Skimmer options

[SpikeDangles]

Hey all, I posted this in the filtration and lighting forum but figured id post it here a well...

I have been planning my 40B reef with 20L sump for over a year now. Doing my research in depth (6 P's) I have the finished the overflow and plumbing and am getting ready to build the stand.

ANYWAY, Ive been back and forth with protein skimmers and I keep coming back to the seaside aquatics CS3.5 skimmer. Its rated for 25-80gallons so its right where I need it to be. I also like that it utilizes a Sicce pump. From what I've heard the body is the equivalent of the similarly sized bubble magnus. My only hesitations exist because I haven't seen any reviews about it how it works ECT.

other skimmers that I have considered,

Skimz SN 123 - I like the DC pump, and shape. It is rated higher around 120gallon systems. Hesitant because I have read that the collection cup is very difficult to remove and it is a fairly new company. Pretty much have thrown this consideration out the window.

Aquamaxx coneS CO-1 - rated to 175 gallon systems, which seems like much more than I would need, although I have read reviews of people who have used it on a 40b with great results. is also more expensive than the others. Which is not a problem if its worth it in the end, which brings me to my next thought...

Aquamaxx WS-1 - rated up to 65 gallons, has the same type of bubble plate as the ConeS series, same brand of pump and a much better looking price tag. The only thing that makes me hesitant is the rectangular shape VS a cone or bottleneck shape. Also, this is a new model from Aquamaxx and doesn't have many reviews or long term tests by hobbyists. If the shape doesn't seem to be a hinderance in performance this may be my best choice.


Any insight would be much appreciated!

 

[fairl80z]

I can't complain about my Aqua C ev180 . I know it's a little big for your set up but you can get the AquaC ev 120 . You can mount it in sump or externally , which is pretty cool. Very easy collection cup to clean . And it can be ran with pretty much any pump you want to use that meets its specs.

 

[Masedaddy]

As far as a skimmer goes, you want something rated for double your total water volume. If you are going to have a high bio load triple it. I skim very heavy and I feed heavy so it evens out. I have the Jebao skimmer, which is the Coral Box brand. Great skimming for the money. Has a DC pump, easy to clean, cone shape, and has a gate valve for micro adjustments...

 

[RTMA]

I've used quite a few different skimmers in my time. On my 75 I used a Bubble Magus NAC7 which was good, although the pump was the weakness. It pays to get something with a good pump. On the SPS reef I am using a Super Reef Octopus with a bubble blaster pump and this by far has been the best. On the LPS tank I am running a skimz SN143 and it skims really well, but like you mentioned the skimmer cup is a beast to get off. The DC pump is very quiet and beyond the cup issue, its a very good skimmer for the price. Before I bought the Skimz, I was looking at the Reef Octopus Classic 150INT 6” skimmer, I liked the gate valve and CoralVue supports their products really well so you don't have to worry about support. I choose the Skmz because I wanted to try the DC skimmer pumps. Good luck! It also pays to check the for sale forum because there are always a few good skimmer deals there on a used skimmer.

 

[fairl80z]

this is what my skimmer pulled out in less than a week . On a lightly stocked tank

 

[SpikeDangles]

Jesus, what size is your tank!?

 

[fairl80z]

This is on a 65 with 20 long sump . Lightly stocked
Pair of clowns
Three stripe demsel
And a flasher wrasse with lots of corals
The akimmer is really doing its job

 

[SpikeDangles]

Thanks guys, went with the Aquamaxx ConeS CO1 which was delivered with one of the legs broken off. Marine Depot sent me a replacement of the entire body which should be sitting on my front porch when I get home!