Protein Skimmers

[torino06]

I realize many people ask this question, but I am going to also anyways. Which protein skimmer should I get??? I have a 72 gal. bowfront and I will have a sump. I imagine I should go with the one that sits in the sump. Like others, I am also on somewhat of a budget. I know I don't want to buy a piece and have to end up paying twice for a protein skimmer. I was recommended a EuroReef, but i think i would look on EBay to buy it because it is a little pricey. Any advice would be great!

Thanks All!

 

[jaymz101]

A skimmer is something that you dont want to skimp on. A skimmer that works well is worth it's weight in gold. I originally had a SeaClone (Piece of Crap) Then I borrowed my friends Coralife SuperSkimmer. After a little tweaking, it works great. Ive heard that some folks have problems with the pump or something though. My 2 cents.

 

[theatrus]

EuroReef is very dependable and wwell known, though not cheap.

The Reef Octopus line of skimmers are semi-ER/ASM clones and much cheaper, which may be worth looking into.

ASM is a potential, though not much cheaper than ER.

In general, up size your skimmer. You're looking for one rated at 100-150g tanks.

 

[der_wille_zur_macht]

If you like EuroReef, go with an ASM - it's basically the same thing, and if you compare similar models (look at physical sizes and pump specs, not the ratings) there is definitely a cost savings! The other brand I'm personally happy with so far has been AquaC.

Whatever brand you go with, make sure it'll fit in your sump and inside your stand! Some of these skimmers are bigger than you'd think.

 

[backyardspecial]

Look into das or reef octopus. They are both good budget skimmers and they actually work.

I wouldn't buy ASM. They were once a good skimmer for the price, but I don't think they are worth the money anymore.

 

[der_wille_zur_macht]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10319772#post10319772 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by backyardspecial

I wouldn't buy ASM. They were once a good skimmer for the price, but I don't think they are worth the money anymore.

I'm curious to know why you have that opinion?

 

[steri]

I think ASM's are good skimmers. I've never known anyone with one that was dissapointed. I have a Remora Pro with Mag 3 on my 75. It's rated up to 125 gallons, but I would never use this skimmer on a tank bigger then a 75.

Persoanlly, I like my Remora Pro. It's as close to "set it and forget it" as you can get with skimemrs in my opinion, and I've used a decent amount of skimmers. You'll get A LOT of feedback on skimmers in this thread, but you'll here one mainstay in this thread......DON'T SKIMP ON THE SKIMMER

It may stink, but just suck it up and pay the $200 + for a good skimmer. You'll be happy you did. A seaclone or something of that nature will just cause you a lot of problems down the road, and you'll end up spending more money.

I bought my Remora Pro with Mag 3 brand New on Ebay for $180. They usually go in LFS's for around $220 or so. You might be able to find a used one for about $150.

 

[backyardspecial]

ASM used to be dirt cheap when it fist came out. After people started buying up these skimmers the price jumped like crazy! If you look at how das and reef octopus are built you get a lot more skimmer for your money.

I own a ASM, when I first bought it I didn't know much about skimmers and I thought it was awesome. I used to think, "as long as it looks similar to euroreef why waste the money." Today looking at my ASM I kick myself everyday for not spending more and getting the euroreef.

 

[jayvee10]

If you are looking for a skimmer that's cheap and will work great with the proper modifications, you can go with the via aqua 200 or the oddysea ps160

 

[torino06]

Thank you everyone for your advice. I suppose I have to make a decision now.

 

[WinnipegDragon]

I went EuroReef. A little more money, but everything I've read says you don't skimp on two things: lights and skimmer.

They are on sale at J&L Aquatics right now.