Best Skimmer for a 180

michaelmmreef01

michaelmmreef01

aka redsea
Hi everyone! In a recent turn of events, I have a 180g drilled tank headed my way. I know I just posted a question about adding a simp to my 125, but thankfully I was able to do a proper drilled 180 I'm curious as to what skimmer you would recommend for the setup? It would be in-sump, and I would like to have a powerful one as I like a stocked tank. :) I have heard many great things about reef octopus...if that is what you would reccomend, what model would be best for a 180g reef? Thanks so much!
 
I like Skimz. They make a good quality protein skimmer IMO. Well built and quiet. Check with Aqua Cave or Bulk Reef Supply. SM 161 Monster is a good one for that size tank.
 
On my 180, I'm running a skimz sm251. I has a 201 prior to the 251. I wanted to be sure that for expansion I had enough wiggle room for the future..

They make excellent and solid skimmers that are very flexible and powerful. Not to mention silent!

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk
 
Thanks everyone! I checked out all of the suggestions and have been thinking a lot lately! Through my research I also came across these two which a lot of people seem to like based on reviews.
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/reef-octopus-classic-202ss-internal-protein-skimmer.html
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/super...in-sump-protein-skimmer.html#tab-full-details

Any thoughts on these two so I can rule them out or add to the list of consideration? I do like a heavier bioload, so I'm not sure if the 202ss is even a consideration, seems like it might be underpowered.
oh, and as for budget. It's tough because I'm trying not to spend too much, but I know that I don't want to skimp on the skimmer. SO, the official answer is...I'm not quite sure yet... :)
 
michaelmmreef01 said:
Hi everyone! In a recent turn of events, I have a 180g drilled tank headed my way. I know I just posted a question about adding a simp to my 125, but thankfully I was able to do a proper drilled 180 I'm curious as to what skimmer you would recommend for the setup? It would be in-sump, and I would like to have a powerful one as I like a stocked tank. :) I have heard many great things about reef octopus...if that is what you would reccomend, what model would be best for a 180g reef? Thanks so much!
Click to expand...

I had an SRO 2000INT and wasn't happy with it. Are you concerned about noise at all? If not then a LifeReef is a great skimmer. The reason I ask about noise is because it uses a venturi which makes a little noise. If that's an issue I'd look at Nyos or Aquamaxx.
 
I am running a Skimz Leopard SL203 and this thing skims some nasty gunk from my tank. I love this skimmer! I have a total water volume of around 220 gallons with my sump.
 
there are lots of good skimmers out there so concentrate on buying at least a mid-priced one that is rated for twice the total volume of your system (tank+sump)
 
I vote for SRO 3000INT RO. Has worked well for me for almost 4 years. CoralVue service (pump konked out once) has been excellent. I get several cups of dark skimmate 2 or 3 times a week.

Mike
 
I had a SRO 3000SSS on my tank for a couple years and never had a single issue. It's a great skimmer.

When I got my Dreambox, it came with a Bubble King Supermarin 200...wow! This things is amazing and puts the SRO to shame.

That being said, I've cleaned up my SRO and am storing it to use with my next tank.
 
The SRO line are beasts for sure. The bubble blaster is great at pulling lots of air. I had a 3000. It did pull a lot of skimmate. I didn't find it very consistent though which to me it would periodically turn into a volcano. Those neck extensions are a big plus and highly recommend at least one for these skimmers to reduce that chance.

I also went through 3 pumps over the years I ran it which CoralVue is great for support. Those pumps are not cheap for a Chinese made pump.

I eventually tried out a cheap seaside aquatics with a sicce pump. Not a very strong skimmer but was amazingly consistent.

One of my favorite needle wheel skimmers though, if you can find one, was the Aquamaxx EM300. Great bang for the buck. Also a modified sicce based pump. Not as powerful as the SRO 3000 but nearly as much production but even more importantly extremely consistent in its production. Plus a lot cheaper.

But if you have the height I just can't believe how much production and with the consistency my MTC MVX skimmer produces (6-8 cups dry skimmate per day). Hands down best skimmer I've used. May not be the best skimmer ever but I don't think we'll ever know what that is. It was probably some downdraft recirculating airstone driven skimmer. Becketts are damn nice too but more maintenance on the injector.

Rambling...

This thread sucks with out pictures.

My favorite. I call it upside down dairy queen blizzard thick.
7bf1a290287a3dd4641bc4e097407a60.jpg


Can see how sticky thick it is. Survived and stayed together through unscrewing and taking it off the skimmer in my basement sump, walking up some stairs, dodging dogs, cats, kids, toys, etc, brought outside, placed upside-down on porch table, quickly take a picture before I have to dodge wife complaining that nasty thing is on the table, brought out to the yard and lid unscrewed off. Foam still intact. lol
bb5c37dd8c469acd3454b80160c20ce8.jpg


My review/testing/modifications of it
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2519839&page=9
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

newsalt
Aqua Illumination SOL Blue problem
Replies
2
Views
175
oreo57
oreo57
S
Help with Overflow Design Issue
Replies
0
Views
151
SFMAquariums
S
A
Question for the Neptune Apex Gurus
Replies
8
Views
2K
apache73
A
M
Can't find 60"VHO Actinics anymore... LED recommendations
2
Replies
28
Views
2K
ClownBubbaJoe
ClownBubbaJoe
T
Gph for 32 biocube
Replies
1
Views
334
griss
griss
Back
Top