Help me pick a Skimmer?

[Neoz]

Seems my B-day is just around the corner so my wife told me to pick out my skimmer :dance:. Shes looking to stay around $400 give or take a few. Got to love her....

Now here is the problem. I have inquired about a few used skimmers in the for sale section. But it seems I might be looking to big. I had 3 people tell me that the skimmer there were selling was really too big for my system.

So I'm looking for some suggestions please.. My system is 180 gallons with a 35 gallon sump. Soon to be a 55 gallon sump. Looking for a skimmer that goes in the sump. No externals. I believe I have a heavy bio load and like to feed the tank (although I have cut back). Total clearance I have to work with is 27inches in height.

Not looking to start a debate of which skimmer is better. I just need some direction as I have no expierence in skimmers and don't want to buy the wrong one. Just looking to get the best skimmer I can. Not looking to cut corners. Thanks.....

I'm currently running an older Octopus NW-200. And shes getting tired I can tell...

 

[fred12344]

G4x

 

[Johnny C]

I would recommend any of the following:

-ATB 840 Cone
-Super Reef Octopus XP2000 Cone
-SWC 250S Cone
-Bubble King Mini 200

They are all high-end skimmers with rock solid pumps, and they all pull a ton of air. All mostly around your $ range. JMO!

 

[keto]

octo ex 200 have on running on a 200 gallon system and it works great , well in you price range..

 

[Krypt1979]

I would recommend any of the following:

-ATB 840 Cone
-Super Reef Octopus XP2000 Cone
-SWC 250S Cone
-Bubble King Mini 200

They are all high-end skimmers with rock solid pumps, and they all pull a ton of air. All mostly around your $ range. JMO!

I've heard nothing but great things about the Octopus

 

[Maraschiello]

I have a Corallife 65 for my 65 gallon tank. My girlfriend got it for me for my birthday. When I was in A reef creation, Phil told me that is the shittiest skimmer known to man. Haven't gone back since. Provided I know it isnt the best skimmer, it was the thought that counted on her part with her not knowing much about what she was looking for. That guy has made me feel like a jack -*** too many times and I'm done with going there and feeling that way. I'm not very knowledgeable with my tank and there's a way to talk to someone and teach them versus making them feel like a dope. :-(

 

[gmneil]

Maraschiello

F.Y.I. phill knows what he is talking about. and what does this have to do with the question being asked by neoz??

obviously we know a coralife 65 wont help him here..


and neoz, i have an octo extreme 200 on my 125 and i love it, i think it is more than capable of a 200gallon plus system, but if you have the funds you can go even biggerm i do like the octo line, especially the new ones,

ARC has one of the new super octo's on there display tank and you can check out how well it works on there system..

 

[pascal32]

bermuda 8C with a mag 18 - they are around used for under 400. then again I like bermuda skimmers

 

[jaybfresh]

I would pick up the Octopus 2000 cone in a heartbeat for my tank if I had a $400 skimmer fund, but it might be a little small if the 180 has a heavy bioload

 

[talon4x4]

What about the SWC 180 Cone?? I have the 160 and it is an amazing skimmer and the footprint is incredibly small. One of the best features, it comes completely apart for cleaning!! I paid $275 for the 160, so I would imagine the 180 should fall right within your price range.

 

[Neoz]

Thanks for all the suggestions. Have a few questions of course. When reading about what certain skimmers are rated for like 200 gallon light bio load, 150 gallon medium bio load etc, is that fairly accurate? Or should I always rate them for less then what the sponsor has them at?

Also I am leaning towards the Octopus brand. Not sure why maybe because I currently have one. But for me it gets confusing choosing. Like the two I have listed below. Are two pumps better then one? I really like what I have been reading about the first one listed. But is it enough skimmer for my tank?


Super Reef Octopus XP 2000:
http://www.aquacave.com/super-reef-...-cone-protein-brskimmer-by-coralvue-2644.html

Reef Octopus Extreme Series EXT-250
http://www.saltysupply.com/Reef-Octopus-Extreme-Series-EXT-250-p/oc1046.htm

Decisions decisions... Off to read more...
Now I find this as well... It get confusing..

Reef Octopus Super Reef 3000
http://www.saltysupply.com/Reef-Octopus-Super-Reef-3000-Internal-Skimmer-p/oc9157.htm


..

 

[mr.maroonsalty]

Just out of curiosity, what were the used skimmers they said were too big, and were they priced in the same range? I'm tagging along, I'm starting to think about a build and have never paid any attention to larger skimmers.

 

[Neoz]

Can't really remember the specifics. But one of them was rated for 400 gallons. But a nice price and a nice skimmer. But the seller was very honest and told me I wouldn't be happy with that skimmer on 180 gallon.

 

[Conesus_Kid]

I have the Reef Octopus Extreme 250. (It's actually an MSX-250, but they're the exact same skimmer with the same Sicce pumps.)

I've been very pleased with this skimmer's performance for the past year and a half.

It does have a fairly large footprint in the sump, and may be a bit tight in a 55 gallon sump. The cup doesn't require but an inch/ 1.5" of space above it to get it off.

Let me know if you have any questions and I'd be glad to help you out.

 

[Johnny C]

Out of the three you linked, I'd go with the XP2000 or the SRO3000. The Bubble Blaster pumps are some of the best on the market! :thumbsup:

 

[Capt_Cully]

Dave, you're doing something I'm very guilty of. You research until you're going in circles. You read and read and read and wind up dead in the water. You've picked 3 very nice skimmers above. I say just go with one. A skimmer is just part of the equation.

Personally, while the XP2000 looks super cool, I don't like that it's only rated for 200 gal. Based on what we know about Dave (he jumped in with both feet, loves the hobby, has a 180 and is stocking it with stuff like a squirrel stocks up on acorns for the winter=heavy bioload in the future=not a bad thing=capt_cully also guilty of same behaviours) I'd go with the Super Reef 3000 rated for 300 gal :thumbsup:

 

[gandolf8]

go to this place and check out there skimmers I use one on my 180 never had trouble with it.

http://www.lifereef.com/frame.html

 

[Neoz]

Cully you nailed it. My wife says I research everything to death. She told me "I'm glad you didn't research the kids" little does she know

I believe I have made up my mind the best I can. Just waiting on a few emails to be returned is all.

I'm going to be ordering the Super Reef 3000. Heres hoping its the right choice. Time will tell.... :dance: