Best bang for the buck skimmer?

[AZBigJohn]

I am trying ti figure out the direction I want to go for a skimmer on the tank I am setting up. 155 gallon bow front with a 55-gallon fuge, figure total water volume of a little shy of 200 gallons, probably less.

I have always been a Reef Octopus fan, have one on my other system, I just have heard a lot of good things about other systems and types out there. I was leaning towards the NWB200 originally, but I am open to any suggestions.

For this size of system, where I want to run a mixed reef (I do want to get into the SPS world, but still like my Zoas and softies) what skimmer will give me the best bang for my buck, but not put me farther into the spousal unit's doghouse when the receipt hits?

 

[briankmarsh1980]

Reef octopus is good I used to use 1 and never had a problem. Im currently using a bubble magus and im happy with it as well.

 

[KCFITZ78]

SC Aquariums

http://www.scaquariums.com/protein-skimmers.html

 

[Brando457]

The Aquamaxx CO2 is a good skimmer that marine depot sells. THere is a thread with raving reviews.

 

[reefstew]

I have 3 older Reef Octopus & just purchased a new one & all the old ones work good but the new design ones I like better. Easier to adjust with the gate valve.

 

[dream54ing]

IMO, Reef octopus are great, but prices for the newer models put them out of the "bang for the buck" category

Bubble Magus and Seaside Aquatics probably best in term of price for new units.

Older/used Reef Octopus and ASM models, again IMO, are still the best bang for the buck skimmers

 

[Whipppp]

I use a SRO-2000 on my 90 gallon and it works great, is VERY QUIET, but has some overflowing issues if the water level changes (not uncommon). I also try and focus on resale value on equipment- and Reef Octopus has great marketing for sales/resales.

Club reef (Tempe) and Reef Monsters (NE Mesa) both use Bubble magus Curve9 skimmers and I have never seen/smelled/experienced such filthy skimmate in my life! I also know another reefer that uses a curve9 on his lightly stocked 150 gallon and it pulls out the same kind of filth.

I would love to do a comparison and see if the BM would pull out more than the SRO. I'm almost convinced that it would- I just need to put it to the test.

IMO- you will not find the "best" skimmer unless you could run a side-by-side comparison in the same tank with a variety of skimmers (which I would love to do and make a YouTube video of).

With that said, I feel that my money is best spent when I have a product that will resell itself if needed, works excellent, and has a great life/or warranty. I find that the Reef Octopus company met all of those criteria, but the results of the skimmate on that BM is very convincing.

Let us know what you decide and how it works out

 

[Stolireef]

I have the Reef Octopus and love it. Easy to maintain and control. Produced right out of the box. No frills pump but it works fine. I think I have the NWB 150. Make sure you get the metric to standard conversion fitting if you get this skimmer.

 

[ademster]

I have had reef octopus Love em.
Sro-3000int
SRO-5000ext

Both skimmed nasty thick did I mention Nasty smelly stuff.

Currently have a bubble magus nac 3.5 and hate it. Saving to buy sro1000ss and take the nac 3.5 and shoot it or melt it haven't decided

 

[briankmarsh1980]

Its hard to get a good skimmer for a small tank imo....
What is the budget you have for a skimmer? That would help then we would know what to suggest.

 

[m-six hundred]

I have had reef octopus Love em.
Sro-3000int
SRO-5000ext

Both skimmed nasty thick did I mention Nasty smelly stuff.

Currently have a bubble magus nac 3.5 and hate it. Saving to buy sro1000ss and take the nac 3.5 and shoot it or melt it haven't decided

Adam, I've had the exact skimmer on that size tank and it does not work well. Like Brian said, its hard to find a good skimmer for a small tank.

 

[KCFITZ78]

SC Aquariums

http://www.scaquariums.com/protein-skimmers.html

All 3 sizes are under $200

 

[dburt520]

I am using the older asm g2 on my new system. It was so so until I did the gate valve mod and now it is amazing... you can find them for really cheap with a little effort.

 

[m-six hundred]

I really liked my ASM skimmer. I've never had a skimmer collect mud like that one did.

 

[cvcoda]

The Aquamaxx CO2 is a good skimmer that marine depot sells. THere is a thread with raving reviews.

+1

Have heard nothing but great things about these skimmers and the cost is not outrageous. I just ordered the CO-3 for my 180 with 75 sump. From what I was told by Aquamaxx, a CO-2 would be just fine for your size system.

 

[Kalakuhan]

I am running an older ASM G3. It has the modified gate valve and has been working great for the past 2.5 yrs.

bang for the buck, I have an older EuroReef 8-2 w/ sedra 9000 for sale $100. I bought it used local but ended up getting a smaller tank than i wanted and never used it.

 

[CReyes350]

I have a SKIMZ 161 and an Aquamaxx CO2- They cannot be beat for price, efficiency, quietness and quality... I previously owned a Reef Octopus and they are pretty sweet but mine was loud...

 

[Sobos Reef]

I used to have a Reef Octopus nwb150 and while I loved it, I had to upgrade for my bigger tank. Went with the Skimz SM161 and this thing is awesome, SILENT and pulls gunk out like crazy!

 

[CReyes350]

Yep, I love my SKIMZ and the collection cup is large enough to get a hand in there (unlike my aquamaxx) to clean it

 

[kirkaz]

Very small company, but I've always gotten great tech support from them, I have the Trigger Systems Titan skimmer on my 240, you could get by with the Bursa. Email David there if interested. Price was very reasonable.

http://www.triggersys.com/bursa.html