Dumping AC70 in favor of skimmer?

[Csalt]

Currently have a AC70 with ac30 impeller and homemade skimmer box. Only thing I don't like about it is it becomes a bubble factory when my water level drops (planning on getting a ATO to remedy this) Also has claimed the lives of 2 small fish. Looking at the Tunze 9004 since it skims off the surface and it a little more ascetically pleasing. Basically what i'm asking would it be a good move to replace the ac70 with the skimmer or keep what I have since they both would be pretty much be doing the same thing. I just wouldn't be able to run chemical with the skimmer.

[Tamberav]

Currently have a AC70 with ac30 impeller and homemade skimmer box. Only thing I don't like about it is it becomes a bubble factory when my water level drops (planning on getting a ATO to remedy this) Also has claimed the lives of 2 small fish. Looking at the Tunze 9004 since it skims off the surface and it a little more ascetically pleasing. Basically what i'm asking would it be a good move to replace the ac70 with the skimmer or keep what I have since they both would be pretty much be doing the same thing. I just wouldn't be able to run chemical with the skimmer.

 

The skimmer has a fair chance of leaking bubbles too, if that bothers you.

 

Healthy fish shouldn't be dying to the AC70 though.

 

I would think either way is fine although if I had to choose, I prefer chemical media on small tanks. Only because there are many medias available that work well on small tanks vs the small skimmers. carbon, purigen, phosphate removers, floss, ect.

[Clown79]

You will possibly run into the same issues with bubbles with a skimmer.

I get tons of micro bubbles in my aio if not topped off by a certain hour. Its like a snowglobe.

 

Micro bubbles can also be caused by a small hairline crack in tubing. My ac was doing the same thing and it was due to a tiny crack in the intake.

 

I use a filter on small tanks for the same reasons above- chemical filteration.

[dacdaddy]

I have the Tunze 9004 in my 35g cube and I really am happy with it. It's really pulling some gunk out and it's been only a week. I've encountered microbubbles especially when I add food, but they go away.

I actually found a neat trick. The screw valve to adjust airflow simply tries to crimp the airline hose and does not seem efficient. I took a plastic airline valve that comes with a bubbler one would buy (you can purchase them separately for cheap) and placed it at the end of the skimmer's airline which helps me really dial in the air flow.

[reefist]

My 15g has a 9004 in it and I like it. The surface skimming feature is great, you will need an ATO for sure though. Once it breaks in bubbles aren't an issue. The only time I see a little is after a largish water change and they subside quickly. I don't use any air regulation on it. It runs wide open, which is recommended by Tunze for bubble-free water.

 

I occasionally run some carbon passively in a bag I attach with a magnet unobtrusively in the tank. It really isn't needed though as the skimmer is quite effective.

[Csalt]

I'm probably going to just sump it next week. Picking up a 10g today and make some baffles for it. Wish I built the stand different, 10g is the biggest I can fit.

[reefist]

That works too. I like to keep things simple. Sweet Dane!