Newbie Aquarist
Reefing is my middle name
So you looking for a new skimmer or an additional one?
A Reefaholic's 1000+ Gallon Mixed Reef System Build
- Thread starter Dustin1300
- Start date
Dustin1300
Reefaholic
I'd like to buy an external and just add it on to the system. I can keep the SRO 3000 along for supplementation should I have to repair/clean other skimmer. My original intention was to add the SRO XP8000E but hearing mixed reviews:headwalls:
Newbie Aquarist
Reefing is my middle name
What about the 5000E or 6000E?
david00061
New member
david00061
New member
The 5000e is the better choice. The 6000e is pretty much the same thing as the 5000e
david00061
New member
I think the xp8000e would be over kill
Dustin1300
Reefaholic
I honestly forgot David had the 5000. I'm awaiting feedback from Premium Aquatics and CoralVue. David, have you ever had any issues with your XP5000E stalling or failing to start back up?
Dustin1300
Reefaholic
My issue with feedback/reviews I've seen is the pump and not the skimmer. Whether the 5000/10000 BubbleBlaster same issues. I've also seen it posted that the issues have been resolved.
david00061
New member
i did on my Internal Super Reef Octopus 2000. but no issues with my 5000e
Dustin1300
Reefaholic
I just got word back from Jeremy at CoralVue and there recommendation is the XP 5000 if I want to keep the 3000 operational in my sump. I just like the idea of two skimmers should one go down I'm still within reason, just might have to do an extra water change or two until it's back up! From what he stated, they originally had some issues with the BBs but they have been resolved. Guess my bioload is just not high enough for the 8000. Good thing about that is that the 5000 is only $800 and I could pick up an extra pump and still only be out $1000 with an extra pump so I can keep up with cleaning on a more regular basis.
@David, how much of a feed do you have for your pump? I think I'd like to have the 5000 fed from the overflow from the DT and then have the outlet go to the sump. Coralvue recommends 600 GPH feed pump but is that optimal or minimum water you should feed through? I'm just thinking I'd like to have the skimmer feed off my main overflow which will likely be 1.5" and have easily 1500 GPH of flow not dialed back.
@David, how much of a feed do you have for your pump? I think I'd like to have the 5000 fed from the overflow from the DT and then have the outlet go to the sump. Coralvue recommends 600 GPH feed pump but is that optimal or minimum water you should feed through? I'm just thinking I'd like to have the skimmer feed off my main overflow which will likely be 1.5" and have easily 1500 GPH of flow not dialed back.
drummereef
Team RC
FWIW, my next skimmer will be a CoralVue. Great company! :thumbsup: For a system the size that you are building, dual skimmers is a great idea. For the price it sounds like a deal to me.
david00061
New member
I was told to start at 500 gph then bring up to approx 600-700. Right now i'm at 650gph.
I do plan on adding my Sro-2000 Internal to system when needed
Dustin1300
Reefaholic
Some are completely against the 2 skimmer idea but I like it. Gives me a bit more sense of security. If I don't have time to address a skimmer problem right away I know I can shut one down until I have the spare time to put towards fixing it within a couple days. If I only need to get the 5000, I'm happy about the money savings:lolspin: If I have problems with the pump, Steve can tell me I told you so later....:uhoh3:
Dustin1300
Reefaholic
I hate to use additional juice from another pump and would rather gravity feed it off my overflow. I'll might just Tee off the main return and use a couple valves along the way so I can control the backpressure and flow to the skimmer. No big deal, just another valve/Tee to buy when doing my plumbing plans.
SPotter
Active member
:lolspin: nah....I would never do that to you!!!
Dustin1300
Reefaholic
What about thoughts on a Becket skimmer from Marine Technical Concepts? Small or big bioload it will perform well and only real drawback is power consumption by pump!
HSA-3000: http://www.marinetechnical.com/page2.html
This could easily handle 1000 Gallons and I could add frag tanks later down the road without any impact
HSA-3000: http://www.marinetechnical.com/page2.html
This could easily handle 1000 Gallons and I could add frag tanks later down the road without any impact
SPotter
Active member
What about thoughts on a Becket skimmer from Marine Technical Concepts? Small or big bioload it will perform well and only real drawback is power consumption by pump!
HSA-3000: http://www.marinetechnical.com/page2.html
This could easily handle 1000 Gallons and I could add frag tanks later down the road without any impact
Jeff @ MTC makes amazing products. I have one of his calcium reactors and its quality stuff! If you decide to call him be prepared to be on the phone for a while. He loves to talk.
Dustin1300
Reefaholic
It seems it's good quality but worried about the amount of pump and power I'd have to throw at it. Verdict is still out on the MTC HSA 3000, just another option I'm considering
I picked up a 5000sss int without pump at the premium garage sale for $30. Its not an external but it was a little cheaper.
