Curve 5 vs Simplicity 120

[Brandon0034]

I have a 36g display with a 20 gallon sump. Currently I have the SCA 301 and I do not like this skimmer at all. It works and keeps nitrates around 1-2ppm but it's very flimsy, horrible with microbubbles and won't pull thick skimmate.

I'm worried these might be overpowered but I figured with the simplicity I could adjust the pump level. Open to other suggestions but I don't want a skimmer that just sits on top of the pump like my current SCA or the NAC 3.5.

 

[scooter31707]

I have the Simplicity 540 and I love it. Very durable, powerful, and quiet.

 

[Brandon0034]

My main concern is if the skimmers are too overpowered for my system. I know both are effective skimmers, but if they're too large for the system they won't work properly or efficient.

 

[moondoggy4]

Sit on top skimmer are better than internal pumps. If the internal pump becomes obsolete you can not get another pump to fit in there. The SWC 120 and 160 had a mad following but the pumps are hard to come by.

A small tank like yours is hard to skim do to a small bio load, so I would get a skimmer with a very small neck.

The Simplicity skimmer I believe the 120 model should work great but it is a internal pump. Eshoop make a small skimmer with a external pump and it is a Sicce pump easy to get pumps I would take a hard look at the eshoop and check for sales DFS usually has sales on them.

 

[moondoggy4]

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+4392+20033&pcatid=20033 The PSK 75

 

[solitude127]

Another brand to look at are the IceCap skimmers. I kind of went though the same dilemma on my RedSea 170. I ended up with the Curve A5. It's a great little skimmer but I think the hybrid DC pump pulls a little too much air. Bubble Magus does give you a restrictor which I have been using. I don't have experience with the regular Curve 5 but from what I've read, it's more balanced than the A5.
The PSK75 is a good skimmer but does not come with an air silencer so you'll probably hear it sucking in air. I did inquire with Eshopps about an air silencer and they do sell on separately.
What is the water level of your sump?