MRC Orca Pro 1 skimmer on a 180

[mrpizzaface]

I am in the process of planning for the installation of a 180 gallon display tank. Tank will have a remote sump with a running water level of about 90 gallons. 80 gallon frag tank will be plumbed into the system as well. I anticipate having a fairly heavy bio load.

I am working with a consultant on designing this build and they are recommending I go with a the MRC Orca Pro 1. I love the look of this skimmer and I like the idea of using an external skimmer. I am just afraid it will be too much skimmer and not perform consistently. It is rated for 100-500 gallons. Am I overthinking it?

 

[bidny]

MRC Orca Pro 1 skimmer on a 180

Do you have any concerns about noise, energy efficiency, or price?

The Orca Pro is a very nice skimmer, but it won't be the quietest option due to the powerful external pump. The powerful pump is also less energy efficient than some other options. Additionally, there are some cheaper options that would get you reasonable performance for your tank.

That being said, I think the Orca Pro would be a very nice skimmer for your application.

 

[bidny]

MRC Orca Pro 1 skimmer on a 180

Some other options to consider:

Both the MTC MVX and Lifereef skimmers should get you similar performance with the added benefit of allowing you to chose your own pump. You can go more energy efficient and internal to keep the noise down, while keeping the skimmer external.

I'm a big fan of the Tunze DOC skimmers. A 9415 would be a great option, but this would be an internal skimmer.

I've also had great luck with Reef Octopus. A Reef Octopus Regal external could be a great choice. The DC pump will be quieter and a bit more energy efficient.

All of these options should come in cheaper than the Orca Pro and still perform well.

But again, the Orca is a very nice skimmer. Just throwing out some options.

 

[mrpizzaface]

Some other options to consider:

Both the MTC MVX and Lifereef skimmers should get you similar performance with the added benefit of allowing you to chose your own pump. You can go more energy efficient and internal to keep the noise down, while keeping the skimmer external.

I'm a big fan of the Tunze DOC skimmers. A 9415 would be a great option, but this would be an internal skimmer.

I've also had great luck with Reef Octopus. A Reef Octopus Regal external could be a great choice. The DC pump will be quieter and a bit more energy efficient.

All of these options should come in cheaper than the Orca Pro and still perform well.

But again, the Orca is a very nice skimmer. Just throwing out some options.

I appreciate your responses. I had thought about the Regal Octopus external as well as a Tunze 9430 DC. I had also thought about MTC and Lifereef, I like the idea of being able to use whatever pump I wish. I have had a really hard time deciding between needle wheel or venturi skimmers. This system I am setting up is a pretty big splurge, so I am allowing myself to entertain the more expensive skimmers(MRC, ATB, or Bubble King). Am I just being foolish? If I did go venturi what height should I be looking at.

 

[bidny]

I appreciate your responses. I had thought about the Regal Octopus external as well as a Tunze 9430 DC. I had also thought about MTC and Lifereef, I like the idea of being able to use whatever pump I wish. I have had a really hard time deciding between needle wheel or venturi skimmers. This system I am setting up is a pretty big splurge, so I am allowing myself to entertain the more expensive skimmers(MRC, ATB, or Bubble King). Am I just being foolish? If I did go venturi what height should I be looking at.

Went through the same struggles with skimmer selection for my 300 gallon display build. Ultimately ended up with the MTC MVX. I just like some of the design choices a bit more than the Lifereef.

Some of the needle wheels are quite nice (e.g., Bubble King, Tunze), but I couldn't justify paying more for them than a Venturi. The Venturis are just a great design. I like being able to upgrade the pump in the future and customize to my needs.

As for the height, I think you should be looking at the 30", ideally. Both of these companies (MTC and Lifereef) can make minor adjustments to help you fit it under your stand if needed.

This being said, you will not be disappointed with a Bubble King or Tunze (same with the ATB or MRC), other than potential noise issues with the MRC.

 

[mrpizzaface]

Went through the same struggles with skimmer selection for my 300 gallon display build. Ultimately ended up with the MTC MVX. I just like some of the design choices a bit more than the Lifereef.

Some of the needle wheels are quite nice (e.g., Bubble King, Tunze), but I couldn't justify paying more for them than a Venturi. The Venturis are just a great design. I like being able to upgrade the pump in the future and customize to my needs.

As for the height, I think you should be looking at the 30", ideally. Both of these companies (MTC and Lifereef) can make minor adjustments to help you fit it under your stand if needed.

This being said, you will not be disappointed with a Bubble King or Tunze (same with the ATB or MRC), other than potential noise issues with the MRC.

What pump are you using with your MTC?

 

[bidny]

What pump are you using with your MTC?

I'm currently using a Jebao DCS-12000 pump. You can find a lot more out about various configurations here:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2519839

Lots of great pump options out there. If money were no object, I'd love to try an Abyzz or Red Dragon with this skimmer.

 

[bidny]

BTW, the next generation Jebao pumps (DCP series) are out as well. The DCP-15000, DCP-18000, and DCP-20000 are all stronger than the DCS-12000 that I'm using.