MRC Orca

[Joel_155]

So always thinking and planning my next build. It's a while off ( when I buy my next house so a while....) but what the hell. My next tank is going to be a 180 ( 48x36x24) and I'm thinking about a badass skimmer. Is an MRC Orca TOO much skimmer for that size tank? I want an external skimmer and that one looks amazing. Any thoughts on this? Thanks all!

 

[ksed]

Get the smallest one.

 

[Joel_155]

Yeah I was going to get the small version ( $1300 I think ). I figure with a tank that big you want a badass skimmer!

 

[viggen]

Seen a few of the original versions of that skimmer run and for its size, noise and power draw I think there are much better options. Heard a few times they have improved on its impeller....

 

[Joel_155]

Okay good feedback. Ideally I would like to get an external skimmer that would be badass. Its going to be the primary method of filtration aside from a decent sized ATS.

 

[bernie lyons]

badass skimmer

badass skimmer

Here is an MTC "badass" external skimmer, dual mazzei venturi recirculating design that gives you total control over "air & water" interaction. - "Balanced to perfection" !
This very same skimmer I sold to a client and is quite quiet !

 

[sirreal63]

Here is an MTC "badass" external skimmer, dual mazzei venturi recirculating design that gives you total control over "water & air" interaction. - "Balanced to perfection" skimmer !
This very same skimmer I sold to a client and is quite quiet !

Are you selling these things or something? Don't you think may be a bit much for a 180 gallon tank?

 

[bernie lyons]

mtc

mtc

Are you selling these things or something? Don't you think may be a bit much for a 180 gallon tank?

I am just a hobbiest , however , for a 180 tank this skimmer would be perfectly "balanced" IMO .

 

[Joel_155]

Looks really cool however I'm not that much of a DIYer. I can plumb a tank and come up with small things hers and there but anything major and I burn out. I would want something plug and play aside from hard plumbing into the system.

 

[bernie lyons]

plumbing

plumbing

Looks really cool however I'm not that much of a DIYer. I can plumb a tank and come up with small things hers and there but anything major and I burn out. I would want something plug and play aside from hard plumbing into the system.

I hear what you are saying Joel , this skimmer is easy to plumb , all that is needed is a simple hose from a small feed pump from your sump to feed water into the bottom box and a hose coming out from the bottom (box) of the skimmer to feed back to the sump - that's it ,quite simple. All external skimmers require the same plumbing anyways...
These skimmers are assembled from the factory (pump and all the plumbing into and out the injectors,ect) short of putting the long reaction tube on top of the base (box) and placing the cup on top of the reaction tube. You simply screw these down with the nylon screws provided.

 

[ksed]

MTC Orca's from what I understand are quite good. They are using these skimmers at the California Academy of science. They are very much happy with them.Here is a quick review on ************.
http://************.com/2010/04/30/orca-pro-skimmer-from-myreef-creation-a-mega-review-for-jumbo-protein-skimmer/

 

[ksed]

that is Reefbuil_ers

 

[viggen]

Many people are happy with the reef octopus skimmers..... However not sure how well balanced they are. I have always looked at their products more to hit a cheap price point. Their sro or super reef octopus seems to be their best.... They also have their diablo line with the new dc pumps, several companies have similar products.

Bubble king has their delux line, many claim are excellent with silent operation (use a very expensive red dragon pump) and are extremely well made

A US made option is reef dynamics. Their have a few models that would work for you from their xrc line. Eheim pumps are their better pump brand and are also very quiet if that's a concern.

If you need a quiet//silent pump I would try to stick with a needle/pinwheel

If noise isn't a concern then the mtc or orca should do the trick.

 

[ksed]

orca is a pinwheel pump

 

[Arthur1]

Joel, I personally am a skimmer nut, but that's not a bad thing right? I have the "old" reeflo Orca 200 skimmer set up on a clients 180 gallon softy/lps aquarium that also has a 75 gallon sump (running just above the 50 percent volume mark on the sump) as well as a refugium. I also have the orca 250 on a different aquarium. The orca 200, I can honestly tell you that I'm very pleased and impressed with. For its size, it's a hell of a skimmer and I would replace the 250 with one if I could. There are many great skimmers on the market and many that are not, but you won't go wrong with this one. HTH.

 

[Timber77]

for that kinda money check out the t5000 aqua medic and the bigger life reefs,
tall skimmers have longer dwell time, something many of the current shipped from china in small boxes type skimmers dont mention, but its a real factor in performance.