Looking into a new Skimmer need help? Thanks

[J4Life]

Okay so I have seen some pretty decent prices on skimmers particularly with the Octopus models and the ASM models. Since I am a reefer who hates paying lots of money on overpriced equipment and I am always looking for the best way to stretch my dollar what would you recommend for a skimmer on my current 75 gallon tank with 20 gallon sump? I don't care if it is over kill or not. My main goal here is to upgrade to 225 gallon tank so I want a skimmer that can work now and allow me to use it on my new tank in the future.

I was thinking of the ASM G3 but I can't get a baseline for as to how well they perform. I also like the Octopus skimmers and I noticed the GEO is making a skimmer now as well, but can't find pricing or what size tank they're rated for.

Deltec's and other High skimmers are out of the question so please do not recommend them.

Thanks,
Bill

 

[I like Triggers]

i have a g3 on my 80 with a 30g sump and i plan to use it on my 225 soon. while my 225 is cycling though, i plan to borrow an octopus downdraft skimmer from my friend who happens to have an extra

 

[J4Life]

I like Triggers,

Thanks. What made you decide to by the G3? By the way I like triggers too! Just don't have any in my 75.

 

[bskiba]

the only octopus I would put on a 225 would be the biggest recirc. i got one for my75 and love it. or you can go with a g4x. other than that you will need to buy a new skimmer if you go smaller. the plus of the octopus is it can be run external to free up some space in your sump.

 

[ERICN]

I would recommend the octopus recirculating skimmer or the trigger systems skimmer

 

[J4Life]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7818036#post7818036 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ERICN
I would recommend the octopus recirculating skimmer or the trigger systems skimmer

Never heard of a trigger systems skimmer and what is wrong with the ASM G3? It is rated for a 250 per the manufacture so excuse my ignorance.

I appreciate the recommendations but please provide a reason along with your statement. Although experience is always great I would like logical answers as well.

Thanks,
Bill

 

[mg426]

I Use a G3 and it works awesome.

 

[bskiba]

if you want true ratings look at the Euroreef website. they are a sponsor towards the bottom of the sponsor page. you really need an 8inch skimmer for 200 gallons. Asm's are the same thing as Er but lower quality.

 

[da colts]

trigger systems skimmers are becket driven, very well made and cool looking red acryllic

 

[J4Life]

Does anyone have the web site?

Thanks,
Bill

 

[da colts]

triggersystems.com

 

[J4Life]

Thanks. I think I like the easiness of the ASM skimmers or the Octopus skimmers still.

 

[J4Life]

How does this one compare for a 225 gallon tank?

Octopus NW-200 Needle-Wheel
Protein Skimmer*
PS-CV-OCT-NW-200

http://www.aquacave.com/detail.aspx?ID=496

Anyone using this model skimmer on a large reef tank with SPS and fish? Price is very reasonable for my budget as well.

Thanks,
Bill

 

[bskiba]

I would say it would be a decent sized skimmer. I have seen worse that were succesful. but it depends on what else you have in your tank. but the overall answer is yes. compare to a Euroreef cs 180 by euroreef which is 24" by 8". the recirc is 29" which is the size of the rc 240 by ER. teh CS 180 is rated to 180 gallon tank so it is close.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7819321#post7819321 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by J4Life
How does this one compare for a 225 gallon tank?

Octopus NW-200 Needle-Wheel
Protein Skimmer*
PS-CV-OCT-NW-200

http://www.aquacave.com/detail.aspx?ID=496

Anyone using this model skimmer on a large reef tank with SPS and fish? Price is very reasonable for my budget as well.

Thanks,
Bill

 

[jimbo045]

SeaClone 150 I say.. JD

 

[willey25]

I have one of each, an ASM and an Octopus. Both are great skimmers, but the Octopus are a little cheaper. The next skimmer I get will be another Octopus.

 

[J4Life]

What size tank are you using it on and do you have any pictures of the skimmate from it?

Thanks everyone for your comments. I am still torn though. Can anyone make a strong enough argument based on experience, price, and relative effectiveness of the skimmers I mentioned above.

It sounds like the Octopus would be my cheapest choice, but unless it is a recirculating model I might be wasting my money. Would that be true and if so then the price gets more costly.

 

[Ereefic]

I just got the NW-200 yesterday and this morning it started skimming. It is in a 100gal. rubbermaid at the moment with LR, a few fish and corals. It will be going on a 160ish gal. system in coming weeks.

So far, it's doing a good job. I'm new to NW's so getting used to it.

Here's a couple of pics:

 

[J4Life]

Ereefic thanks for the pictures. That is some pretty impressive skimmate for a skimmer that cost only $200. Can you tell me who the pump is made by?

 

[Ereefic]

I think they are Haleia(sp?) or something, chinese pump. Apparently, they look like an ocean runner pump and others have said an OR pump would fit right up.

This link should take you to a pick of the pump:

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=7725252#post7725252