Heater Options for BC14 w/ Oceanic Skimmer and Media Basket

[StuGotz]

Oceanic sent me a free skimmer because I sprang a leak about 10 days after water was in the tank. I figured it's better than nothing, so I'd like to run it. With the skimmer installed in the 1st chamber it doesn't leave me any room for my 50w Ebo Jager in there. I have a media basket in the 2nd chamber, and there really isn't enough water in the 3rd chamber to submerge the heater to the minimum mark.

 

Does anyone have any suggestions for the smallest heater that will get the job done or what they did? I would rather not have the heater in the main tank.

 

Thanks!

[StevieT]

A water change with the media basket is going to do a lot more than that skimmer. Can you raise the water level some in the third chamber to get the heater in?

 

If you want to give it a try with the skimmer the hydor 50W heater is 2" shorter than the Jager

[TheMac86]

The skimmer actually works quite well...in fact I have mine in chamber three.

 

 

to maintain water level, I created a marker with zip ties and a piece of reef epoxy.. When the water drops past the epoxy the skimmer is not at its best. raising water above the epoxy causes over foaming so you have to kind of play with it. But now, it works perfect and skims perfect.

 

 

you can see the device here that helps me determine my water level.

 

 

 

 

putting the skimmer in chamber three will allow for a regular sized heater if you remove the false flooring..

[StuGotz]

A water change with the media basket is going to do a lot more than that skimmer. Can you raise the water level some in the third chamber to get the heater in?

 

If you want to give it a try with the skimmer the hydor 50W heater is 2" shorter than the Jager

 

Cool, thanks. I raised the level of water a few inches, and I guess I'll see what kind of skimmate I get and decide to keep on using it or not. I can tell this thing is going to be a real PITA, but I did manage to get some pretty big bubbles up to the edge of the bubble chamber. I'll keep an eye on it.

[TheMac86]

Having the heater in chamber three, be sure to check the water level as some heaters shut off if water level is not met. Safer to have heater in chamber one and skimmer in three. I would rather have the skimmer fail on me than the heater. Just my opinion.

[StuGotz]

Thanks Mac! So you're running chamber 3 higher than most then. I guess I am too, by putting the heater in there. I'll give that a shot.

[TheMac86]

The water level is probably 2 inches above the indicator on the side of the tank. I run water under the second opening from chamber 2. IF water is passed that tab than it floods the filter floss.

 

The skimmer does skim, but like Steve said, water changes are the best thing. But then again, doesn't hurt to have something taking waste out. Also give a few days for the skimmer airstone to break in..