Should I replace my ineffective skimmer, or go with Chaeto instead?

[Gibbous]

I'm in a spot where I need to do one or the other. My cabinet is probably pretty poorly laid out in that I don't think I have room for a big external skimmer, so that means in-sump. The sump I'm using is basically an old wet/dry unit from a FW tank with only one partition in it, so it's pretty inflexible with only one section to hold either the macro or skimmer, and the other to hold the return pump, heater, and a little live rock.

The skimmer I have right now is a Tunze that seems to really only work when the water level doesn't change. Since I don't use an ATO, again due to lack of space, I've never been able to get more than a bit of brown water out of this thing. Never a good foam no matter how I adjust it.

I need to get more nutrient export, so would a more suitable skimmer, or macro be a better bet? The macro route would certainly be cheaper and simpler, so that's appealing. But I also wouldn't mind dropping the money on a quality skimmer if I knew it would deal with the small fluctuation (~1-2") in water level, and the extra expense of the skimmer would mean appreciably cleaner water than the macro could do.

The tank is 36 gallons, and there is maybe 100 gph going through the sump.

Any input would be appreciated...

 

[davocean]

The Tunze is a great skimmer.
All will change as water level changes.
Your first sump baffle should keep water level where you want it.
If it were me, I'd find a cheapo used tank that would make a better sump/fuge, and baffle it correctly, and add a fuge w/ chaeto.
Both good skimming and chaeto will improve your tank greatly.
Sumps are very easy to make yourself, if you need pics, LMK.

 

[Amphiprion]

Agreed. Consistent water level is absolutely essential for pump fed skimmers to work at their best.

 

[BWI]

we offer a few ATO's that don't take up much space.. Also Keep the skimmer and if possible add the cheoto also

 

[Gibbous]

All will change as water level changes.
Your first sump baffle should keep water level where you want it.
If it were me, I'd find a cheapo used tank that would make a better sump/fuge, and baffle it correctly.

That makes sense. I was under the impression that other skimmers might work with a changing water level, but if not It's logical to change the sump instead.

Thanks for the help guys, I'm off to look at some DIY stuff...

 

[Ace25]

Only Hang on Back skimmers or other external skimmers work like that, any in sump type of skimmer you must maintain the water level as precise as possible to get the most out of them. 1" off either direction can really negatively affect the skimmers performance, no matter what brand it is.