Let's try this again,...

Mark75 · Mar 29, 2016

Leigh Ann and I took the tank down this afternoon, we were done fighting the bubble algae.

The rock has had an acid bath and is currently bathing in LC as we speak. I have my clean-up crew and few remaining frags in my quarantine tank but have reservations putting them back in the display tank. Could they not reintroduce the bubble algae?

I am taking this time to change some things I am not happy with such as my protein skimmer. After some tinkering I have my current skimmer skimming well but it is inconsistent and over flows for no reason. What do you guys recommend for a reliable 50g. skimmer?

I also dumped my substrate,....I am not taking any chances, this bubble algae was terrible!

I like white sand but will have a lot of flow so I can't go to fine. What do you guys like?

CastAway · Mar 29, 2016

Kudos Mark! Takes a lot of fortitude I think, discipline, to do what your doing. You'll be rewarded I think.

Rob.D · Mar 29, 2016

Good luck on the restart, I hope your tank does a lot better this go around!

Take a look at the Vertex skimmers, IMO, they are the best all around skimmer that aren't super expensive.

BlueDevil · Mar 30, 2016

All the best with the reboot, Mark! If it were me, I would keep the frags that you salvaged in a QT for a good bit of time to see how they do and if they show signs of any bubble algae. Even after that, there is no guarantee unfortunately that they won't reintroduce it back into your tank. All it takes it one bubble to burst in the tank and release spores.

Don't mean to be a downer .... just being realistic so you're aware of the potential dangers.

Jeeper · Mar 30, 2016

Detach the frags and put them on new plugs? Are they too encrusted?

Reefrookie220 · Mar 30, 2016

Glad to hear your giving it a reboot. If there's anything you need don't be afraid to ask.

Also as @Rob.D said vertex are nice skimmers, I've also had a good experience with the new one I just got. The sca-302, it works great

Mark75 · Mar 30, 2016

I know crabs will/can spread coralline algae so I am guessing they can also spread bubble algae. I need some way to kill off any remaining bubble algae on my clean up crew and frags.

I will look into the Vertex,..who is a dealer I am not seeing them at Bulk Reef Supply.

Never mind,..I found them at BRS. Nice looking skimmer but I am not sure I have space for their smallest one in my sump.

Reefrookie220 · Mar 30, 2016

http://www.amazon.com/SCA-302-Gallon-Protein-Skimmer-Version/dp/B00HLXJ6EU

Reefrookie220 · Mar 30, 2016

I use the 301, on about 70g total volume.

BlueDevil · Mar 30, 2016

Reefrookie220 said:
I use the 301, on about 70g total volume.

I think of getting the SCA-301 for my new tank as well.

Steve Dillon · Mar 30, 2016

Mark what size tank? I have a aquamax skimmer that I got with my 125 that does really well.

Mark75 · Mar 30, 2016

Steve Dillon said:
Mark what size tank? I have a aquamax skimmer that I got with my 125 that does really well.

50g.

Steve Dillon · Mar 30, 2016

good luck on the rebuild and glad you didn't throw in the towel..

Esage · Mar 30, 2016

Big fan of AquaMaxx

Mark75 · Mar 30, 2016

The SCA-301 would better fit my space and is a deal at $98!

My biggest concern is it being set and forget. I can't deal with a skimmer that has a mind of its own. How do you like the SCA-301 @Reefrookie220.

Reefrookie220 · Mar 30, 2016

I really like it mark, as I was telling yash, it's very impressive.

It's break-in was about 3 days. And I pull out some funk when I clean my cup with weekly WC.

I upgraded the pump to a jebao dc6000 I had extra and that made it awesome ! I'd say with the pump upgrade it's efficiency is half again what it was.

It also has a drain line in the bottom of the cup to implement a container for skimmate.

I'll also add that I was way overstocked when I introduced this skimmer and it definitely has stepped up to the plate, for 100 bucks id buy another.

Reefrookie220 · Apr 3, 2016

Update ?

Mark75 · Apr 3, 2016

Making/mixing water as I type. I ordered the SCA-301 and it should arrive Monday or Tuesday.

To lesson the disappointment of having to start over I keep telling myself my tank will be better for it.