Skimmer Advice

[pisces4u]

Well, I'm looking to upgrade the skimmer on my display (system total is about 65g).

I'd like to find a strong model rated for systems 100-150g. The chamber in my sump that holds the skimmer is only 7"x12" so the footprint can't be too large. I'd prefer an in-sump over HOB and something less than $250.

Here are two models that have been recommended and look decent. The first has some poor reviews though and the second appears to have a larger footprint than I can accomodate.
http://www.aquacave.com/asm-mini-g-protein-skimmer-1297.html
http://www.marinesolutionsinc.com/c...Skimmers/c22_48/p131/MSX160/product_info.html

Any suggestions?

 

[Capt_Cully]

Big fan of ASM skimmers though I'd recommend going bigger than the mini. G1 or G2.

Watch the used equipment forum like a hawk! Always deals to be had especially when up or down grading.

 

[jfl14609]

I would look into an asm g-2 or the octopus equivalent I think john at marine oasis had a octopus recirculating simmer there

 

[pisces4u]

ASM g1 footprint is 8.5"x10". My skimmer compartment is 7" wide. Am I correct in thinking it won't fit?

How about this model?
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewI...SISNW&child=PM1413&tab=0&size=Max 125 Gallons

 

[Capt_Cully]

Don't know much about it, BUT, from it's general appearance, and apparent function, I'd say it looks very similar to an ASM. Looks like it's has a recirc already built in. Put on a gate valve and it'd be a snap to adjust, I'd wager.

PM is a good brand, so if size works for you, I'd go for it.

 

[pisces4u]

Here's an octopus that fits my size and price range. I've heard of many people using R.O. skimmers so are they pretty good?

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewI...SISNW&child=PM1413&tab=0&size=Max 125 Gallons

 

[jaybfresh]

I use a Precision Marine Redline 150, and have been very, very impressed considering its their "budget" line. The stuff that comes out smells worse than anything my dog can make

 

[sedor]

Octopus skimmers are considered to be the best bang for the buck. I think in your situation it would be a good move. Does anyone know if Octopus and MSX are the same skimmer with a different label? They look identical and use the same pumps?

 

[Capt_Cully]

link is for same skimmer

Bottom line is a skimmer is a tool. We can all overthink our equipment. As long as you stick with a decent brand and design that suits your bioload (most of us are heavy on bioload IME) you'll be ok.

Use the skimmer to help you in keeping your water pristine. But ultimately you'll still have to keep up on dosing, waterchanges, routine maintenance, and the like. If you don't, a $1000 skimmer won't help you any more than a $100 skimmer IMO.

 

[iamwrasseman]

i would get an ASM G-1 and it will clean er right up !they are about $200.00 perfect size and a real steal for the money

 

[Bluephish13]

I vote octo. it is a beast! From what i read and pictures, The octo nw-150 is almost identical to the PM redline 125. I was about to buy a PM but A ReefCreation sold octo's at internet prices, and i got to see one running on a 250 gal tank. My octo NW 150 easily overskims my 60g sps tank(out of the box no mods!). So now i just get to feed all the time.

 

[RandyO]

My only advice is not not get the ASM mini. I had one and it's a terrible skimmer. All the other skimmers mentioned in this thread would be a better choice.

 

[pisces4u]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15559889#post15559889 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Bluephish13
I vote octo. it is a beast! From what i read and pictures, The octo nw-150 is almost identical to the PM redline 125. I was about to buy a PM but A ReefCreation sold octo's at internet prices, and i got to see one running on a 250 gal tank. My octo NW 150 easily overskims my 60g sps tank(out of the box no mods!). So now i just get to feed all the time.

Thanks. Yeah, I think I'm going to go with the R.O. 110.

 

[cardiffgiant]

I also have the octopus nw 150. I have one of the earlier models, and it absolutely rocks without using any mods. I picked mine up used on ebay for $120.

I was looking at the asm's and was recommended to look into the octupus by folks on this forum. I consider it to be one of my best purchases for my system.

 

[xpxdx]

since noone's mentioned them, the vertex in-80 or in-100 may work for you, the footprint may be a bit tight tho.

 

[mike23334]

i also vote octo, when i do my tank up grade thats what ill be buying!

 

[NirvanaFan]

I have two Octopus skimmers. An NW 150 and an NW 200. I think they do a great job, and if you can find a used one, all the better.

 

[cardiffgiant]

there's an octopus nw-150 on ebay right now (literally right now, ending in 3 hours) that's at $80 with $17 shipping.

 

[pisces4u]

Thanks for all the input.

Stepping back and looking at my system and goals (fastest growth), I'm thinking a new light will have a greater benefit than a new skimmer.

BakPak -> Octopus
or
Nova Extreme 4x39w -> ATI Sunpower

My parameters are pretty good right now with nitrates 10ppm and dropping daily. Just rigged up a phosphate reactor and added 18 mangroves to the sump with caulerpa and chaeto. The BakPak does skim even though it's not the best, I don't have a huge bioload or nutrient issue.

Since all of my recent purchases and passion lies with SPS now, I think the light upgrade should be pushed up. I'm really liking the look of the 6 bulb ATI Suhnpower.

 

[sedor]

I agree I would do light first, but as your SPS fill in and you get more fish keep in mind you will need a new skimmer. The nice thing about a big skimmer is you can overfeed and it doesn't hurt your animals. Since your holding off maybe you can start looking into building a bigger sump to hold a larger skimmer when you do buy one.