Help me pick a good protein skimmer please!

[jfischer182]

I've been doing some research, and, for the size of my tank, I've been seeing a lot of recommendations for the Octopus 150 needlewheel and the Euroreef RS80. I have a 54g w/ about 80 lbs LR in display and another 10 or so lbs in my sump. I really don't want to spend $400 on a skimmer, so I was wondering what skimmers you guys have or have used and what you would recommend. Only have 1 clown now but will be putting in several other small fish (and an anenome) months down the road. Thanks a ton!!

 

[DamnPepShrimp]

I have an octopus 200 NW for my 110g, I haven't touched it yet though. I am debating whether or not to mod it. After all the reviews though, I would go with the octopus, it should be fine right out of the box, but if you want, there is a good thread about modding them. One guy modded a octo NW 200 and went from 10 sqfh to 40 sqfh!!!!

 

[4n4sd4]

Josh,

I just picked up a Euro Reef RS80 off a member here on Reef Central. I have heard nothing but good things about Euro Reef and figured i would give it a try. Octopus also seems to make a very nice product. The same company who makes octopus used to make ASM skimmers, which is what I am running on my display tank. I don't think you can go wrong with either of those brands. I have seen a couple of people selling all of the aforementioned brands of skimmer on the forum.

Hope this helps.

 

[reef 'n ale]

Check into the AquaC EV-120. I run mine with a Mag 5.

It's definitely one of the best skimmers out there. Mine has been running trouble free for almost 2 years now... cleaned the injector once and adjusted hardly ever!

There's my $0.02 for ya!

Rob

 

[jfischer182]

Turboflotor 1000 Multi?

Turboflotor 1000 Multi?

After further research, I discovered that neither the AquaC, Euroreef, nor the Octopus will fit in my sump. I am now leaning towards a Turboflotor 1000 Multi. Anyone have an opinion on this one?

 

[a1amap]

The Turboflotor T1000 easily connects to the aquarium over flow. No airstones, venturi or other complex bubble producing methods can match its efficiency and effectiveness.

Height: 22"
Footprint: 7-1/4" x 16"
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AquaC ev-120
Height: 18"
Recommend pumps: Mag Drive 5 or Rio 2100
Footprint: 4.75" x 8.5"
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Euro-Reef RS-80 Specifications:

- Rated for aquarium systems of +/- 80 gallons with a medium bioload
- Sump space required for skimmer: 9" x 9"
- Height: 22"
- Reaction chamber diameter: 5"
- Reaction chamber volume: 1.02 gallons
- Inlet size: .75"
- Outlet size: 1.25"
- Pump (included): SP2- Euro-Reef modified SEDRA KSP-3500A water pump
- Air intake: 420 lph
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Ok I have to ask how the biggest skimmer can fit but the smaller ones don't? Josh what is you budget on the skimmer?

I am looking at one of the larger ASM skimmers for my new tank but the smaller would work for your tank.

G-1 w/ G-500 Pump
Specifications:
Body Size: 5 ½”
Height: 19
Foot Print: 8.5”X10”
Pump: G-500 Pump
Tank Size (Gal): 100 Gal

They make a great skimmmer and you can get it locally from Charlie at Premium aquatics. Its not a stocked item but he will order it for you. But how about you post your budget and we recomend the best in that price range.

 

[jfischer182]

Good question Al, maybe I should specify the issue I have: I have a wet/dry (sump) that already has a return pump in it. There is not enough room to put a skimmer inside the sump where the pump already is. That's why I was considering the Turboflotor 1000 Multi, I can use it outside of the sump OR inside. So, I figured I could just mount it external to the sump and the small pump that feeds the skimmer is the only part that needs to be submerged in the sump. Bottom line, I have hardly any room at all to fit a skimmer inside my sump. I either need an external skimmer OR take my recirculating pump that is currently inside the sump and remote it so the skimmer would fit.

As far as budget, I would be willing to spend no more than (aka the wife will freak out if I spend more than) $300.

 

[Gordonious]

I have an AC Urchin with a Mag pump and it works great for me. At the same time though I haven't had the budget to just try out different skimmers that cost around 200 a piece. Just my two cents.

 

[Origami2547]

Josh, I have the same space limitations as you and opted to get the Turboflotor 1000 Multi as well. Just like you're looking at, I have the skimmer hanging outside my sump with just the pump and return inside the first chamber of the sump. Instead of using their two-tiered drop down on the return, I use only one and hang a couple of hoses down off the outlets to bring the water into the sump without a lot of noise. While I'm not a skimmer expert, I like the setup and it does pretty well in my estimation. It's got a nice large collection cup which means you won't be emptying it every day. It's pretty easy to tune and easily switched between skimming dry or wet. The skimmate I get is really dark - a thick, rich brown with a hint of green. Good stuff. Good luck to you on finding a match. I know that there aren't that many skimmers out there with a small footprint in the sump. By the way, another one I considered was the Urchin AC but I chose the Turboflotor 1000 Multi instead. I'm glad that I did.

 

[jfischer182]

Thanks Origami. I was looking at the urchin too, but felt the Turboflotor might do a better job. I'm glad to hear that you like yours!! I will probably do the same thing, add the hoses to the output, like you did. My aquarium is in the living room and I want it as quiet as possible.

 

[Origami2547]

Josh, I just wanted to clarify: The Turboflotor comes with two drop-down adapters. I do use one of them in my setup as it let's the air out of the water before it hits the two hoses that I use to deliver the outflow below the surface of the water in the sump. This helps to keep it quiet. You'll also need at least one of these boxes because it allows you to hang the skimmer on the outside of the tank. Good luck!