I can't decide which skimmer!

[Swensos]

I'm looking at skimmers for my 90 gallon reef tank build, but can't decide which one. They're all in the $280.00-$400.00 range:

AvastMarine Pegleg 180. Least expensive if I build it, but a bit taller than most at 22.75", taking up more undercabinet space.

Eshopps Axium X-160. Brand new, so there's not too much info on them.

IceCap K2-160. Slightly more expensive than the above two.

Tunze Doc DC 9410. The most expensive of the bunch, but supposed to be really easy to dial in with the DC pump.

Maybe I'm overthinking this, but there's just so many options and I have no experience with skimmers!

Help me :uhoh3:

 

[JUNBUG361]

Simplicity skimmer around $200 or look for use octo

 

[gcarroll]

IMO, this is a hard skimmer to beat for the money. If looking for a budget skimmer for a tank under 100g, this should be a consideration.

Somatic 60s
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/60s-space-saving-protein-skimmer-somatic.html

 

[Centurio]

I've been studying up on a skimmer for a new 90 gallon as well that I'll be putting together thi summer. I've got it narrowed down to a new Simpicity or a used Reef Octo. There's plenty of used ones available around here for as little ae $100.00 if I'm patient.

 

[A sea K]

IMO, this is a hard skimmer to beat for the money. If looking for a budget skimmer for a tank under 100g, this should be a consideration.

Somatic 60s
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/60s-space-saving-protein-skimmer-somatic.html

Nice! That looks very hard to beat from a cost/performance standpoint.

 

[scooter31707]

I love my Simplicity skimmer. Very powerful, quiet, and did not break the bank. Very wel built.

 

[GimpyFin]

Anytime there is a skimmer suggestion thread, you generally see everyone suggest the skimmer that they use, sorta like lights, pumps, etc. Which, in reality, most all of them will be decent choices. Just going by your selection list, I have used several Eshopps skimmers and the conical ones previous to the Axium and Premier series are quite good.

 

[kissman]

I love my Skimz SK181


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[Swensos]

IMO, this is a hard skimmer to beat for the money. If looking for a budget skimmer for a tank under 100g, this should be a consideration.

Somatic 60s
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/60s-space-saving-protein-skimmer-somatic.html

My tank is going to be wrasse-dominant and have frequent feedings, so I don't think this could keep up with the bioload since it is rated up to 80 gallon for light load.

Anytime there is a skimmer suggestion thread, you generally see everyone suggest the skimmer that they use, sorta like lights, pumps, etc. Which, in reality, most all of them will be decent choices. Just going by your selection list, I have used several Eshopps skimmers and the conical ones previous to the Axium and Premier series are quite good.

Yeah, I definitely can see that. It's good to know that the hobby has so many good options. I am leaning toward the Eshopps Axium because of the good reviews, the cost, size, and (most importantly) the purple will match my probe holder in the sump.

But I do like that the K2 has a built in drain line for the skimmate... Damn decisions.

 

[gcarroll]

My tank is going to be wrasse-dominant and have frequent feedings, so I don't think this could keep up with the bioload since it is rated up to 80 gallon for light load.

The skimmer is under rated compared to other manufacturers. The only way for a true comparison is to compare height, diameter of mixing chamber and amount of air mixed by the pump.

 

[zsuman101]

I have the tunze. It is very underrated imo. Definitely the best of the bunch listed and it's tunze so you know it works and lasts

 

[gcarroll]

I can't decide which skimmer!

The Somatic and the eshopps are nearly the same size (Somatic is actually 2.5" taller), same diameter, and uses the same pump.

Ask yourself why the Somatic is rated up to 60g and the Eshopps is rated up to 220g.

 

[moondoggy4]

The Somatic is a no frill Vertex Omega 150 skimmer.

 

[kissman]

I think rule is to get a skimmer rated twice the size of tank. Be sure to check out Bulkreefsupply they have a great selection of skimmers and always helpful if you need


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[Swensos]

The Somatic and the eshopps are nearly the same size (Somatic is actually 2.5" taller), same diameter, and uses the same pump.

Ask yourself why the Somatic is rated up to 60g and the Eshopps is rated up to 220g.

You're right; it's probably all marketing. But that just makes it harder to pick.

I think rule is to get a skimmer rated twice the size of tank. Be sure to check out Bulkreefsupply they have a great selection of skimmers and always helpful if you need


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That's the rule I am trying to follow. BRS is usually my go to.

 

[SDboatguy]

The somatic 60 should work fine- I'm using one on my 60x18x20 with a 30g sump. I have 18 or so fish and a mix of SPS and LPS. Only complaint I have with it after 6 months is the air intake is a little noisy. For $200 not bad at all !!

 

[mako61]

Just got the Simplicity 320DC Protein Skimmer for a 120g. Very quiet and well built. So far im happy. I called with some questions and they are also very helpful.

 

[Sk8r]

I went from Coralife (skimmate looks like meltwater from iced tea) to Eshopps on a 102 gallon and get nearly black skimmate when I'm setting it a little tighter. The difference in nitrate level is vast.

 

[John Rambo]

I have a Octopus in my 90 and it works excellent cost about 250.00

 

[John Rambo]

The Octopus is what i use and its awesome