Looking for a skimmer for ~280g

[dzhuo]

I am in the process of planning for my next tank which will be ~280g (180g display + 100g sump and fuge). The first thing I wan to knock off equipment wise is the skimmer. The tank will be mainly SPS with heavy bioload (lots of small fish but no large fish, maybe one tang but that's about it). I want the skimmer to fit in the following requirement (in that order):

1. Needs to handle a heavy 280g; obviously.
2. Needs to be silent or very quiet.
3. Needs to be very energy efficient.
4. Needs to be plug and play. Unfortunately, I am not a DIY guy.
5. Needs to be easy to clean.

So this means if the skimmer is very quiet but isn't as energy efficient, I am ok with it but not the other way around. I have done some research on my own and come up with the following list:

1. BK
2. ATB
3. Reeflo Orca 200
4. WM
5. MSX

I am pretty sure I can't get a BK or ATB (unless it's used and priced well below a new one) but the other 3 might be a possibility. Any advice? Any other skimmers I am not aware of? Thx!

 

[tomasz]

My first choice would be Reeflo 250 and second any large of the MSX.

 

[dzhuo]

So a Reeflo 200 might not be enough?

 

[stunreefer]

I highly recommend ATB's, but I know first hand they're not cheap , however this is one thing I would NOT skimp on.

I would agree with Tomas and go for the 250 over the 200 though... you could post in Reef Specialty forum and see what Jeremy and Mike think. Personally I'd take the Reeflo over the MSX or WM.

Externals always make me nervous though...

 

[dzhuo]

So I take that Reeflo is only external? If so, that's not good.

 

[tomasz]

It is great skimmer, but it is external. So if it overflows you know where it goes. Saying that I do have external.

 

[polywise]

don't worry about external skimmers. Just make sure of 2 things.
depending on space

1- your collection cup drains into a secondary cup that is mounted over your sump. If it overflows atleast it stays in the system.

(I use this )
2- you could use a 5 gallon bucket, and plump a plastic overflow line drilled inthe side wall of the bucket with a quick disconnect back to your sump as a overflow safety. I dump 2-3 gallons of skimmate / week with my ETSS1000 -- every now an then if a slight adjustment produces more it overflows back into the system. Seems to happen 2-3 times /year.

 

[dzhuo]

How is the ETSS1000 skimmer? How quiet is it? Does it require big pump that draws lots of energy?

 

[polywise]

Here is a link to their web site they rate correct pump size

http://www.superskimmer.com/
not the most energy efficent, but do an awesome job, a bit fussy to adjust though

I also ran for many years a MTC single venturi recirculating skimmer. was good, less fussy to adjust.



www.marinetechnical.com/

 

[dzhuo]

I have getten a few PMs to look into the Octo X series skimmer. Does anyone have any experience with that?

 

[DamnPepShrimp]

I'd go with the MSX300. I don't think you can beat it for the money. That is what I plan on using.

 

[dzhuo]

i am pretty sure you will have to mod the MSX300 for better performance correct? if so, i was hoping to get a skimmer that perform great right out of the box. i am seriously consider the following:

http://saltwaterconnection.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=38

 

[Jflip2002]

I dont know about that one DZ. I have an askoll pump on my Octopus, and Im less than pleased with it. Id lean towards the appropriate BK or ATB cone. You cant beat either one, though they are pricey. The Reeflo Orca 250 would be an awesome skimmer as well, youd be pleased with that too.

 

[dzhuo]

Hmmm.... I was told the askoll is one of the best (air draw, power consumption, reliability, quietness, etc) and this particular skimmer will handle a 300g no peoblem. In what way are you not please with it? And what skimmer you switched over to?

 

[BradR]

Listen to the msx on youtube. It's not that quiet. That's why I'm getting a BK.

 

[GSMguy]

ATB 1050 econo.

 

[tomasz]

That is the problem about equipment. Everyone is going to point you in different direction. You just have to make up your mind and go for it. Also don't shoot for the actual galons in your system, over size the skimmer and you will be happy.

 

[8BALL_99]

Any of the 5 you lised would be fine.. Its just a matter of you picking the one you like with the price you can live with. This is like posting what car should I buy. It needs decent MPG but still have good power. Must seat 4 adults.. How many different suggestions would you get? lol... There isn't a single model skimmer that works for everyone. Sorry to say there isn't a standard test for them either.. So at best your just getting opinions.

Edit, FWIW out of the ones you listed I'd probably get the reeflo. I like external skimmers better for a few reasons. Not only does it keep the heat out of the tank but it also keeps one less piece of equipment out of the water. Also they tend to just stay cleaner things dont grown on the outside of them I think the Reeflo offers a very good bang for the buck. Its built well and has a great pump that is backed by the MFG.

 

[dzhuo]

8BALL / Tomasz,
I totally get what you are saying. I mean I have been on this board long enough to witness the countless skimmer threads that comes and go. I am pretty sure either a BK or ATB is going to work for me but they are just so expensive (of course, for a reason). There are lots of new ones coming up that perform relative to these 2 and yet are priced to gain market share. It's those that are newer that I don't have a lot of knowledge of. I was hoping to find a balance between performance, price and quietness.

 

[dzhuo]

So I guess a reeflo 200 will work? or do you think I need to get 250?