Protein Skimmer Suggestions

scuba guy ron

New member
Hello all. I am currently shopping protein skimmers and would like some input. I currently have a 37 gallon tank with a 15 gallon sump. I use an in sump skimmer which is currently a proclear aquatic systems MPS 75 seen here. http://www.pro-clear.com/skimmers.html

I'm interested in a new in-sump skimmer that will handle my water volume (37g + 15g) up to 100gal. I really dont want to spend much more then $125.00. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
 
I have the ASM G1-X skimmer. It does a good job on my 60gallon reef sitting in a 10gallon glass tank/sump..

IMG_0536.jpg
 
funny thing is that my buddy gave me one of those. not sure which but it is huge. It was for his 200g system and is way too big. I am saving it for the future.
 
If your budget is strapped, I would consider a used skimmer from a reliable source. A lot of people are selling equipment right now. Subscribe to the classified sections of several reefkeeping forums, and patiently wait for something to show up.

You have not mentioned max footprint, so ignoring that...

$125 might get you within range of:
-Used Euro Reef RS80 (9"x9")

$180 would get you
-New Vertex IN-80 < but you should just spend the extra $20 and get the IN-100 (8"x10")
-Octopus DNWB-110 < New design with bubble plate looks interesting, but do your research
-blemished Euro Reef RS80 (mine cost $180, but there are currently none being offered at the ER store) (9"x9")

$200 would put you in reach of the following skimmers:

-Precision Marine RL100 < seems to be a clone of the ER RS80 IMHO, but well made. (8.75"x 7.75")
-new Euro Reef VS80 < Available in September? (9"x9")
-used MSX 160 or Octo Extreme 160 < overkill, but a good skimmer from most reports.
-used Tunze 9010 < fits in tightest spaces. Make sure it includes in-sump attachments. Just saw one go for this much. (4.4" x 7" with in-sump attachment)
-used H&S 90-f1000 < nice skimmer for tight spaces, but this would only get you up to 60-75g. (4.25"x10" min footprint)
-used H&S 110-f2000 < I haven't seen one of these sell recently, but this would get you to 100g. (5.15"x 11.5")
-new Vertex IN-100, Gen2 < Similar to ER RS80, but with a bubble plate. MD had these on sale for $150 a while back. (8"x10")

I don't think you could go wrong with any of these skimmers, but based on its reputation, I would probably suggest a new second Gen Vertex IN-100. They have had some pump issues in the past (1st Gen), so make sure you buy a IN-100 from an upstanding dealer.
 
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wow... thanks alot rroselavy. That is the kind of responce I was hoping for in here. You can see the space I have in the vid I attached previously. I am real strapped for space.
 
dude!!
small footprint,
WAAAY better than ASM mini,
= bubble magus NAC6 @ $138

500lph of air injected through a meshwheel impeller and bubble plate, extra wide neck for better control, submerged adjustable wedge outlet. for $138 there is nothing more powerful in that price range, and it will smoke the pants off of even an ASM g-1, let alone a mini g. it does like to have at least 10" in the sump to sit in, though.
you can check out the skimmer at nuocean.com
 
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Hmm...it looks like a Tunze 9010 is the only thing on my list that is going to fit in your sump (but may break your budget). Even the 90-F1000 wouldn't fit unless you come up with a couple more inches...

Is that a 7" filter sock, or a 4"? Seems to take up a LOT of space. Also, if you get a 10g or AGA tank as a sump, you will not lose footprint to the slanted sides of your current tub container. Looks like you stand is about 20" x 20" inside?

I would consider using your sump as a refugium and getting a nice HOB skimmer (like a Warner Marine HX1 or used HX2) instead. How many inches do you have between the display and the wall?
 
bummer, you need 10.5 x 6.7" for the NAC6,
BUT...you could totally get that space from your sump, you just need to re-arrange everything and take that black plate off of your sock, (and yes, if not 4" sock, it should be...)just get a plastic clamp and clamp the sock to one of the sump corners, then drop the inlet hose directly into the sock.

yes, what are the exact dim's of the stand interior?
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15513350#post15513350 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rroselavy
Hmm...it looks like a Tunze 9010 is the only thing on my list that is going to fit in your sump (but may break your budget). Even the 90-F1000 wouldn't fit unless you come up with a couple more inches...

Is that a 7" filter sock, or a 4"? Seems to take up a LOT of space. Also, if you get a 10g or AGA tank as a sump, you will not lose footprint to the slanted sides of your current tub container. Looks like you stand is about 20" x 20" inside?

I would consider using your sump as a refugium and getting a nice HOB skimmer (like a Warner Marine HX1 or used HX2) instead. How many inches do you have between the display and the wall?


Its a 7" sock. the cabinet is 20 x 20. The container fits the best of everything I've looked into. I'me not interested in a hang on back. Now that I'm home I'm looking and it seems that I may be able to fit poss another 2 in in footprint.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15513491#post15513491 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by skimmy
bummer, you need 10.5 x 6.7" for the NAC6,
BUT...you could totally get that space from your sump, you just need to re-arrange everything and take that black plate off of your sock, (and yes, if not 4" sock, it should be...)just get a plastic clamp and clamp the sock to one of the sump corners, then drop the inlet hose directly into the sock.

yes, what are the exact dim's of the stand interior?

Thats a great Idea. I'll look into picking up some 4 " socks. I could probly just clamp it direct to the outlet and that would be fine too huh.
 
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