92 Corner Skimmer Options?

[fazio92]

Ok, i started this in another thread, but here it goes. I have a 92gal corner sps/lps tank i am upgrading to in less then a month. I will have a medium fish load and very high coral bio load. I am stuck for skimmer options, due to the limited cabinet space. I am going to have a refugium + sump in the cabinet (sump only if i need an in sump skimmer). Also i would like to keep the price tag under 400. Any suggestions, or if you also have a similar tank please let me know. Thanks

-Anthony

 

[raynist]

I am going to use a AquaC 120 on mine in a 15g sump.

What size sump are you going to use?

I would think some of the smaller euroreefs would work.

 

[Jareth]

Same setup as the one I am building.

I got a AGA 30 Gal Extra Tall for $60, 24 long 12 wide 24 tall that I will be using as a sump. I am using a Coralife Super Skimmer 125 (I know its small, but rated for 125 gallons) and will be using soft tubing to connect the skimmer pump to the skimmer outside the sump.

The tank JUST fits into the stand, leaving little space to put the skimmer in the sump, but it gives the best gallons for room.

 

[chrismhaase]

Couple suggestions - I have a Euro Reef RS180 and I love it on my 90 SPS tank. http://commerce03.i2net.com/able55new/stores/111/RS180-Protein-Skimmer-P4C4.aspx

Another small skimmer
Tunze 9010 $366 http://www.aquariumspecialty.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=34_211&products_id=1079

 

[chrismhaase]

you can probably find a used ER for your price range. I would suggest getting the largest skimmer possible so you don't have to worry.

 

[fazio92]

i don't have a sump yet, only have a refug, because i was only going to get a sump if i got an in-sump skimmer (i like the external ones, due to the fact that you can use them in the sump or outside your cabinet). I like the msx skimmers, but they seem to have a very large footprint. I was also looking at the new pro series by marineland, but too new to hear of any flaws yet. Any other advise? Thanks for everything thus far!

 

[chrismhaase]

I guess the question you have to ask is do you want an oversized unit so you have more margin to mess up or do you want a smaller skimmer. If it were me I would go as large as room and a budget can afford. This way if something spikes you can remove the problem faster with a larger, more powerful and efficient skimmer.

As for the MSX skimmer you suggested, I haven't heard of them and really have no comment to offer. They kind of look like an ATI Bubble Master Skimmer. http://www.aquariumspecialty.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=34_293&products_id=1529

 

[chem-e]

I used a small Octopus recirc externally to save room in the sump. I would've gotten something bigger, but I put a shelf in the stand which limited the height of the skimmer I could use.

 

[fazio92]

i agree, bigger is better with skimmers, i am just wondering if i will have room in my cabinet for an in sump model, being that it is a corner tank. that's the only reason why i may sway toward an out of sump model so it can sit dry outside the cabinet.

 

[superchargeme]

I am in the process of putting together/building my 92 corner. I am using a recirc modded asm-3. I have a 15 gal sump set in the back long side to the right and a 15 gallon refug set in the back long side going to the left and this is sitting on top of the sump. There is ample room in the sump for skimmer several small power heads to run other filters and heaters. I got the skimmer on RC for i think 250. Have loved it.

 

[Todd March]

If you want to have a sump (and you should), you really should (and I mean really) look into the ATI Bubble Master 160. It's powerful with a very small footprint--8" x 8". You won't be able to find anything with a smaller footprint for a corner tank, that can pump 900 lph of air.

If you've never used a high end skimmer, the 160 might present you with some new learning curves, but it's worth it. The 160's are notorious for dialing in troubles when new (or in new systems), but after they get set, most rave over them.

At $500, it's a little over your budget, but it's really, really worth it...

Another option for tiny and powerful are the Bubble King Minis--but they start at just under $900...! Also the Tunze's are very adequate skimmers with even tinier footprints, but even though they share the same pump with the BM 160, they are much less powerful (actually Tunze refers to them as "gentle"). The BM 160 packs a whole lotta punch with it's meshwheel design, in very little space....!

And check around the used equipment forums here on RC. I am thinking of setting up a 92g corner tank as well, and just bought a 9 month old used BM 160 here for a little over $300. You can save by buying slightly used...!

 

[chrismhaase]

I agree with getting more skimmer for your money and look for a used AWESOME skimmer instead of a new/decent skimmer.

 

[fazio92]

Thanks for all the input everyone!! Its really appreciated. Thanks

-Anthony