Protein Skimm, where to begin?

[thejamesvolta]

I know...another noob thread

I am kind of lost when it comes to protein skimmers. There are so many different variates to choose from; in the sump, out of the sump, big, small, etc.

Where can I find some general information? And what would you guys look into for an ENTRY LEVEL protein skimmer? I won't have a lot of extra cash since I am starting from scratch almost and will upgrade later. I will have a total of approximately 75 gallons, a 55gal long plust a 20 gallon (just bought today) rubbermaid sump. So with that in mind, what kind of protein skimmer should I be looking at?

 

[jer77]

Get a Euro-Reef RS-80 or RS-100. It comes with the right pump, its reliable, efficient, very easy to use-great for beginners and experts, and used by many reefers. It may be moderately expensive, buts well worth it IME.

 

[wild fin]

yeah i second the euro reefs. i purchased the rs250. love it. was my first skimmer and let me tell ya. very easy to use.

 

[Andrew]

I would start out with a simple needle wheel and you can always upgrade. Like stated, I would go with a euro-reef, ASM, Ocotpus skimmer, or something else similar. All skimmers I listed are very good and will work great on your tank and don't have a huge price tag. Keep in mind that it's always a good idea to have a skimmer thats rated higher than your total tank volume. In your case, if you'r tank system would be 150 gallons total, than I would aim for a skimmer that can handle around a 180-300 gallon tank.

 

[thejamesvolta]

I understand.

 

[Bambalam]

If you decide to go without a sump I would highly recommend a Aqua C Remora Pro hang-on skimmer.

 

[magdelan]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10244419#post10244419 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Bambalam
If you decide to go without a sump I would highly recommend a Aqua C Remora Pro hang-on skimmer.

Or with sump... the Aqua C EV series

 

[cplklegg]

Just don't get the SeacloWne piece of junk.

 

[greggnyce]

I got an asm and it works great. Better to spend the money now on a good skimmer because upgrading means just adding the cost of the new skimmer on top of the cost of the old skimmer.

 

[SaltyDr]

Definitely get a good skimmer. If money is tight look at getting a used one. Try to avoid the "I'll upgrade later" metality because in the long run you end up spending a lot more. try to do it right the first time.

 

[sjm817]

The ER RS80 "promo" skimmer for $178 would be a good one for that setup.

 

[Avi]

Re: Protein Skimm, where to begin?

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10244252#post10244252 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by thejamesvolta
I am kind of lost when it comes to protein skimmers. There are so many different variates to choose from; in the sump, out of the sump, big, small, etc.

Where can I find some general information? And what would you guys look into for an ENTRY LEVEL protein skimmer? I won't have a lot of extra cash since I am starting from scratch almost and will upgrade later. I will have a total of approximately 75 gallons, a 55gal long plust a 20 gallon (just bought today) rubbermaid sump. So with that in mind, what kind of protein skimmer should I be looking at?

Well, skimmers can at first, be a little confusing because of all the selections available. Broadly, you can go with a skimmer in the sump or out of the sump....it depends on a few considerations including the amount of room you have in the sump and the amount of room you might have to sacrifice from what would otherwise be a refugium, etc. Also, if you have it outside the sump, you can plumb the pump for your skimmer outside of the sump, too, which would reduce the amount of heat transfer to your water that you'd get, if that's a concern. Some skimmers, like the Aqua-C EV series, can be plumbed either inside or outside the sump...Others, can only be placed in the sump, so you have to look at the skimmer's specifications before you make your choice, depending on where it's going to be.

There are so many choices that I'd suggest you decide on where it will be placed and then post here again for some good recommendations.

 

[xian]

Well put Avi.

 

[Wett Hands]

Another Great skimmer (albeit a little pricey) are Tunze skimmers.

I have the 9015 DOC skimmer...

-Pretty much plug 'n play skimmer, easy to setup/install

-Works like a champ. Most people say that there is a 'break in' period of a week or so for new skimmers but mine was pulling tea colored skimate in 24 hours.

- Can be used in a sump or in the tank if there no space for a sump.

 

[Henry Bowman]

I run an H&S. Probably a little more than you want to spend. I understand the DAS skimmers are licensed designs from Deltec at a fraction of the cost. They should also be a good choice. Check them out. I also used a Tunze and sold it to go to the H&S. More of a sizing situation for me. It worked great ! small footprint and every effective

There are also a group of folks that use the octopus skimmers but I think they are modded alot. I believe that they are less expensive.

Euroreef has a great reputation and a long list of followers here on RC. The RS80 is a good skimmer for the $$.

There needs to be a skimmer stickey at the top of this forum. Sooooo many skimmer questions. Not a problem to answer them ;-)

Another thing to keep in mind is that MOST skimmers are somewhat overrated for the size tank you put them on. You dont want one too big or it wont be effective either. For the 150 gl set up that you are talking about, I'd go with something rated in the 180-200 gl range especially if you plan on more than a couple (2-3 medium sized fish) and corals. We all start out with modest thoughts and end up stuffing the tank over a few years.

One of the posts above suggests that you wait and get a better skimmer to start with instead of spending now and replacing later ultimately costing more. I agree wholeheartedly with this statement.... Think about it !

My .02 cents FWIW

 

[sjm817]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10247216#post10247216 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Henry Bowman
For the 150 gl set up that you are talking about,

Its a 55G with a 20G sump.

 

[thejamesvolta]

Re: Re: Protein Skimm, where to begin?

Re: Re: Protein Skimm, where to begin?

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10246203#post10246203 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Avi
Well, skimmers can at first, be a little confusing because of all the selections available. Broadly, you can go with a skimmer in the sump or out of the sump....it depends on a few considerations including the amount of room you have in the sump and the amount of room you might have to sacrifice from what would otherwise be a refugium, etc. Also, if you have it outside the sump, you can plumb the pump for your skimmer outside of the sump, too, which would reduce the amount of heat transfer to your water that you'd get, if that's a concern. Some skimmers, like the Aqua-C EV series, can be plumbed either inside or outside the sump...Others, can only be placed in the sump, so you have to look at the skimmer's specifications before you make your choice, depending on where it's going to be.

There are so many choices that I'd suggest you decide on where it will be placed and then post here again for some good recommendations.

Thanks! Space is definitely an issue. I honest didn't realize there was an 'out of sump' skimmer. I think this would be the way to go.

As far as only buying my sump once and spending the extra cash, I'm not opposed to it, but I was definitely looking to keep it under $150. I might be able to go over a little bit, but I'd like to stay around that figure.

Kind of an on-topic side question....

Are sumps audible, or are they relatively quiet?

 

[markandkristen]

if your trying to stay at 150 or so then the rs80 at marine depot is a great and is 178 with free shipping. you wont be sorry. i have learned the hard way in this hobby saving a few dollars only ends in being frustrated and trying to pawn it off in the used forum for a fraction of what you paid for it.
lets say you buy the euro reef rs-80 and use it for a year you can still sell it any day in the used forum for 125 plus shipping. thats not too bad since you only paid 178. shipped to your door

 

[Avi]

Re: Re: Re: Protein Skimm, where to begin?

Re: Re: Re: Protein Skimm, where to begin?

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10248749#post10248749 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by thejamesvolta
Kind of an on-topic side question....

Are sumps audible, or are they relatively quiet?

Well, that's a little tricky. Sumps are unique in that the water dynamics of every single system are different from all others, even if very similar. And, sumps can be silent from the moment they're up and running and they frequently are. But, there are also sumps that once set up, are a bit noisy because of any number of circumstances. The noises that can be generated generally, if they happen at all, come from the overflow itself, or from where the water enters the sump. The good news is that in either event, though, there are measures that can easily be taken to silence whatever noises were generated in the first place.

If you set up a sump and you do have noise coming from it, just post here, and there'll be fixes described that will be easy to effectuate.

 

[Henry Bowman]

I apologize for the mis calculation. I added the 70 to the tank and sump figures not realizing it was the total.