Protein Skimmer Advice

E

estutesman

New member
I've decided that It's time to upgrade from my Aqua C remora Skimmer to something more substantial. I am running a 125 gallon tank with about 40 gallons between the sump and refugium. I have about 10 fish and plans to add about 10 more.

I can always count on a cup full from the remora about every day and a half, but I wonder if a better skimmer would get more...on a side note, I wonder if the better skimmer would get more for a short period of time to catch up and then be overkill.

Perhaps someone can advise. I am stuck in a rut thinking that I have to get a skimmer from a brand I am familiar with ie Reef Octopus or ASM (and a big one that is over my budget of course), but I want to see if anyone can cure my case of Brand Snob. Has anyone had excellent luck with an inexpensive alternative? I got the chance last weekend to see Undercontrolj's tank, and Zef's tanks. To be honest, I am suffering from a bit of skimmer envy.

I know it's time to get serious and upgrade, but I would hate to waste money on something that was a)over priced because of a name or b)a waste simply because it was useless and ineffective.

Thoughts?
 
I understand were your coming from on this. Alot of times thought when something gets talked about alot of everyone is mentoning a product so much its good. Not always the case but most of time Im willing to pay the extra money for that type of product. Do some research and see what are the pros and cons and what features are important to you the most with your set up and go from there.
 
I agree with Rhett. get one rated at 2x of your tank size because they are usually over rated by the MFG.

I know I saw a skimmer rating chart somewhere that actually debunked the "listed ratings" and had a more realistic one.

I have an MRC mr2 on my 180. I love it because it fits my overall setup well. while they do an awesome job of getting the funk out and can be upgraded to have two becketts and taller towers, they require a large volume high pressure pump to operate. i have a big pump driving my whole system that feeds every device i use (tank return, skimmer, CA reactor, GFO reactor, chiller loop, UV sterilizer and the coil denitrator). this way I didnt add any extra pump equipment to my system. I also know we are getting a Very nice skimmer for a raffle prize at the swap.

Best advice I can give is taylor it to your system like mine is. if you dont have a big pump or want to run a big pump, the needlewheel designs are Great because they use much less wattage and skim pretty darn good. a Reef Octopus is a good example of this.
 
Bill, you are gonna have to fight Zef on it.

I am getting about 2.5-3 gallons of a good dark skim weekly on my mrc. the cup gets caked in it and is cleaned every Wednesday. Smells like a porta-o-potty.
 
Ya'll are goung to have to line up behind me on that raffle for the skimmer - we've got a jar at home we're putting all our change in to buy tickets! :)
 
ummmmmmmmm no ya'll have to wait behinde me for that skimmer cause it belongs to me :D not that i can really use it on my 55 lol but i think i can make good on treades and or resale of it :D
 
Problem solved:

I found a Skimmer on Craigs list Friday. It's a Octopus DNW-150 with the recirculating needle wheel. It's not rated at 2x like the suggestions, but it was 1/2 of new cost, and I am not sure that a larger one would have fit.

Does anyone have experience with this model/style of skimmer. Any tips, tricks, potential problems or other advice?

Thanks,
Emery
 
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
12
Views
227
Paul B
Paul B
L
Adapting a Venturi to old reef octopus skimmer
Replies
2
Views
225
wvned
wvned
Jyetman
Need protein skimmer help
Replies
3
Views
286
griss
griss
revclyburn
Need some thoghts on skimmers
Replies
7
Views
412
Timfish
Timfish
P
DIY Hang on back Sump Tank
Replies
14
Views
552
kharmaguru
kharmaguru
Back
Top