Protein Skimmer Opinions

[mixedreeftank]

Thinking about a new protein skimmer for my 90 gallon tank / 30 gallon sump mixed reef. I think I have narrowed it down to these. My choices are because of their smaller footprints.

If anyone has any opinions please share.

Reef Octopus Classic 150 Space Saver Protein Skimmer

AquaMaxx ConeS CO-1 In-Sump Protein Skimmer

Bubble Magus Curve 7 In Sump Needle Wheel Protein Skimmer



Thanks

 

[emily97]

There all real good skimmers,but the AquaMaxx is sightly better

 

[myram]

Of those 3.........definitely Aquamaxx, but it needs 9.5" of water depth.

Might want to consider the Skimz SM161.......8x8 foot print and works with 7" to 9.5" of water.

 

[wildman926]

Thinking about a new protein skimmer for my 90 gallon tank / 30 gallon sump mixed reef. I think I have narrowed it down to these. My choices are because of their smaller footprints.

If anyone has any opinions please share.

Reef Octopus Classic 150 Space Saver Protein Skimmer

AquaMaxx ConeS CO-1 In-Sump Protein Skimmer

Bubble Magus Curve 7 In Sump Needle Wheel Protein Skimmer



Thanks

I use the AquaMaxx EM200 on my 90g with 30g sump. It is a workhorse, and has been used on my 150g with the same output as my EM300 that is on there. It has a small footprint also, 6.7" x 9.8"

 

[Knots]

A friend of mine swears by his Reef Octopus.

It's hard to judge a skimmer by others' reviews because you have to know what you are doing to accurately judge them. So be careful when reading reviews on Amazon or something. It'd put more weight on folks' opinion here than elsewhere.

 

[mixedreeftank]

Thank you guys for your help!

 

[tvu]

My aquamaxx co1 is running fine at 8" of water.

 

[DrBoxedWine]

I run the non space saver nwb 150 on my 75g and i love it. I just started it up a few months ago, but it runs great with little to no adjusting.

 

[mixedreeftank]

Seems I can't go wrong with the Reef Octopus or the Aquamaxx

 

[myram]

My aquamaxx co1 is running fine at 8" of water.

I should have clarified...........it will run fine in less then 9.5" of water, but it will be loud since the water return is at 9.5" high.

 

[tvu]

Actual the water return is a nice design IMO and doesn't isn't that loud. In my setup I can't even hear the skimmer. My vortech pumps and MJ pumps off my reactors are the loudest components of my system.

 

[hart24601]

The air draw of those skimmers:

CO1 = 360L/hr
ReefO = 480L/hr
C7 = 520L/hr

I would definitely go with the c7 over the co1 at least. Air draw isn't a perfect stat, but imo it's still the best rating we have for skimmers as the air does the work.

 

[cww180]

Of those Aquamaxx CO-1 for sure. If it was only about the air then just go with the biggest cheapest one or a Lifereef.

 

[tvu]

1/2 week of skimming from CO-1

 

[tvu]

I also just purchased the HOB version for my AIO nano tank because I've seen the results now from a yr of skimming.

 

[mixedreeftank]

Cool looks like CO-1 has a little more success.

 

[hart24601]

Of those Aquamaxx CO-1 for sure. If it was only about the air then just go with the biggest cheapest one or a Lifereef.

It is mostly about the air and impeller. Aside from marketing most of the skimmers are very similar design wise that are on the market now. Sure a cool looking bubble plate looks neat, but there is nothing that says it will increase performance. The air draw is the most relevant performance characteristic when looking at similar skimmer design. The entire process by which a protein skimmer works is directly based on the air intake and bubble size. Keep in mind I am saying among similar designs, not looking at a wood stone vs venturi. The main reason some skimmers don't advertise the airflow and highlight other features is because airflow is expensive vs design features that may or may not help performance.

 

[mixedreeftank]

It is mostly about the air and impeller. Aside from marketing most of the skimmers are very similar design wise that are on the market now. Sure a cool looking bubble plate looks neat, but there is nothing that says it will increase performance. The air draw is the most relevant performance characteristic when looking at similar skimmer design. The entire process by which a protein skimmer works is directly based on the air intake and bubble size. Keep in mind I am saying among similar designs, not looking at a wood stone vs venturi. The main reason some skimmers don't advertise the airflow and highlight other features is because airflow is expensive vs design features that may or may not help performance.

When you say bubble size...are you looking for big bubbles or small bubbles?

 

[tvu]

When you say bubble size...are you looking for big bubbles or small bubbles?

There's more too it than you describe but yes the heart of the skimmer is the pump and impeller. A better pump doesn't necessarily mean a better skimmer. You will see lots of discussion on contact time when reviewing skimmers and this is based on cone design etc.

My suggestion is to go off of reviews from others who have experiences with skimmers. Also customer service if any unexpected happens to the product.

 

[Skim]

Well Rock On, I will give my opinion also. In the past year I have run an Eshopps 150 PSK, BM Curve 9, Omega 150, Reef Octopus Classic 150.

The Eshopps 150 for the Money is not a bad skimmer the cup is small and no drain plug fills quickly empty every day but thick stinky green to black goop.

BM Curve 9 Kicks butt one heck of a skimmer. Large could fit the Omega inside it, my unit was a little noisy so I was waiting for a new Impeller. I have heard the 9's are loud because of the larger pump but 5's and 7's are quiet.

Vertex Omega 150 well got this because they did not have the RO 150 in stock and was told everything else is junk BEST SKIMMER on the market right now. Ya right did not impress me skim that was produced was always light in color and sometimes pretty much clear. The Turbulence in the skimmer I believe is excessive and I believe the pump is to much for the body size and shape I think the foam rises to quick and not enough contact time which would explain the light color of skim. Anyhow after spending 400 plus on this skimmer I can not recommend it save some money get something else. I will say it is quite to run.

Reef Octopus 150, Love it if I did not have one I would not believe how well this skimmer works, it has truly stun me how well it works. Basic to the point no BLING BLING like Titanium screws and a Cup you can use a weapon if some breaks into your home. It produces lots of foam thick and the color of the skim is dark green to black and stinky! It is also as quite or quieter then the Omega believe it or not. I paid 248.00, I know you guys south of the boarder should get it a bit cheaper but for the money the performance is outstanding! I also think its one of the only RO that can run in deeper water levels I have it in 8" and the instructions say nothing about having to have return above water. Mine is under. Another quick note is the gate valve much easier to adjust then the pipe that the other 3 have.

So bottom line I would say go with the RO Classic 150 not Space Saver and my second would be the Curve 7 I believe for the money you can't go wrong with either.

Just another little note all the skimmers above where bought brand new, not used.

Good Luck on your choice and I can not comment on the other skimmers mentioned just on what I have used, well almost there is my Becket Skimmer but that's a whole new BEAST.