protein skimmers

[Steve W]

What make a good protein skimmer?

I need one for my 75 gallon system I'm setting up and I see skimmers rated for this volume listed for prices ranging from $40.00 up to thousands. They all say they have pretty much the same description (Needle wheel impellers, adjustable water levels, etc.). I don't have a lot of money to spare and don't know how much I really need to spend.

Steve W.

 

[Runner]

Can't help much because I am not a skimmer person, but I would say a good skimmer is determined by the fineness of the bubbles, the amount of bubbles, the contact time with the water, and the ability of the bubbles to escape with the crud they collect.

Now what that translates to in practicle terms, I don't know. I had a 75G tank with a DIY skimmer (about $20 of Rubbermaid and PVC parts) and later a Berlin Turbo (widely considered crap here at RC) -- both kept that tank at 0 nitrates (but I admit both had help from a refugium with macros).

I wouldn't get the best and most expensive skimmer, but I would do searches to see if people with 75G tanks or so were generally satisfied with whatever one you were considering.

 

[Dre59]

I currently have a used ASM G1X mod and doing a great job.. But if I had the $$$, buy a Reef Octopus. From what I have seen in person this is a BEAST!!!

As the world is getting harder to support ourselves and hobby.. I would say just buy a used one. People our always getting out the reef world

 

[planejane]

I have an SWC 160 cone on my 75, couldn't be more satisfied. It's a gunk proudcing mean machine!!

 

[tlgreve]

I have an MSX 200 and am very happy with it. Make sure you go bigger than you need though. I got mine for my 180 and was happy, but it does even better on my 120!

 

[jacklink]

I also run a 75g system. The RO-PS 1000INT "Reef Octopus" has been my best investment in my system so far. Just under $500 bucks.

 

[LawmanRob]

I have the Reef Octopus NWB 150. I spot feed my corals and feed my fish twice a day. Nitrates read zero.