Cheap but reliable skimmers?

Honestly if it were me I would spend the extra $40 and get this Reef Octopus 1000

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005FG1QF2?psc=1&smid=A1BNS86D4V4GO1

I don't have any experience with the Coralife skimmer but from what I've heard and read they are not all that great.

And as far as the "skilter" goes I wouldn't bother it is most likely too good to be true, just look at the reviews for it, 2.5 stars...can't be that great. Performance wise you'd be better off getting a separate skimmer and power filter than going with a combo like that.
 
tjm9331 said:
Honestly if it were me I would spend the extra $40 and get this Reef Octopus 1000

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005FG1QF2?psc=1&smid=A1BNS86D4V4GO1

I don't have any experience with the Coralife skimmer but from what I've heard and read they are not all that great.

And as far as the "skilter" goes I wouldn't bother it is most likely too good to be true, just look at the reviews for it, 2.5 stars...can't be that great. Performance wise you'd be better off getting a separate skimmer and power filter than going with a combo like that.
Click to expand...
I'm going to use a sump. I was just asking about the skilter for a friend who got banned from rc.
 
I'm fairly certain the classic 100 has a smaller pump and also goes inside the tank where as the 1000 has a bigger more efficient pump that is on the outside of the tank therefore not adding any heat to the water.

I have to ask though if you're going to be using a sump why not go with something like one of these skimmers? That way you don't have a bulky skimmer hanging off the back of your tank. Any one of these would be a fairly decent skimmer.

https://www.amazon.com/Coral-Vue-Te...p+protein+skimmer&refinements=p_36:2661615011

https://www.amazon.com/Bubble-Magus...p+protein+skimmer&refinements=p_36:2661615011
 
THe coralife can be hyped into a stronger action by NoPoX---I get black skimmate out of mine---and the impeller is tough flexible stuff that doesn't break. But left to itself, it is not the strongest skimmer on the market. I've not used the other.
 
tjm9331 said:
I'm fairly certain the classic 100 has a smaller pump and also goes inside the tank where as the 1000 has a bigger more efficient pump that is on the outside of the tank therefore not adding any heat to the water.

I have to ask though if you're going to be using a sump why not go with something like one of these skimmers? That way you don't have a bulky skimmer hanging off the back of your tank. Any one of these would be a fairly decent skimmer.

https://www.amazon.com/Coral-Vue-Te...p+protein+skimmer&refinements=p_36:2661615011
https://www.amazon.com/Bubble-Magus...p+protein+skimmer&refinements=p_36:2661615011
Click to expand...


http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/threads/lobster-tank-conversion.670905/
 
Sk8r said:
THe coralife can be hyped into a stronger action by NoPoX---I get black skimmate out of mine---and the impeller is tough flexible stuff that doesn't break. But left to itself, it is not the strongest skimmer on the market. I've not used the other.
Click to expand...
Is that a reef central member or an item?
 
Is there anything I should know about having, running, and maintaining a skimmer? I'm coming from freshwater, and this will be my first reef.
 
IMHO, finding a place in the sump for a skimmer is a no-brainer. Skimmers overflow from time to time. If it is external (or HOB), it is going to overflow onto your floor. If it is in the sump, it will just go back into the water column - not ideal, but WAY BETTER than on your floor. An overflowing external skimmer also has the potential to drain a significant amount of water from your system. If you use a ATO as many do, that lost water will be replaced with fresh water, decreasing the salinity and potentially nuking your tank in the process.

I had a coralife super skimmer back in the day. IME, they are junk. Spend a couple $$ more and get a good one.

And FWIW - the name "Skilter" is the punchline to many, many bad jokes. I know - I had one of them way back in the day as well.

I understand that this is not an inexpensive hobby. Research first, and buy the very best you can afford. It will pay for itself in the long run.
 
billdogg said:
IMHO, finding a place in the sump for a skimmer is a no-brainer. Skimmers overflow from time to time. If it is external (or HOB), it is going to overflow onto your floor. If it is in the sump, it will just go back into the water column - not ideal, but WAY BETTER than on your floor. An overflowing external skimmer also has the potential to drain a significant amount of water from your system. If you use a ATO as many do, that lost water will be replaced with fresh water, decreasing the salinity and potentially nuking your tank in the process.

I had a coralife super skimmer back in the day. IME, they are junk. Spend a couple $$ more and get a good one.

And FWIW - the name "Skilter" is the punchline to many, many bad jokes. I know - I had one of them way back in the day as well.

I understand that this is not an inexpensive hobby. Research first, and buy the very best you can afford. It will pay for itself in the long run.
Click to expand...
I know it's not cheap too... I found that out after deciding to get a freshwater 210 and make a 75g sump. Hopefully this will be cheaper than the 210.

Since the tank is a lobster tank (traded $150 worth of items to get it, good deal imo), the sump is closed off. That is why I need a hob skimmer.
 
Stephen Hiatt said:
I know it's not cheap too... I found that out after deciding to get a freshwater 210 and make a 75g sump. Hopefully this will be cheaper than the 210.

Since the tank is a lobster tank (traded $150 worth of items to get it, good deal imo), the sump is closed off. That is why I need a hob skimmer.
Click to expand...
The tank also came with a Red Sea ozonator, which would have been a good trade just by itself.
 
I had an AquaC Remora on a 40g years ago that worked quite well. It was a bit noisy and difficult to thoroughly clean (not the cup). Ran for at least five years with no issues (had it plumbed to a mag 7 I believe).
 
If you can afford it, get the Reef Octopus with the external pump. I just installed the cheaper one, which gets fabulous reviews, but it is one more thing in my tank. The part that hangs off the back is pretty unobtrusive, but the part that is inside my tank is pretty noticeable.
 
What about an SCA skimmer? Certainly not the best as far as components, but they are inexpensive and will get the job done.
 
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