Skimmer opinions please

[Euphoric Eulogy]

I have a 90G aquarium and I'm looking to run a skimmer on it. I don't have much experience with protein skimmers but I've been looking at a few of them. I should also mention that I have a Precision Marine sump with a water height of approximately 9 inches. I have about 65lbs of live rock and currently don't have substrate. I'm planning on add an appropriate amount of sand to the aquarium. I also do 20G water changes ever 1.5 - 2 weeks. The skimmers that I've been looking at listed below.

Reef Octopus Classic 110 Space Saver Protein Skimmer

Reef Octopus NWB110 4” Pinwheel

Bubble Magus BM-NAC3.5

Vertex Omega 130

Please let me know your opinions on which one I should run on my tank. If y'all need to know any more information about my aquarium then please let me know.

 

[whosurcaddie]

I really like the em200 from aquamaxx http://www.marinedepot.com/AquaMaxx_EcoMaxx_In_Sump_Protein_Skimmer_In_Sump_Venturi_Needle_Wheel_Protein_Skimmers-AquaMaxx-UJ00161-FIPSISNW-vi.html

Also anything from they're cone line.

Whatever you get make sure its rated for at least twice the volume of your total system volume. The bigger the better.

 

[Pife]

Don't let water height hamper you choices. You can always build a stand for it.

 

[cherubfish pair]

I've owned and operated almost two dozen skimmers and my favorite is still Vertex Omega. I would gladly pay twice the price for one if I had to buy one again.

 

[JoelA7]

I have a PM sump w a Vertex Omega 150. Skimmer fits but just barely. Works great.

 

[Kearnel]

Currently running the Aquamaxx ConeS2 and I love it, never gives me any trouble and works exactly as you'd expect it to.

 

[rocsec1]

I have the omega 150 and love it

 

[rounder45]

The reef octo 110 WILL work, but you may find the nwb 150 a better choice. I would suggest the external pump model not the sss for maintaining the pump is easier as well people claim external pump skimmers usually perform better than their sump saver counterpart.

 

[wildman926]

Bigger is not always better. Get one properly sized to ensure it is removing doc. A skimmer too large will have a neck that is too wide, and if there is a small bioload, it will never go over the neck to be removed. You will have to run it wet to get any skim.

The pump maintenance is done how often? about 6-12 months? Pump in skimmer body is not an issue unless you are pulling the pump out every week or so.

 

[butters417]

Reef dynamics

 

[saf1]

1st choice, none.
2nd choice, read, take your time, and come to your own conclusion.
3rd choice, take a look at Lifereef skimmers.

I've owned a few and so far the only one I wouldn't recommend is ETSS but I'm not sure if they go by that name or are in business. While I can't fault the company per say the skimmer was a beast to dial in and stay. Slightest water height or pressure would kill the performance. Also I wasn't a fan of the ball things they put in the riser. This is just my personal opinion though and I'm sure others had better luck with them.

 

[Bigfish246]

My MSX-200 "works" but I really want to try a reef dynamics 100 or 150 to pickup the small stuff.

 

[cherubfish pair]

Bigger is not always better. Get one properly sized to ensure it is removing doc. A skimmer too large will have a neck that is too wide, and if there is a small bioload, it will never go over the neck to be removed. You will have to run it wet to get any skim.

The pump maintenance is done how often? about 6-12 months? Pump in skimmer body is not an issue unless you are pulling the pump out every week or so.

+1 here. In beginning I really believed in oversizing skimmers but always had problems with build up in neck.

Reef dynamics

Good skimmer much better customer service but pricey.

 

[Euphoric Eulogy]

After reading the comments y'all made, I'm thinking about giving the Vertex Omega 130 a shot. I also remember seeing that Bulk Reef Supply suggests them too. I'm afraid if I order the Vertex Omega 150 that it won't fit in my sump. I once bought a Reef Octopus NWB150 over a Reef Octopus NWB110 for my previous 65G with 20L sump and it didn't work... I took a look at the other skimmers y'all suggested but I have a feeling that the Vertex Omega 130 might do the trick for me and it's more in my price range, which is about $350.

 

[boxfishpooalot]

Vertex omega. I own a sca-302 got it for 160$. But it's a cheap Chinese skimmer. Pipes are in another measure so replacing it sux. IMO next skimmer of try vertex or something with high air like a becket skimemr

 

[rounder45]

After reading the comments y'all made, I'm thinking about giving the Vertex Omega 130 a shot. I also remember seeing that Bulk Reef Supply suggests them too. I'm afraid if I order the Vertex Omega 150 that it won't fit in my sump. I once bought a Reef Octopus NWB150 over a Reef Octopus NWB110 for my previous 65G with 20L sump and it didn't work... I took a look at the other skimmers y'all suggested but I have a feeling that the Vertex Omega 130 might do the trick for me and it's more in my price range, which is about $350.

You now are in the 90 gal range... Unless the nwb was purchased in the last couple months, you old experience is with different pumps which made the old nwb 150 a very different skimmer....the current nwb150 will move just the right water volume and provide excellent air draw for a 90. So will the omega 130. Excellent choice. The omega150 is too much skimmer. Reef octo has a prime 150 that will be a great choice... Designed after the omega with some better features.

 

[oh207]

I'm planning to upgrade my skimmer and have been looking at the new line of Skimz DC skimmers.

 

[rounder45]

The pump maintenance is done how often? about 6-12 months? Pump in skimmer body is not an issue unless you are pulling the pump out every week or so.

3-4 times a year is proper maintenance from what I was instructed. Most do not have the luxury of a lots of room around the sump... Our sumps sit under the tank in a stand...very limited space and removing a skimmer, draining the water out...well... it can be a frustrating, difficult, messy process... it is a factor and just doing it once in my case is cause enough to slap myself and say I will never buy a space saving skimmer again... nor would I recommend one unless absolutely necessary.

 

[rounder45]

My MSX-200 "works" but I really want to try a reef dynamics 100 or 150 to pickup the small stuff.

IMO... go for a reef dynamics ins135E... the Eheim is amazzzing... I have one.. nothing compares be it Italian or Chinese... funny thing.. the worst part of the hobby is trends for new gimmick vs trends for best performance...

 

[phillrodrigo]

If you go with the nwb make sure you have a ato. I'm sure some of the others also but since I have the nwb I know from experience. Any small drop in level will make it not work that good.