more skimmer questions

[shecter]

im trying to pull the trigger on a new skimmer but not sure on what to choose. there are 3 im looking at right now.

swc xtreme 180 cone skimmer
The ORIGINAL Xtreme protein skimmer! Comes with a Sicce psk 2500 pump.
An integrated removable bubble plate to help reduce turbulence within the protein skimmer.
Fully disassemble, due to the removable base plate.
Perfectly balenced body and neck.
Adjustable air intake for fine air flow adjustment.
Gate valve pipe output allows you to adjust the skimmer and have precision control of the water level.
Custom pin wheel impeller. 900-1100 lph of air pull using custom impeller. Air number will vary depending on aquarium set up and testing methods.
These are real numbers not hyped numbers. Draws less than 25 watts of electricity per pump.Quick release neck on the collection cup - requires 1/2 inch of clearance to remove the cup.
In sump skimmers only.
Recommended water depth 7-9 inches.
Foot Print:
LxWxH in inches
9*8*21

reef octo extreme xs200
The Reef Octopus Extreme XS skimmer provides you with high performance features in an easy to use package. Quick starting and energy efficient Italian Sicce PSK-1000 pump gives you more foam with a star wheel pinwheel impeller for improved airflow and more bubbles. 8 inch diameter Cone-neck eases transition of bubbles into the collection cup. Quick-release necks provide easy cleaning. A gate valve output allows for easier skimmer adjustments over ball valves and wedge pipes. Designed for in sump use only. Up to 200 gallons. 15 in. x 23 in. Powered by one Italian made Sicce PSK-1000 pump (880 gph, 30W)

bubble magus nac8
NAC8 Features "¢full-cone skimmer body to allow smooth transition of skimmate to the collection cup
"¢needle wheel pump with venturi intake that produces just the right amount and size of air bubbles
"¢bubble plate to reduce the turbulence in the reaction chamber
"¢collection cup drain to reduce maintenance frequency
"¢compact footprint that allows easy installation
NAC8 Specifications "¢Tank Capability : 130G-211G
"¢Pump: Atman ph3000
"¢Air intake : 540L/H
"¢Pump power: 110V 60Hz
"¢Dimensions: 11.2"L x 9.06"W x 20.47"H
"¢Water Level :9.5"-11"


the smaller the footprint the better and i want a skimming beast. these three are all in the same price range and the same footprint range im looking for. which one would be best? most reliable? power saving? what else should i look for. ive been looking for a few weeks and still cant make up my mind. all 3 of these get good reviews for the most part. are the pumps good?:headwalls: lol

 

[gar732]

Of the three you've listed I'd go with the reef octopus. It has a true gate valve for easy adjustments and the psk1000 is a good pump.

The swc has the psk2500 which means start up issues and its not a true gate valve just a wedge pipe with a knob.

The BM is a full cone but comes with an atman pump which I will pass on every time and again no gate valve which I've come to really appreciate.

 

[shecter]

the nac 7 uses a different pump and i dont lose much in terms of what it can handle. does this look better?

Bubble Magus NAC7 In Sump Needle Wheel Protein Skimmer w/ Bubble Plate Information






The Bubble-Magus NAC7 Cone skimmer is practical and highly efficient. This skimmer offers innovative features at an affordable price: which makes it a great value.

NAC7 Features •full-cone skimmer body to allow smooth transition of skimmate to the collection cup
•needle wheel pump with venturi intake that produces just the right amount and size of air bubbles
•bubble plate to reduce the turbulence in the reaction chamber
•collection cup drain to reduce maintenance frequency
•compact footprint that allows easy installation
NAC7 Specifications •Tank Capability : 130G-185G

•Pump: SP2000

•Air intake : 520L/H
•Pump power: 16W, 110V 60Hz

•Max Chamber Diameter: 9"
•Dimensions: 9.4"L x 7.8"W x 20.0"H

•Water Level :9.5"-11"

 

[Rwinfrey]

Gate valve, wedge pipe is all preference ...I prefer wedge pipe.
Psk 1000 it's all about the pump have you looked at the seaside aquatics skimmers I am running one right now and like it although rumor has it I might be upgrading in the next few months(as my wife roles her eyes)

 

[shecter]

No I haven't seen them anywhere. Where are they sold?

 

[Rwinfrey]

Joe can get them or salty supply

 

[Phishguy]

I've been using a nac7 for about 4 years now.. For a while on a 75g with 30g sump, and then a 120g with about another 60g between sump and cube all plumbed together.. I have had no trouble with it over the years and it's always done a good job.. Not saying it's the best one for you but it's served me well..

~Jon~