help with buying a skimmer

[Steven0000]

i don't really want to spend a whole lot
around $50-$80
and i want a fairly decent one
i have a 55 with a 20g sump
not completely set up yet
but im working on it

i realize why skimmers are so pricey
they are high in demand
and when something is high in demand
the price goes up

anyone know any good websites?

 

[Kaos]

It will be difficult to find a good skimmer for $50-$80. The only chance I can think of to find one in that range is to keep a close eye on all the for sale forums (on all the message boards you can find) and on E-Bay. In the past I have seen a few EuroReefs go for around $100. If you up your price to $150 you might find an ASM, EuroReef, Current, Octo, etc. for that price.

 

[Steven0000]

yeah i just read up a lot on skimmers
i am going to check on the aqua c skimmers
i realized that its not just the high demand
its also the research behind it all

i'll look on ebay and some other places
i dont want to buy a junk piece of equipment and then buy a nice fish
and have it die cause i skimped on the skimmer

 

[Steven0000]

what about the coralife needle wheel and venturi skimmers?

 

[jimbo045]

SeaClones are for you. 100 and 125 models I think. JD

 

[celano]

Re: help with buying a skimmer

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10111881#post10111881 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Steven0000
I don't really want to spend a whole lot
and I want a fairly decent one

When you find the answer to this one let the rest of us in on the secret...if that doesnt happen I recommend EuroReef. A RS-80 from www.marinedepot.com should work for ya. At $180+shipping it's a bargain.

 

[Kaos]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10112086#post10112086 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Steven0000
what about the coralife needle wheel and venturi skimmers?

I don't have any hands on experience w/ the Coralife skimmers. But from what I have read here they are somewhat difficult to dial in. Once they are setup right they seem to work well (and can be modded).

 

[subcrx]

I have a Prism skimmer here you could take from me if you want. it just needs a new tube. Im sure you can find it anywhere, just pick up the shipping and Ill get it to you, I hate to throw it away. It worked great. I upgraded to refugium with built in skimmer. The prism could easily hang on the side of the sump somewhere.

 

[jimbo045]

I stepped up to a Coralife one. It is higher priced than a SeaClone, but worth it!

 

[jbeltmann]

The odyssea ps 160 fits your parameters. 60 bucks plus shipping, not bad at all. This should easily handle your system and if you want to get more out of it down the road there have been many mods documented thus far.

 

[Steven0000]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10113766#post10113766 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jbeltmann
The odyssea ps 160 fits your parameters. 60 bucks plus shipping, not bad at all. This should easily handle your system and if you want to get more out of it down the road there have been many mods documented thus far.

wow thats isn't bad

 

[InLimbo87]

I like my coralife super skimmer 65 Needlewheel. Like others have said, it takes a little bit to really "dial in", but it does a decent job skimming.

For my new tank, I may upgrade to the Octopus NW150. Brand new they run around 140 bucks, which are also worth looking into for a fairly cheap alternative.

 

[plyle02]

I think it really depends on the type of tank you are maintaining. For example, if you ultimately desire a bare bottom sps reef, then you will be spending alot more money, due to needing a skimmer that would handle a 120 gallon and up. This hobby is so addicting, especially if you go reef and desire to keep corals. IMHO, I would buy a really good quality skimmer, something rated for well over a 120 gallon. Who knows, you may want to upgrade.....LOL... You simply cannot go wrong with a Euro-reef, Octopus, Aqua-medic turbofloater, PM Bullet, Aqua C, just to mention a few. Make this investment a good one, and get quality equipment, you will thank yourself later....Good Luck....

 

[RichConley]

An Octopus NW110 or Aquaeuro 55 are probably the best skimmers in your price range. Muhc better than the Coralife, Odyseea, etc.


Better than the smaller ASM models too.

 

[jbeltmann]

I have both the odyssea and octopus skimmers and without a doubt the octopus is the better performer. There is a lot of value in both skimmers just depends on how serious you are. You could always get the ps 160 and mod it and if you aren't completely stoked, hey you only spent $60! The octo 150 is extremely well built for the money IMO and performs quite well for only $140. Unless you are going sps dominant I would seriously give the 160 a good look.

 

[Steven0000]

what about the Octopus Needlewheel 110?

 

[mavgi]

go with the Octopus Needlewheel 110 not with the Aquaeuro they have problem with rust pump and the issue not solve yet .