need recommendations skimmer for 210
- Thread starter LisaD
- Start date
That will be tricky to get a skimmer into there unless you are able to pull the sump out...if you are then it seems like there are many skimmers that would fit.
Also, does the water level change in this compartment? If so, you would likely want a recirc skimmer so the water level change doesn't mess with the settings or skimmate production.
Also, does the water level change in this compartment? If so, you would likely want a recirc skimmer so the water level change doesn't mess with the settings or skimmate production.
Dan,
I could fit the MSX 200, but NOT the 250. I'm not sure the 200 model Octopus would have the clearance (it is 24.75" tall).
I have a 20" tall Euroreef in there now, but it's not nearly enough skimmer. I can pretty easily get to the collection cup. However, I can't pull the sump out.
Given this information, do you think the BK200 or BK250 is the best bet?
I was editing while you were. 
Water level can vary about three inches - I don't have an automatic top-off or anything.
So, for a recirculating skimmer, are there options besides the BK250? So far, I'm leaning toward this skimmer, but want to be sure I'll be happy with it after I spend that kind of money.
Water level can vary about three inches - I don't have an automatic top-off or anything.So, for a recirculating skimmer, are there options besides the BK250? So far, I'm leaning toward this skimmer, but want to be sure I'll be happy with it after I spend that kind of money.
Are you fighting a nutrient issue with your current skimmer? If not, then why not save your money for your new system in a few years? Your plan to adopt those 2 large fish is a good one and could easily buy you a few more years with your other fish.
You could tweak on your current skimmer and get it 50% more efficient.
You could tweak on your current skimmer and get it 50% more efficient.
I would always go bigger if $$$ allows. I would make sure that the water level stays constant though so you can set it up better.
I'd go with the bigger one....maybe it is a guy thing, but you're already in that deep, what's a couple hundred more. Allows you to feed better without suffering on a smaller skimmer as much.
I'd go with the bigger one....maybe it is a guy thing, but you're already in that deep, what's a couple hundred more. Allows you to feed better without suffering on a smaller skimmer as much.
That water level changing like that isn't going to do you any favors. You can recirc a skimmer, but it is still expensive for the other pump and parts and is scary taking a drill to equipment. I'd see if you couldn't add some baffles to the skimmer chamber to keep it a constant level. I had a sump built just for that reason to give the new skimmer 9.5" to sit in, just what is suggested.
So I would keep looking first, or see if that is causing your current skimmer issues. You've got some good planning/thinking still to do!
So I would keep looking first, or see if that is causing your current skimmer issues. You've got some good planning/thinking still to do!
Dan,
Thanks a lot for the help, I really appreciate it.
To clarify, I don't have any skimmer issues at this time. Water quality is fine, for now. The skimmer I have is simply underpowered for this sized tank and stocking rate. It is an older model Euroreef (the one with the foam piece). It may be a CS-5 or -6 - whatever it is, I'm sure it's not rated for over 135 gallons. I bought it several years ago as a blem, and don't recall the model number,but it fits the dimensions of the CS-100 (http://commerce03.i2net.com/able55n...rotein-Skimmer--SALE--with-Bayonet-P16C6.aspx) - mine is just 20" tall, and that gives me barely enough clearance to unscrew the collection cup for cleaning.
It pulls plenty of foam, and I clean it often. It's actually never been used until I recently put it on the 210. I was going to try to cram an AquaC EV-120 in there with it, but I dropped the #&*% AquaC last week and broke it due to being nagged by my husband to put it on a shelf with no room. He did not understand why I got red in the face and cussed him out after I broke it. He has no idea how much it cost.
Thanks for the suggestions on the sump. I may actually be fine, I may just have it overfilled, let me check.
jda,
for the reason stated above, I do need another skimmer. It's really a toss-up between one rated for a ~200 gallon system, or one rated higher. I want the best value, obviously, but am willing to pay more for performance. I'm also limited by the space in my sump.
If I ever get a larger system, it will require a larger house. No plans to move soon, so I need to live with the 210 for at least five years.
Thanks a lot for the help, I really appreciate it.
To clarify, I don't have any skimmer issues at this time. Water quality is fine, for now. The skimmer I have is simply underpowered for this sized tank and stocking rate. It is an older model Euroreef (the one with the foam piece). It may be a CS-5 or -6 - whatever it is, I'm sure it's not rated for over 135 gallons. I bought it several years ago as a blem, and don't recall the model number,but it fits the dimensions of the CS-100 (http://commerce03.i2net.com/able55n...rotein-Skimmer--SALE--with-Bayonet-P16C6.aspx) - mine is just 20" tall, and that gives me barely enough clearance to unscrew the collection cup for cleaning.
It pulls plenty of foam, and I clean it often. It's actually never been used until I recently put it on the 210. I was going to try to cram an AquaC EV-120 in there with it, but I dropped the #&*% AquaC last week and broke it due to being nagged by my husband to put it on a shelf with no room. He did not understand why I got red in the face and cussed him out after I broke it. He has no idea how much it cost.
Thanks for the suggestions on the sump. I may actually be fine, I may just have it overfilled, let me check.
jda,
for the reason stated above, I do need another skimmer. It's really a toss-up between one rated for a ~200 gallon system, or one rated higher. I want the best value, obviously, but am willing to pay more for performance. I'm also limited by the space in my sump.
If I ever get a larger system, it will require a larger house.
No plans to move soon, so I need to live with the 210 for at least five years.
Last edited:
T-T-Trigger
Premium Member
FWIW Lisa, I have a friend who usually never settles for anything but top-of-the-line cutting edge equipment. And he just ordered the Octopus Extreme after alot of research - so maybe add that to your "bang for your buck" list.
As for sizing dilemnas .... can you get a new stand?? (thinking outside the box
)
As for sizing dilemnas .... can you get a new stand?? (thinking outside the box
)
kau_cinta_ku
New member
my first choice would be th Octopus Extreme 200
* Recommended for tanks up to 225 gallons with average bio load.
* Height: 22.75"
* Body Diameter: 8"
* Footprint: 11.5" X 13.5"
* Recommended for tanks up to 225 gallons with average bio load.
* Height: 22.75"
* Body Diameter: 8"
* Footprint: 11.5" X 13.5"
I'll look into the Octopus further, thanks!
T-t-trigger, for now, I'm going to stick with the stock stand, but may change later. I just got the darned thing set up, don't want to tear it down for a while yet. If I had realized that the manufacturers stand was so limiting, I would have set it up with a taller stand as selected a sump with a larger chamber.
However, the price was right... This was my mom's tank, which she found too difficult to care for due to health problems, and she gave it to me. She had it set up as a reef (her FIRST marine tank) and it was gorgeous! I'll never have it looking so good. Of course, she is retired and could spend a lot more time messing with it.
T-t-trigger, for now, I'm going to stick with the stock stand, but may change later. I just got the darned thing set up, don't want to tear it down for a while yet. If I had realized that the manufacturers stand was so limiting, I would have set it up with a taller stand as selected a sump with a larger chamber.
However, the price was right... This was my mom's tank, which she found too difficult to care for due to health problems, and she gave it to me. She had it set up as a reef (her FIRST marine tank) and it was gorgeous! I'll never have it looking so good. Of course, she is retired and could spend a lot more time messing with it.
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