Pick out a skimmer for me

[fordracing19]

Display is a 156 and sump holds 35 gal. including fuge and return portion. Only have 13.5x14.5 to hold the skimmer.

 

[Jeremy B.]

Hi,

First and foremost what kind of budget are you working with? There are excellent skimmers in the lower end of things, as well as the extreme high end of things. Give me an idea where you want to be at.

Also, is this more of an ultra low nutrient sps system, or a mixed reef where that's not as much as a focus?

Thanks,
Jeremy

 

[fordracing19]

Just setting it up now. Going mixed reef. Thinking of less than $500

 

[Jeremy B.]

I would recommend taking a look at the following skimmers:

Vertex IN-250
- Excellent bang for the buck skimmer. one of the best "tried and true" skimmer bodies on the market as far as design goes. There were some hiccups with the Resun pumps on these when they first come out, however that has been fixed.
http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merc...een=PROD&Product_Code=VX-IN250&Category_Code=

Coralvue Octopus Extreme 250
Definitely an upgrade over the IN-250, and the price reflects it, however for what youre getting at the price it's an excellent choice. The two Sicce's on this size body work out pretty well. The Extreme 200 which is a step down is under powered for the body size with only 1 Sicce pump in my opinion.
http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merc...n=PROD&Product_Code=CV-EXT-250&Category_Code=

Vertex IN-280
Again you're using the same awesome body design of the Vertex, only going to a 10" body with this one. The pump is sized appropriatly and works very well with the matched size body. This would be an upgrade from the Extreme 250 skimmer at a lower price.
http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merc...OD&Product_Code=VX-IN280&Category_Code=Vertex

Let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks,
Jeremy

 

[fordracing19]

So the Vertex in-280 should "kick butt" for my size tank if I stock it heavy?

 

[Jeremy B.]

The IN-280 would rock out on your system!

 

[fordracing19]

How does an ATI bubble master 200 compare? Do any of these leave lots of microbubbles in the sump?

 

[fordracing19]

How does an ATI bubble master 200 compare? Do any of these leave lots of microbubbles in the sump? Looking again at the in280 I dont think it will fit.

 

[fordracing19]

maybe it would fit with the pump in the corner?

 

[Jeremy B.]

I would lean towards the IN-250 then. Both the ATI and Extreme utilize the Sicce pumps, which I am personally not a huge fan of. The Extreme Sicce pumps with the pinwheels do work much better than the meshwheel Bubble Master however when it comes to startup, etc.

 

[fordracing19]

What pump is on the in-250 now? I see 145w listed on the net on some sites.

 

[Jeremy B.]

It is still using the Resun pump, which pulls 1020LPH of air and 55w. I know the Resun's get knocked a lot, however with the new design shaft and impeller they have worked really well, with no issues at all.

 

[fordracing19]

Thanks for all your help.