldn't find you after that

[@melevsreef]

Sorry about that. I was there all three days. Next MACNA for sure. I'll have a booth next year.

[@reeferboy3278]

+melevsreef I'll be sure to check it out

[@Kie77]

Good evening sir. I love your videos. I'm new to marines. I have a tmc reef skim 300 pro. It over flows in the cup like crazy. I've finally raised the skimmer higher than the recommended level, so it's in less water than it should be. It's still overflowing but less hecticly. I'm just draining the overflow back into my tank. Is this because it's new? Will I eventually "break it in"? It's been 2 weeks now. Heeeeelp

[@melevsreef]

Whatever is coming out of the skimmer, let that watery stuff drain into a bucket. Keep an eye on this as you don't want the bucket to overflow. Make sure your top off system is shut off during this event. If your skimmer dumps out 3-gallons of watery skimmate, just add 3 gallons of new saltwater. This is the best way to get a skimmer back under control. Let it export whatever it is that it pulls out.

[@Kie77]

Thanks for your reply. I'm delighted to say I found the solution in the end. The TMC reef skim pro came with some filter sponge inside the cone covering the water gate. I removed this last night and now it works a treat :)

[@technikwahn]

Best skimmer in the world 😉

[@andyspencer7656]

you must have been good for Christmas to come early

[@melevsreef]

+Andy Spencer It feels like it. :)

[@sheldonjessup]

Do you still have the Nyos Skimmer? I know you were going to release the update video , but you didn't like it. I just wanted to know if you would recommend the skimmer, or if you are still planning on releasing the update soon?

[@melevsreef]

+sheldon jessup (converttoreef) It's the next video I'll release, and I love it.

[@ramihuus]

Update please! Thinking of getting Nyos Quantum for the x-mas and its either this or royal-exclusiv!

[@melevsreef]

+Raih It's currently being tested, but I can say that I'm very happy with it at the moment. Teaser picture: melevsreef.com/pics/15/11/nyos-vs-er.jpg and another: melevsreef.com/pics/15/11/nyos-300-in-sump.jpg

[@ramihuus]

+melevsreef Is it as quiet as they say it is? Some sources say that only sound you hear from it is the water and air frothing in the chamber... Can't wait for your review on it!

[@melevsreef]

+Raih It's silent. If you want to hear it, take the lid off and listen. The review will go up in a few weeks.

[@ericolsen9799]

I know some reefers not many put mangroves in sumps for nitrate/phosphate reduction. I am researching placing mangroves in corner of a shallow reef tank. I can't find many examples of reefers doing this. I guess it does not look natural. Have you seen this. What do you think?

[@melevsreef]

+eric olsen You need a lot of them to do anything noteworthy. That's why you don't see it happening. I only know a handful of people that have been able to grow mangroves into significant bushes/trees but they did it for the fun of botany, not to help their ecosystem maintain better water quality.

[@glenngilbert6566]

Hey Mel, What skimmer would you recommend on a 90 gallon aquarium with a 30 gallon sump? Thanks, Glenn

[@melevsreef]

If you want silent, the Nyos 160: www.melevsreef.com/catalog/nyos-quantum-160-protein-skimmer

[@JasonEKeane]

3 Months later since you installed it, any update video planned on performance?

[@melevsreef]

+Jason Keane It's coming soon - I'd say about two weeks. I have one other to release first.

[@kpshc707]

that scar makes me want to call you knife fight

[@melevsreef]

Lol

[@kpshc707]

Love you videos man! I have a similar scar from a abscess lymph node but on the other side. Any tips for moving a 3 year old reef to a bigger tank that has to go in the same place as the old one?

[@melevsreef]

+Karl Perkins I have an article about that. I'll find it.

[@melevsreef]

+Karl Perkins This should give you the general idea: www.reefaddicts.com/content.php/37-Swapping-Aquarium-Stands

[@kpshc707]

Awesome thanks!

[@sheldonjessup]

where is the follow up?

[@melevsreef]

+sheldon jessup (converttoreef) Thanks for asking. Hopefully tonight.

[@Kawwwman]

have you ever tried the aquaC skimmers, instead of using the needle wheels?

[@melevsreef]

+Kawwwman I had an AquaC Remora on my 29g. And the 55g reef I ran had an AquaC EV-200 with a Mag 12 pump.

[@lordraptor11]

yeah sorry melev you fell for the myth that more expensive equipment is better, i have a coralife super skimmer 220 that i ran for 12 years until i borke down my tank and put it in storage and i recently pulled out of storage and will be using it on a 150 im setting up. the ONLY reason people buy ultra expensive gear ( like ecotech) is to brag, ive seen more people have far better results with low end budget gear.

[@ruskireef3932]

How's the NYOS skimmer going ?

[@melevsreef]

+Ruski Reef Great. Sorry the review hasn't been released yet. Just need some time to film.

[@jesusnavarro3991]

How's the Nyos doing I was thinking of getting one

[@melevsreef]

+Jesus Navarro Loving it. That video will be released in February finally.

[@chelmswoodjunction]

hi ya on my skimmer the air chamber has a plastic tube poking out the top is this so I can attach a air line to run outside and if so what are the benefits from running air from outside of the home. Peter from from London uk

[@melevsreef]

+southway1943 If you bring in fresh air from outside, you'll usually see the pH level in your tank rise higher. The target level is 8.3, and fresh air is always better than trapped air within our homes. CO2 levels rise indoors due to breathing, our pets breathing, and gas stoves/furnaces... in in those cases pH levels are often depressed. Fresh air helps "fix" that problem.

[@chelmswoodjunction]

hi ya thanks for the info I will get some airline and get it to the outside I actually have a small hole in the wall right by my tank from an old cable tv installation so wont have to drill any holes. would you recommend me getting a ph test kit to help keep an eye on ph when I attach the air line???. peter from London uk p.s. whats your name

[@melevsreef]

+southway1943 A pH meter would be better, one you can glance at any time of day or night to see the pH level of your system. My name is Marc.

[@gregstephens2339]

Don't look now but you have a fish in your sump!

[@tristanbeligan6242]

Any new vids?

[@melevsreef]

+Tristan Beligan New video released today. :)

[@tristanbeligan6242]

+melevsreef great going to watch it right now

[@juanojeda2412]

were can I finde the swap

[@melevsreef]

+juan ojeda You can buy the Skimmer Swabbie from AvastMarine.com

[@juanojeda2412]

+melevsreef tanks

[@bdkaka]

why do you have fish in your sump?

[@melevsreef]

+Glen Hill Those damsels will be going in the new frag system.

[@bdkaka]

Wow, thanks for responding so fast!!! I love your videos. I learn something every time I watch. Thank you for all your work.

[@markharvey1299]

any updates with the nyos? been trying decide nyos or deltec

[@melevsreef]

+Mark Harvey I like mine a lot. I've never used Deltec, so I can't compare them.

[@markharvey1299]

+melevsreef thanks for the reply. have you found anything negative about it?

[@melevsreef]

+Mark Harvey Nothing negative, it does what I want silently. And it's easy to clean, even a full disassemble.

[@markharvey1299]

+melevsreef ok brilliant thank you. keep up the vids love them :)

[@melevsreef]

+Mark Harvey The video is finally up! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZTWh4agltyfp6c

[@JVS_Tarnished]

Nice skimmer but $1200 no thanks lol. Great video

[@mat-xt6sc]

:)

[@andyspencer7656]

new toy's

[@googIereallysucks]

What ever happened to the update on the skimmer?

[@melevsreef]

+googIereallysucks It's the next video I release.