Protein Skimmer

[Bbentler]

So I have saved up some money and can now afford a protein skimmer of decent quality. I am right now choosing between the following skimmers. Opinions would be MUCH APPRECIATED!!! Here they are:

Seaclone Protein Skimmer
Turboflotor SkimmerTerminator II
Coralife Super Skimmer Needle Wheel
Berlin Turbo Protein Skimmer

These are all on Drs. Foster and Smith and I thought maybe I could get some opinions before I spent the money on one.

 

[cabenn]

How much you plan on spending? I find that looking on the Buy/Sell trade section is MUCH MUCH better then buying them new. For instance I bought a MR-C EV -180 from a local reefer here for 180 bucks which included some extra pvc and mag 9 pump to drive it. Brand spankin new that would cost ya around 400 clams! Shop around on the used equipment forum and you can save yourself a PRETTY penny.

 

[Bbentler]

I would prefer to spend $100 dollars, but if I have to I will spend up to $150.

 

[atram]

Of the skimmers you have listed I would recommend the Coralife Super Skimmer, pretty good bang for the buck.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=563298&highlight=coralife

 

[mthedude]

For a fish only tank I'd say you'd still want a bigger skimmer than any of those you mentioned but it won't be as important if it were going on a reef tank. I'd go w/the Coralife Super Skimmer 220, it runs around $165.00 if I'm not mistaken. Either that or check the used equipment threads to find a bigger skimmer on the cheap.

P.S.....avoid the Seaclone like the plague.

 

[phishcrazee]

I vote Coralife, check ebay, you can get them there for half of what you'd pay new, just watch out for the shipping. The used/for sale or local is the best way though. People often have these things lying around and wouldn't mind selling it to you

 

[Covey]

Ditto on thr Coralife.
Ditto on as big as you can afford.

 

[acidlittle]

I have a HOB Aqua C remora with mag 3 that I might be willing to part with for 150. Let me know

 

[mwood]

A $100 skimmer for a 125 gallon tank? I say build one and get a big used pump.

 

[acidlittle]

You are an animal!!!! That thing is sweet. How much did that run you all said and done, if you don't mind me asking.

 

[acidlittle]

also, scratch my remora, didn't think you were doing a 125!!! My bad

Josh

 

[mwood]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7437807#post7437807 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by acidlittle
You are an animal!!!! That thing is sweet. How much did that run you all said and done, if you don't mind me asking.

I don't remember, but I think it was less than $100 for the pvc and around $50 for the ampmaster 3000.

 

[acidlittle]

Very very nice, and efficient! Great job

 

[FlyGTI]

Well done, Marcus. I'll bet that thing skims like a mother...

 

[mwood]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7438235#post7438235 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by FlyGTI
Well done, Marcus. I'll bet that thing skims like a mother...

Thanks, probably not as good as Dan's, but I can get 5 gallons a week out of it.