Skimmer help

[lilman024]

Hello everyone
I have a 75g that has been up and running for about 2 yrs. I just started running a sump about 3 months ago. Right now a have a hob skimmer but I am looking to get an insump skimmer. I was wondering if someone could point me in the right direction on a good skimmer. Thank you. Paul

 

[EllieSuz]

I use this one on my 60 gallon and the skimmate it produces is astonishing. There is a long thread here on RC dealing with this brand of skimmer, including a smaller one, the SCA 150. Try doing a search for it or I'll see if I can find a link. This is an exceptionally reasonably priced skimmer, but don't dismiss its productivity.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/180-Gallon-...920?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5893d3d308

Here's a picture of the collection cup just before I cleaned it last:

 

[EllieSuz]

Here's that link. I'm pretty sure these can only be bought on eBay.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2032645

 

[EllieSuz]

Here's that link. I'm pretty sure these can only be bought on eBay.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2032645

 

[mr.maroonsalty]

Set a price point and shop for the best skimmer you can get. The fleabay skimmer may fit your needs, but my concern would be product support and ease of service. I wouldn't expect much buying a piece of reef keeping equipment from a place not dedicated to aquaria ie one that sells mailers and and dog cages, but that is just me.

 

[lilman024]

Thank for responding. I looked at the skimmer on eBay pretty nice. How long have you had it. My only worry is buying a skimmer on eBay and then having it be a hassle if something went wrong. I have been checking out reef octopus skimmers and eshopps.

 

[EllieSuz]

There are quite a few responses about customer services in the thread link I gave you. I know it's a really long thread, but you should at least skim through it before you make a decision. I wouldn't have recommended it if I wasn't very pleased with the performance. I've had it about a year, I guess with no problems. The acrylic is thinner than the more expensive models and I have a small crack in mine, but it hasn't affected performance in any way. The main reason I decided to give this one a try was the small footprint fit the sump compartment because the pump is under the skimmer body. I couldn't find any others that would fit. If money is no object, by all means, look into the other brands you mention.

 

[blanden.adam]

I definately agree with mr. maroonsalty in that you should set a price point and then look for a skimmer from there. For a good skimmer, you are going to be in the 200-300 dollar range for a tank that size. Personally, I love my SWC 120 extreme cone skimmer that I'm currently using and will continue to use when I move my livestock to my new 75, but if you have a really heavy bioload you should go with the larger 160 model. That said, many other brands have great skimmers for tanks that size. The Bubble Magnus NAC7, Reef Octopus NWB150, and ASM G-1 and G-1x, as well as many other options would be viable.

 

[lilman024]

Thanks for responding. The cost doesn't bother me at all, I am just worried that I will buy one and then won't be happy with it. I bought a skimmer from eBay b4 and it worked fine for 3 months then I had problems with it after that.

 

[mr.maroonsalty]

Skimmer selection often comes down to footprint size; it has to fit. After that do a little research. I would be very wary of any company who doesnt have there own forum on this website. Check them out and find out how happy people are with them. All hot to press items have problems; how well they are taken care of is what most of the extra cost is about.

 

[cardiffgiant]

Like others have said, get the best skimmer that your budget will allow for the space that you have available.

You can find some really great used skimmers. Once you get up to 50 posts you'll be able to access the used equipment forum on the main board. I picked up an ATB skimmer for around $300 shipped that would go for about $1000 new.

When shopping used, just do a number of internet searches for anyone complaining about problems with the pump and the skimmer itself. I know that the octopus cone skimmers are nice, but there have been tons of problems with the bubble blaster pumps.