500G. Picking a skimmer HELP!

[spinnerbayt]

I am in the process of setting up a large system and need some help picking a skimmer. First off I would like to keep it under a $1000. $800 would be better but we'll see. Here is the setup. 265g display, 2 x 50g frag tanks, 1 x 100g rubbermaid stock tank sump, 1 x 75g fuge. That puts me at 540g minus the height of the water in the sump, what ever it ends up being. The height of the skimmer doesn't matter as I have a fish room behind the display to house all the equipment.

 

[GSMguy]

3x msx250

 

[Rizup]

How about a Precision Marine Bullet XL-2? Rated for up to 750g, they are built very well and skim great. You can get the skimmer and a PanWorld 200PS brand new for under $1000 and be set to go.

Plus they have a relatively small footprint (they are tall, which you said isn't an issue).


Mike

 

[JasonD]

Lifereef VS-60 venturi skimmer, six feet tall a set and forget skimmer.

Jason

 

[Rizup]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14914206#post14914206 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JasonD
Lifereef VS-60 venturi skimmer, six feet tall a set and forget skimmer.

Jason

The VS-60 is the five footer and is good for 700 gallons.

 

[ClownNut]

BK SM 300, more than 1000 but you know you will have a great skimmer/

 

[spinnerbayt]

Thanks guys! Any more? I'll look into the ones you have listed so far.

 

[zlwags85]

I will be using the lifereef 72" skimmer on my 300 display. From what I read, it will be adequate but is definately not the top-of-the-line technology. But, I got it for free, so I'm gonna give it a shot!

 

[spinnerbayt]

Can anyone comment on the Octopus TDNW-300 Needlewheel Recirculating Skimmer?

# Needlewheel pump driven.
# 3 OTP 2000 pumps at 500 gph each included.
# In sump or out of sump.
# Rating: Up to 600 gallons.

 

[spinnerbayt]

How about the Octopus Extreme 300. Start with one and when my fish load increases add a second one. I hear alot of good things about the Octopus skimmers.

 

[ClownNut]

i have the extreme 300, it runs my 300G system with 42 fishs. it's a good skimmer, but i am not sure can it handle a 500G.

 

[GSMguy]

The extreme 300 needs more air there is the extreme 350 that might work but you still need 2 of them IMO

You could start with 2 250 extremes and add a third down the line.

 

[spinnerbayt]

I'm looking hard at the Extreme 350. I only have 14 fish in my 2 systems right now so I think it could handle the load for a while then I can add a second 350 later if needed. I'll keep taking suggestions if anyone is willing to give them. Thanks!

 

[tkeracer619]

I have a PM XL-1 Bullet skimmer that is awesome. The XL-2 would be a nice fit. You could also go with the Reeflo 250. If you need more you can add the extended neck and upgraded pinwheel to the reeflo.

The octo tdnw 300 won't handle it. I have the ddnw250, good skimmer but the ratings are rubbish. My XL-1 and DDNW250 skim my tank like a champ side by side.

 

[carb850]

ATB Econo Cone 1050. $1 under budget.

 

[Acrophiliac]

Get the new octopus hurricone cat2 skimmer external. Rated the same as a reeflo orca 250 askoll 1500 pump recirc 2000+ lph air its basicly a bubble king knock off. 10 inch diameter 27 inches tall and its $799.00 with free shipping at reefspecialty.com

 

[Acrophiliac]

Check out the reefspecialty forum right here on reefcentral for more info. This is a nasty skimmer and the price cant be beat for what you are getting.

 

[GSMguy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14920198#post14920198 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by spinnerbayt
I'm looking hard at the Extreme 350. I only have 14 fish in my 2 systems right now so I think it could handle the load for a while then I can add a second 350 later if needed. I'll keep taking suggestions if anyone is willing to give them. Thanks!

The 350 should work for now when the bioload grows add a 250 or something. I would order 3 large ATB pinwheels to get all you can out of it.

The hurricone cat 2 would be another good choice.

 

[BlueStag]

I know its a little out of your budget, but look at the Hurricone CAT-3 external. Fits your water size, bio load perfect. You won't have to upgrade anything, and it will last a long long time. Most of the skimmers mentioned so far are undersized for your system, and you will have to double up on skimmers. If you can pull it off, set it up right the first time. It will save a lot of headaches.

Or wait for the Alpha 300 cone thats due out soon. It's only a couple of $ more than you want to spend. It's supposed to have 2 Red Dragon 1500's attached to it. 3000+ lph. You'll be better off.

 

[spinnerbayt]

Thanks for all the help. Its going to be several more months before I can get this system going so I'll see if any of these new skimmers come on the market. I also see that MSX has a new cone skimmer.