Skimmer Opinions

[lhscouchmonster]

i have the RO nwb110 on my 75 gallon. it seems to work well. the skimmate is plentiful, and putrid. i would recommend getting the nwb 150. i think its around 225 everywhere.

RO recently changed pumps on the nwb skimmers (march 2013). live aquaria sent me the nwb110 with the new pump.

 

[Patti7dc]

I found a used Reef Octo for $80 - which I will be getting. My local shop was really recommending the ASM but right now I can't afford the $300 price tag.

Thanks everyone for the help.

 

[saltwaterpicaso]

what model octo are you getting

 

[Patti7dc]

its the nwb-110 so it's for up to 100G and mine is a 90G.... will it be okay?

 

[lhscouchmonster]

Bulk reef supply recommended you not use it for anything over 80 iirc. I think the mfg said 100 gallons with a light bioload. I dont know if you are supposed to add the sumo volume or subtract the live rock and sand volume though....some else please chime in.

You could get it and underskim and save up for a bigger one. Nwb110 is around 225 normally. If you cant afford something bigger then something is better than nothing. Just make sure to get a bigger skimmer when you add more fish cause you will need it.

 

[Patti7dc]

Well I have a skimmer now - it's just not the greatest. I figured that with the needle wheel impeller of the octo it'd be better, even if my system is on the high side for the capacity. After sand and rock my tank only holds about 75 gallons and the sump (30Long) isn't even half full when it's running so total water in my system is less than 100G.

I was just trying to save some cash by getting this one off craigslist. I'll be patient and wait to see if I can get the bigger one used.

 

[saltwaterpicaso]

how much do you have budgeted to spend

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

The Reef Shoppe recommended either Reef Octopus or ASM - the ASM is the brand they use in the store and on all their installs.

the 180 SPS display in TRS is still running the same Lifereef skimmer they've had for as long as I can remember....

how long has TRS been in that location.. 10 years?

 

[reefboarder]

I sold a turboflotor 1000 a few years back to make room for a reef Octo. The turboflotor did the job but was hard to dial in an when you got it right the pump would stick etc.. and you had start over. My reef Octo nwb250 is miles better.

 

[pascal32]

Not all skimmers are created equal. I would go with an Sro2000, seaside cs2, JNS sk2, or bubble king mini 160 if you feel like spending. These are all proven performers. There are others I don't know as well like skims which I heard is great. I haven't read up on the bubble magus skimmers.

 

[pascal32]

Look used on the forum. I just picked up a JNS sk2 for 185 shipped that is a year old.