Skimmer for 180 mixed reef

[crazymnkeyman77]

Im gonna have a bioload inbetween medium and heavy, because I want to buy a lot of fish for my 180. Though I know a skimmer is super important I dont want to buy a insane priced skimmer... I have a vertex omega 130 skimmer not being used rn, maybe I could sell it to get $200. So that could contribute to buying a new skimmer but any suggestions?

 

[EricGRIT]

I use an Aquamaxx CO-3 on my 180 gallon and I love it. Super quiet and steady skimmate production.

 

[jason2459]

Aquamaxx is definitely a great bang for the buck. I'm using the EM300 and its been doing great.

Another option that's not crazy expensive that I'm looking to try out next (I'm a skimmer junky) is the MTC MVX 30".

http://www.marinetechnical.com/page19.html

 

[aquaman183]

Aquamaxx is definitely a great bang for the buck. I'm using the EM300 and its been doing great.

Another option that's not crazy expensive that I'm looking to try out next (I'm a skimmer junky) is the MTC MVX 30".

http://www.marinetechnical.com/page19.html

How is $450 not expensive? Lol.

 

[FF337]

SRO 3000INT is what I use and it works great.

 

[jason2459]

How is $450 not expensive? Lol.

Because I would not suggest a bubble magus for a larger tank. Because this isn't a 75 gallon tank.

For budget:
Seaside Aquatics as they use the bubble magus body but a much better pump with the sicce line.

I would not suggest the older SRO series but the classic and newer DC series Reef Octopus seem good.

The newer generation RLSS skimmers seem good.

Compare those prices now.


What I would recommend for larger tanks which 180 is on that boarder of being a larger tank are the following:

ATB are great and so are Bubble King and these are why $450 is good.

MRC, MTC, Life Reef, AquaC are all great long standing options

 

[jason2459]

And heck, this is a great deal http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2531690

 

[crazymnkeyman77]

I use an Aquamaxx CO-3 on my 180 gallon and I love it. Super quiet and steady skimmate production.

Aquamaxx is definitely a great bang for the buck. I'm using the EM300 and its been doing great.

Another option that's not crazy expensive that I'm looking to try out next (I'm a skimmer junky) is the MTC MVX 30".

http://www.marinetechnical.com/page19.html

SRO 3000INT is what I use and it works great.

Thanks for the help, Ill take a look at all the skimmers suggested and tell you guys what I think :fish1:

 

[aquaman183]

Not to steal your thread, but what about this one?
http://www.amazon.com/Cad-Lights-TIA-1220-Aquariums-250-Gallon/dp/B00CHUI25G?tag=viglink128718-20

 

[scooter31707]

AquaMaxx CO-3 or EM300

 

[jason2459]

Not to steal your thread, but what about this one?
http://www.amazon.com/Cad-Lights-TIA-1220-Aquariums-250-Gallon/dp/B00CHUI25G?tag=viglink128718-20

I'd say its way under sized for a heavy 180g. Even the 1350 is on the minimum specs side but would be a better fit.

For a 180 Needle/pin wheel skimmer I would look for something with a 8-9" base or body, 10" max. 3-4" neck pending on length of neck 5" max. Should be at least 22" tall. Air draw should be at least 900lph and around to over 1000lph even better. Running depth usually around 6-10" of water.

But it all has to be in a good balance with each other. Like the SRO Octopus line with the bubble blaster is a good example. Take the 3000. It's body and neck size are right. The pump air intake is awesome. The water flow is amazing. But put it all together and its a bad fit. The air and water draw is to much. It periodically will overflow a lot. . The neck needs to either be longer or wider. Making it wider would be bad IMO as it will make the foam head more inconsistent still in the not enough side. Taller would be better and they make neck extensions for the SRO line which I would get if purchasing the SRO 3000 or higher.

ATB 840v2 and 1050A are very well balanced skimmers. So are the Bubble King line.

 

[aquaman183]

Okay, thank you for your insight. I am setting up a 150 gallon soon, and even though I have a skimmer on my 40B, I do not know too much about different skimmers and what to look for, but now I know a little something.
Thank you for sharing some of your knowledge!

 

[L8Braker]

Since I got mine dialed in I have been really happy with my Aqua-c EV-1000 (you could go with a 180 or 240) just make sure to get the correct pump and the overflow auto-shutoff container that not only stops any bad smells but adds a safety backup if you are not running it internally(in sump).

http://www.marinedepot.com/AquaC_EV_180_Protein_Skimmer_with_JG_fitting_In_Sump_Spray_Injection_Protein_Skimmers_For_Tanks_150_to_350_Gallons-AquaC-AC1153-FIPSISSIHT-AC1153-vi.html

 

[crazymnkeyman77]

AquaMaxx CO-3 or EM300

I use an Aquamaxx CO-3 on my 180 gallon and I love it. Super quiet and steady skimmate production.

Aquamaxx is definitely a great bang for the buck. I'm using the EM300 and its been doing great.

Another option that's not crazy expensive that I'm looking to try out next (I'm a skimmer junky) is the MTC MVX 30".

http://www.marinetechnical.com/page19.html

Thanks for all the help, I narrowed it down to the EM300 and CO-3. As of right now I am leaning towards the CO-3 because its rated a little higher and is only like $20 more compared to the EM300.

 

[RedStangGA]

Fwiw, I went with the CO-3 for my 220 build but have yet to set it up. If you have time, wait to see if you can catch it on sale. I got it Black Friday for under $400. Seems to have very solid reviews so that's why I went with it.

 

[Reel North]

Lifereef

 

[crazymnkeyman77]

Fwiw, I went with the CO-3 for my 220 build but have yet to set it up. If you have time, wait to see if you can catch it on sale. I got it Black Friday for under $400. Seems to have very solid reviews so that's why I went with it.

Thanks I will make sure to wait for a sale

 

[crazymnkeyman77]

I was about set on the CO-3 protein skimmer when I started seeing people online say that the aqua max protein skimmers em-300 & co-3 break down in 2 years no matter what. Any other recommendations for skimmers, because if this is true I do not want to buy a skimmer that will last 2 years I want it to last.

 

[jason2459]

I was about set on the CO-3 protein skimmer when I started seeing people online say that the aqua max protein skimmers em-300 & co-3 break down in 2 years no matter what. Any other recommendations for skimmers, because if this is true I do not want to buy a skimmer that will last 2 years I want it to last.

I have not heard that at all. In fact I've heard the opposite in regards to long term success with the skimmer.

What have you heard that breaks? It's using what is considered to be a very reliable pump as its made by sicce.

You would be hard pressed to find many bad reviews for the Aquamaxx line. I'm not sold yet on their latest greatest but time will tell.

Here's a good thread to go through. It also includes several reviews I've done over time. Aquamaxx, Seaside Aquatics, bubble magus, super reef Octopus, reef Octopus classic, a few hang on backs from CPR, reef Octopus, bubble magus, and I'm sure I've forgotten a few.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1589426&page=273

That said everything mechanical will fail.

 

[Harry_Y]

Lifereef