Please recommend me a skimmer

N

Nrupaw

Member
Can you good folks recommend me a good protein skimmer? I am currently setting up a 150 Gal, which is going to be a SPS dominant tank.

I am working with a budget of $450-550. Anything good and reliable you can point me towards?



P.S. I was really hoping to buy a used Vertex Alpha 200 but can't seem to find any. if anyone has a used Vertex Alpha, please PM me :cool:
 
What kind of bioload do you plan to have and how heavy do you plan on feeding? Also are you planning any type of carbon dosing ie: biopellets?
 
bazzar1986 said:
What kind of bioload do you plan to have and how heavy do you plan on feeding? Also are you planning any type of carbon dosing ie: biopellets?
Click to expand...


Well, not quite sure on bioload as yet but let's aim for large bioload and heavy feeding. I feel having a larger skimmer might be better than an undersized one

Never done carbon dosing in the past. Have just run gfo and activated carbon

Hope that info helps
 
Id personaly recommend a Reef Octopus SRO 2000 In-Sump Protein Skimmer. I run one on my 125g with 2 tangs and 12 other smaller fish and feed fairly heavy and Id say it still needs more of a load to skim better (still skims great though). I Sized mine with intensions of adding a biopellet reactor and I am sure it would skim better if I added one.
 
bazzar1986 said:
Id personaly recommend a Reef Octopus SRO 2000 In-Sump Protein Skimmer. I run one on my 125g with 2 tangs and 12 other smaller fish and feed fairly heavy and Id say it still needs more of a load to skim better (still skims great though). I Sized mine with intensions of adding a biopellet reactor and I am sure it would skim better if I added one.
Click to expand...


Good to know. How long you been running the skimmer? Is it quiet?
 
2 1/2 years or so, but it started as a classic 150, I Upgraded the pump about 1 1/2 years ago to make it a sro 2000 be warned they like to be close to 5.5" to run right if you do get one. Yes its about as quiet as they come, my return hums louder.
 
bazzar1986 said:
2 1/2 years or so, but it started as a classic 150, I Upgraded the pump about 1 1/2 years ago to make it a sro 2000 be warned they like to be close to 5.5" to run right if you do get one. Yes its about as quiet as they come, my return hums louder.
Click to expand...


Got it. This helps... Thanks!
 
bazzar1986 said:
Id personaly recommend a Reef Octopus SRO 2000 In-Sump Protein Skimmer. I run one on my 125g with 2 tangs and 12 other smaller fish and feed fairly heavy and Id say it still needs more of a load to skim better (still skims great though). I Sized mine with intensions of adding a biopellet reactor and I am sure it would skim better if I added one.
Click to expand...

I'd be careful with the SRO 2000. I have a 120g DT and it's been extremely difficult to dial in. As Bazzar mentioned it needs more of a load to skim better. It's rated at 150g minimum, which is where you're at. The gate valve that comes with the skimmer is touchy. It's not smooth like a Spears valve when dialing in. The rest of the skimmer though is good quality. The pump is solid as well. It is very quiet. In fact, if you want to buy mine, it's only a year old.
 
Johnseye said:
I'd be careful with the SRO 2000. I have a 120g DT and it's been extremely difficult to dial in. As Bazzar mentioned it needs more of a load to skim better. It's rated at 150g minimum, which is where you're at. The gate valve that comes with the skimmer is touchy. It's not smooth like a Spears valve when dialing in. The rest of the skimmer though is good quality. The pump is solid as well. It is very quiet. In fact, if you want to buy mine, it's only a year old.
Click to expand...


Thanks for the info. I appreciate it.

In case if I decide to go with the Sro I will pm you. Give me a couple days, cool?
 
Folks, my buddy has a Vertex Omega 150 for sale. what's the general view on those? would that work for my 150 gal?
 
Nrupaw said:
Can you good folks recommend me a good protein skimmer? I am currently setting up a 150 Gal, which is going to be a SPS dominant tank.

I am working with a budget of $450-550. Anything good and reliable you can point me towards?



P.S. I was really hoping to buy a used Vertex Alpha 200 but can't seem to find any. if anyone has a used Vertex Alpha, please PM me :cool:
Click to expand...

I'd pass on the Alpha 200. It's too large for your system and because of the large neck diameter, that skimmer will not be consistent on your tank. I have a lot of experience with the Alpha's here both as a previous owner and somebody that has helped countless forum members with them. It's not a good choice for you. Trust me.
 
slief said:
I'd pass on the Alpha 200. It's too large for your system and because of the large neck diameter, that skimmer will not be consistent on your tank. I have a lot of experience with the Alpha's here both as a previous owner and somebody that has helped countless forum members with them. It's not a good choice for you. Trust me.
Click to expand...


Good to know. I have always heard good stuff about them. The lfs had recommended a vertex alpha to me but the $950 price tag is very much out of range. So was thinking of used ones
 
Been nothing but happy with Reef Octopus.

Have a Regal 300SSS on our display and a DCS300 (overkill...) on our frag tank.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

S
Why do oversized protein skimmers not adequately remove protein from a tank?
Replies
17
Views
3K
Guygettnby
Guygettnby
Guygettnby
Stuck between 2 skimmers...
Replies
12
Views
2K
Guygettnby
Guygettnby
D
New- skimmer question
Replies
3
Views
1K
Guygettnby
Guygettnby
W
HOB Skimmer
Replies
5
Views
897
herostar
H
M
New 37g saltwater tank
Replies
18
Views
2K
Elmareefer
E
Back
Top