Need a suggestion for a protein skimmer

[mjrwingnut]

Hey guys,

I need suggestion for a protein skimmer, for a 80 gal reef setup with a 20 gal sump.

and if anyone knews where I can get a good deal on one too

-MjrWingnut

 

[bored4long]

I would suggest a euroreef rs135 or rs80 depending on bioload.

For a good deal, I have a used turboflotor 1000 for sale. PM me if interested.

 

[pbetito]

If you can afford it, the bubble king skimmers and the H&S are a little more effective than the euro reefs but you pay for the difference $$$$. If money is an issue the ASM skimmers are cheaper and are IMO just as effective with the mods. Davey (KBDLOVE) swears by the DAS skimmers as well. I have never tried that one but it seems to get good reviews and runs off a better pump. I have tried all of the others and run a H&S currently myself.

 

[kdblove_99]

Yeah, Love my DAS EX1. They bought Deltecs old design and sell these for a fraction of the cost the EX1 is exactly like a Deltec APF600

http://www.deltecusa.us/proteinskimmers/apf600.php

http://stores.petorama.net/catalog/EX1_Large.jpg


ex 1 stats DAS external skimmer.
One Pump for aquariums up to 125 gallons.
Skimmer dimensions: 15.4"x7.1"x23.4"
Mixing tube diameter: 5"
Collection neck diameter: 3"

one is $800+ the other $285

By the way those Deltec capicty numbers are a joke that skimmer nor the Ex 1 could come close to handling a 270G or 200 heavy load.

DAS rates EX1 for 125 gallons that is more like it.I would not use it on anything bigger than that either. I have a 60 cube with 55 sump with baffles so its close to 110 gallons total

 

[Tilmo2180]

I have that same setup and I have a euroreef RS80 its working real well.

 

[poissons]

What about a Coral Life model? I see them in the stores all the time and they look like they can do the job.

 

[thebest3]

have a octopus 150 needle whee(new pump)l..pm if interested..

 

[Jim_S]

Whats your budget?

It all depends on what you are looking for. Do you want something that is really high quality? Or something that is cost-effective?

The DAS will be the best bang for your buck, but you have to be careful with any skimmer that runs an aquabee pump. They have a small flap inside that ALWAYS gets stuck if you don't maintain the pump. Too much neglect will = needing a new pump. If you take care of it, you'll have a good skimmer for a long time.

I also like the H&S skimmers. The smaller models also use an aquabee pump. They are a much better build quality than the DAS, but a lot of people don't see as much value there (I put it WAY up there). These are not cheap. I owned an A150, and would buy another.

ER skimmers are kinda middle of the road right now. They're RC line competes with Deltecs and H&S on models RC180 and up because they use the same pump and basically the same body sizes. The lower models uses sedra or gen-x pumps, so they don't get as much love. The RS line is more budget friendly and you get a really good mix of price/build quality/performance.

There are a couple of newbies to the market as well. ATB looks to be making some REALLY high quality stuff. If I ever decide to get a new skimmer, its going to be an ATB. These are really expensive too.

MSX-extreme looks to have a nice skimmer out too.

For a tank your size, don't buy anything too big. 5"-6" reaction chamber with a pump that draws around 500-600lph of air.


Jim

 

[muttley101]

I just bought an ATI Bubblemaster 160.... and had a coralife for a while....

what a world of diffence, I was like *** when I saw the skimmate come out of the bubblemaster....

It skimmed so much more the coral life that I had that I wanted to say sorry to my corals and fish for all the waste that was still in the water prior to the ATI.

But like all things in this hobby... there are many products out there. Just make sure your purchase doesnt end up in the closet with all the other cheap stuff you may have bought...

Sometimes you do get what you pay for.... the trick is to pay for it only once...

lol, but to answer your question.... BubbleKing, ATI, OctoPro, Reeflo, ATB Conical, SWC Extreem, DAS , H&S... look in the equipment forums as there are many user reviews of these skimmers.

-mutt

 

[quan325i]

I had really good performance from an AquaC Remora Pro with Mag3 pump on my old 75gal tank. It was a FOWLR tank and the Remora handled it with ease.

QN

 

[mjrwingnut]

My budget is about $350, I would love to get best bang for my buck.

 

[pbetito]

I would reccomend an H&S 150 like Jim said. That is what I run. I am looking to upgrade soon as I am moving to a 220 gallon from a 120 and may be willing to sell mine. Let me move my new tank in the house and if you are interested I would probably give you a smoking deal on the skimmer. I should know by friday at the latest.