Help me pick a skimmer for 560g DT (1100g total)

[rodstar]

I bought a used MTC HSA-3000 but the becketts are killing me. (http://www.marinetechnical.com/page2.html) I have to clean them every couple of days and I can never keep my water level correct in the chamber.

So, I am contemplating a new skimmer. Well, new to me. I am hoping to find one of these used.

Can anyone chime in on these? I want to set it and forget it! Once its dialed in, I don't want to have to mess with it.

As mentioned, I have 560g display tank, mixed reef, SPS, LPS, softies, etc along with a small bioload today but I plan to add a bunch of fish!!! Space is not an issue for the skimmer. My total water volume includes a 180g sump, 90g fuge, 90g frag tank and 120g tank (for seahorses or eels)

ETSS 1500 (http://www.superskimmer.com/ETSS_1500.htm)

MRC Orca Pro III (http://www.myreefcreations.com/prod...mers/reeflo-orca-pro/reeflo-orca-pro-III.html)

Reef Dynamics XRC1000.4 (http://www.reefdynamics.com/XRC1000-4-Protein-Skimmer-p/xrc1000.4.htm)

 

[Newbie Aquarist]

I believe the Reef Octopus 8000 series will work IMO.

 

[rodstar]

Right, forgot about that one. That is what David is using on his 500g reef tank.

 

[keithhays]

The AQUAC EV1000 should do more than what you need. I have the EV400 and have never had any issues.

 

[rodstar]

The AQUAC EV1000 should do more than what you need. I have the EV400 and have never had any issues.

I also had an AquaC EV240 back in the day. Not a bad skimmer for the cost.

But, this is not an option here because I need an external skimmer, not in sump.

 

[Aquatron]

These are top of the line you should check them out before you buy

Even makes a matching reactor

Best of Luck!!!

 

[OceanLandlord]

Reef Octopus 8000 or RK2 25pe

 

[rodstar]

I saw the rk2 25pe. Seems too complicated. And too big for my needs.

 

[Newbie Aquarist]

David is using a Reef Octopus ext 5000.

 

[indyjaco]

Run the EXT 5000 and a backup internal like a SRO 3000?

 

[rodstar]

Run the EXT 5000 and a backup internal like a SRO 3000?

I can't run an internal skimmer.

 

[Loserland]

i believe the reef octopus 8000 series will work imo.

+1

 

[Osteoclast]

I am running the SRO 8000 xp on mine. Skims well. I was told it might be too much for my system but it appears to work fine. Have about 650 gal in the system. I have room to expand. Got the neck cleaner and it is running on an apex. I have a double sink adjacent to the skimmer and it is great for maintainence.

 

[keithhays]

I also had an AquaC EV240 back in the day. Not a bad skimmer for the cost.

But, this is not an option here because I need an external skimmer, not in sump.

I saw that you were looking at the ETSS 1500 which uses the same setup as the AQUAC. These guys move a lot more water through for their size than other types of skimmers as you know.

 

[megadeth72]

prefilter the becket, that hsa is one of the best out there, I ran a 1000 for many years, I did not have any trouble with the water level, yours is draining lower than it's gate valve? I used a T to make sure it did not siphon at the valve

 

[rodstar]

prefilter the becket, that hsa is one of the best out there, I ran a 1000 for many years, I did not have any trouble with the water level, yours is draining lower than it's gate valve? I used a T to make sure it did not siphon at the valve

Dave, is that you? lol

How do you recommend I pre filter the becketts? I have a strainer on the input from the sump.

Currently, no the output has to go up and over the top of the sump. I already have it raised on 3 cement blocks. Looks like I need to add another one. The skimmer will be close to the ceiling!

There is space between the drain plumbing and the sump water line, so I am not getting a siphon.

Derek

 

[megadeth72]

Nope not dave, I never prefiltered mine, and it would plug, but it would go months without needing to be cleaned, mine is an original that cant be opened up.

if the output line is doing any type of up and over it'll affect water level unless you put a T at the highest point

 

[trinity1012]

1,100 gallons.very nice

volcano skimmer,i seen a few of them.incredible skimmers

 

[rodstar]

lol, I only said that because of your handle, megadeth!

O will add the T and see if that helps.

Sent from my DROID X2 using Tapatalk 2

 

[megadeth72]

I quit using this username years ago, not sure how to change it here