Seaside Aquatics CS3.5 skimmer VS ?

[SpikeDangles]

I have been planning my 40B reef with 20L sump for over a year now. Doing my research in depth (6 P's) I have the finished the overflow and plumbing and am getting ready to build the stand.

ANYWAY, Ive been back and forth with protein skimmers and I keep coming back to the seaside aquatics CS3.5 skimmer. Its rated for 25-80gallons so its right where I need it to be. I also like that it utilizes a Sicce pump. From what I've heard the body is the equivalent of the similarly sized bubble magnus. My only hesitations exist because I haven't seen any reviews about it how it works ECT.

other skimmers that I have considered,

Skimz SN 123 - I like the DC pump, and shape. It is rated higher around 120gallon systems. Hesitant because I have read that the collection cup is very difficult to remove and it is a fairly new company. Pretty much have thrown this consideration out the window.

Aquamaxx coneS CO-1 - rated to 175 gallon systems, which seems like much more than I would need, although I have read reviews of people who have used it on a 40b with great results. is also more expensive than the others. Which is not a problem if its worth it in the end, which brings me to my next thought...

Aquamaxx WS-1 - rated up to 65 gallons, has the same type of bubble plate as the ConeS series, same brand of pump and a much better looking price tag. The only thing that makes me hesitant is the rectangular shape VS a cone or bottleneck shape. Also, this is a new model from Aquamaxx and doesn't have many reviews or long term tests by hobbyists. If the shape doesn't seem to be a hinderance in performance this may be my best choice.


Any insight would be much appreciated!

 

[SkullV]

Skip the CS3.5 and get the ES5. It uses the same SK200 pump (Sicce, but has a larger skimmer body for improved contact time). The CS3.5 will be undersized for your water volume. I run the ES5 in my SPS dominant 40 breeder and it has been great!

If you don't mind paying more, then the aquamaxx co-1 is also a great skimmer, but I'm not sure the difference would really be worth it in a 40g over the ES5.

 

[azjohnny]

I think you would be good with a CS3.5, you don't want to big of a skimmer or it will be less efficient than a properly sized model

What will you be keeping?

 

[dendrite]

IMO, the manufacturers ratings are wildly optimistic. I would not go with anything less than 3 times the volume of your DT and sump. It allows you to grow and overstock your tank as we all eventually do.

 

[SkullV]

I think you would be good with a CS3.5, you don't want to big of a skimmer or it will be less efficient than a properly sized model

What will you be keeping?

The CS3.5 is very undersized for a well stocked 40 breeder. I actually ran a NAC301 with a Sicce SK200 under it (so the same skimmer as a CS3.5) before I replaced it with this Curve5 with the Sicce SK200 fitted into it.

Here was the SCA301/NAC3.5/CS3.5 with the Sicce in it:

Just wasn't working well. I honestly felt that the air draw of the pump was a little much for the small skimmer body. I added a small valve which did help a bit, but you could tell that it wasn't working for the tank.

My current 40br with 20g sump for reference. The tank has been set up in this configuration ~6 months but most of the rock has been with me for several years and moved across the country with me 9 months ago.

 

[Reefvet]

Aquamaxx coneS CO-1 - rated to 175 gallon systems, which seems like much more than I would need, although I have read reviews of people who have used it on a 40b with great results. is also more expensive than the others. Which is not a problem if its worth it in the end, which brings me to my next thought...

I'm running the HOB that uses the ConeS CO-1 body on a 40B frag tank and it's great. I have a lot of fish, heavy bio load and it does a great job.