Skimmer Q&A Thread

[NyReefNoob]

question

question

I am new to the hobby and have a 65gl tank. I am looking for a quality skimmer, but seams its hard to find something that is made for smaller tanks, any suggestions

I think you missed this question. I am curious to see your answer...

do you have a sump ? if so how much area to fit a skimmer ? or do you not have a sump and need a hob skimmer ? is the tank gonna be fish only ? lps ? sps how stocked ?

 

[rhkingsfan]

Hi Mojo,
I am running a 100 gal mixed reef (some easier SPS) with medium bio load. Total water volume is probably 100 gallons with my 20 gal sump. I am currently running a Vertex IN 250 (gen 2). Its big, loud, and doesn't seem to pull out a ton of skimmate (which is odd given that I dose vodka). First, I am hurting my tank by having this overkill skimmer? Second, which of these skimmers would you recommend as a replacement?

1. New Octopus Extreme 160 (I could tell you are fond of this)
2. SRO XP 1000 SSS (undersized?)
3. BM NAC6A or NAC7

Space and noise is important to me. I'm trying to determine whether it makes sense to spend another $300 on a skimmer.

 

[reeftivo]

Mojo-

I think you missed this question. I am curious to see your answer...

I've got a 54 gal gross system (45 net) and run a Tunze 9410 with great results (overkill-I know).

I'm sure Mojo will address it but it depends on set up and sump space.

Many, many options

Tivo

 

[rroselavy]

I've got a 54 gal gross system (45 net) and run a Tunze 9410 with great results (overkill-I know).

Nice Tivo-

I've been waiting to read some more feedback on the 9410. The body seems really small for the amount of air (600 lph?) it draws. I use the same pump on my iTech 100, but it is "detuned" for less air draw (prolly close to 400-450lph)>

Any problems with the skimmer?

 

[reeftivo]

No problems at all! Pretty amazing that the body can handle all that air but in all honesty, I have my air almost closed off. If I open it up it overflows all day regardless of the anti overflow(just too much air). This sucker skims better on my tiny set up than any other skimmer I've used on it (ATB multi,NAC6A, Vertex IN80, Octo 110 and my BKmini (too much!). It is not built like a tank by any means and may actually feel cheap to some people that have owned other high end skimmers. The skimmer just plain works! At least in my case-LOL!

Tunze anti overflow is wierd. Very,very different design than the others!

 

[reeftivo]

one other note on the anti-overflow. It operates so that if the skimmer goes berzerk after it's dialed/broken in, the level in the overflow chamber outside the neck will rise and the foam and liquid will be sucked into the air line and restrict the air flow until things stabilize. When I pull out the cup, the water flushes the airline during each cleaning so things are ready to go when I drop the cup back in. Pretty cool design!

 

[rroselavy]

No problems at all! Pretty amazing that the body can handle all that air but in all honesty, I have my air almost closed off.

Curious. I wonder what the actual air draw is since you have it clamped off. Have a Dwyer meter handy? Sounds as if the pump IS too much for the body, but what does that matter since it appears to work very well for you.

The only skimmer I have that requires the air to be almost entirely pinched off is an Elos NS500, a venturi-driven skimmer.

Thanks for the mini-review!

 

[RGibson]

one other note on the anti-overflow. It operates so that if the skimmer goes berzerk after it's dialed/broken in, the level in the overflow chamber outside the neck will rise and the foam and liquid will be sucked into the air line and restrict the air flow until things stabilize. When I pull out the cup, the water flushes the airline during each cleaning so things are ready to go when I drop the cup back in. Pretty cool design!

I have been working on the new tunze external skimmer and the air works the same way but it is very quiet. it can hondle a 700 gal tank.

 

[efird1]

Thanks guys, I do have a sump, the space I have in it is approx. 11 1/2X 11 1/2in. I would prefer to have an in sump skimmer.

 

[efird1]

I've got a 54 gal gross system (45 net) and run a Tunze 9410 with great results (overkill-I know).

I'm sure Mojo will address it but it depends on set up and sump space.

Many, many options

Tivo

What size is the foot print on that?

 

[butwa20]

i have a coralife 65g protein skimmer. i installed this as a hang on. but on the side of my sump tank. the unit fills with water and i see a ton of bubbles but wiht the valve turned to the lowest setting the water still comes to about 2 inchs from over flowing into the collection cup. it is new and has been running about 24hrs with no change in the water lvl. any one have any ideas or any help for me i really wanna get it up and running properly. thanks in advance.

 

[coralreefdoc]

I've been contemplating a skimmer decision lately for a 60G display w/ 20G sump. Narrowed it down to these three choices, in no particular order:

Reef Octopus Extreme 160
Reef Octopus Extreme XS 160
EWC Xtreme 160
Reef Octopus SRO1000

Which of these skimmers would you go with or for that matter not go with ? Any other info as to why you chose how you did would also be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[coralreefdoc]

Also, could you shed some light on the different pumps used ? I've heard mixed reviews on the Sicce PSK2500 used w/ the Octo Extreme 160 and Atman 2500 used w/ the SWC Xtreme 160 and nothing but good things about the Bubble Blaster line used w/ the Super Octos. What are your opinions on these pumps ? Thanks

 

[Chatouille]

Had posted this in another thread, and someone kindly pointed my here....

The sedra 3500 on my euroreef cs6-1 just died on me, and I'm looking for opinions on a replacement. I've always felt that the 3500 was a bit underpowered for the cs6-1, so I'm a bit reluctant to get another one to replace it. The bubble blasters seem like a good option, as does the tunze hydrofoamer. Just not sure what would match the skimmer body the best.

Also"¦. Does anyone know what the physical dimensions are for the bubble blasters? ( 1000 & 2000 specifically)

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[mojo~]

Had posted this in another thread, and someone kindly pointed my here....

The sedra 3500 on my euroreef cs6-1 just died on me, and I'm looking for opinions on a replacement. I've always felt that the 3500 was a bit underpowered for the cs6-1, so I'm a bit reluctant to get another one to replace it. The bubble blasters seem like a good option, as does the tunze hydrofoamer. Just not sure what would match the skimmer body the best.

Also"¦. Does anyone know what the physical dimensions are for the bubble blasters? ( 1000 & 2000 specifically)

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

the tunze 9410 is the way to go.

 

[Chatouille]

Thanks for the reply.... I'll check out the Tunze to see what I might need to adapt it over to the euroreef.

Just another couple of quick questions for you.... I'm currently running the skimmer at an 8" depth, what would be a good starting point to try with the Tunze? (I'm guessing a bit more shallow due to the increased flow rates.) Lastly... would pump orientation matter?

Now to see if I can find physical dimensions, and output size.

 

[mojo~]

the tunze hydrofoamer 9410 will be really close to your pump just a little more air. shouldnt need much. I would just attach it with a hose.

 

[Chatouille]

Sounds good....

If memory serves right, I was only getting around 10scfh with the sedra 3500 and new style pinwheel. That's why I figured I would need to go a bit more shallow with the hydrofoamer.

 

[sneaton]

mojo ,i have the swc 160 cone ...i just purchased a custom mesh sandwich impeller that increases the attman from 700 lph to 900lph....what differences will i notice with the skimmer?

 

[mojo~]

Going to paste what I posted in another forum. Might help some
Mojo~' s skimmer 101 info.....
ok all as I was reading on another thread it reminded me of the old cone vs cylinder skimmer debate. So I started thinking back to all the skimmers I have owned and where I am at today. With everything that I have owned what would mojo buy. If anyone cares here is some of my thoughts and what to look at when looking at a skimmer. Sorry if random as it is just thought for your reading and nothing more. well enjoy and it will be short as my brain just doesnt hold a lot of information....

Some skimmers have a really small body with a large neck. These skimmers will need a lot of air to fill the neck but cannot handle the water volume because of the small body size. When this happends its hard on the pump because it needs water to cool it. If it pulls to much water you will get micro bubbles and usually you have to run them deeper to get them to work

Skimmers that dont draw enough air will have to run deeper and the water level will have to run higher in the skimmer. usually up in the neck somewhere.

If it has too much air you have to run it really shallow or they will overflow and you have to run the water level really low in the skimmer and you get little reaction time in the water itself.

When its balanced well you should have a water level just below the neck.bubbles breaking half to two thirds up the neck. You should never have the bubbles going below the bubble plate when things are balanced correctly. Bubbles below the plate are cause more by too much water volume but also too much air as well. Some people think they can just adjust the air line to balance the skimmer. In reality when you choke of the air inlet you cause the pump to pull more water . changing the overall balance of the skimmer. This was more common years ago when you had one pump that was used on many skimmer bodies so it helped fine tune it for the use. Now more companies are able to make different venturi's, pinwheels and different design traits to make the skimmers function better.

Just remember, Balance is key to good performance. Other than that dont get too caught up in everyone saying theirs is best. There are so many good units out there. Look at what suites you best. Look for a good warranty and customer service. Because no matter how good or bad it might be if you have good service you will be taken care of.

Now hopefully I dont get in trouble for posting this next part. But from my experience I have bought skimmers from many people. None with bad service but some with better than others. So if I am buying anything at all I would always but from a reputable place.
Now I know we all have our favorites but for skimmers those are my top places to shop. For me lights is reefgeek and premium and aquacave. But I have been on reefkoi's site a lot here lately too .....

But you get the idea, its one of those things. If you truly dont like something can you return it? ask in advance. To be honest I really enjoy the more personal touch and will pay a little extra for it. Thats why I order from premium so much. lol sometimes too much. But I can pretty much tell who answers the phone as soon as they say premium aquatics...

Ok A little list of skimmers to look at for all budgets broken down to tank size

small tanks like 30g or less you probably are better off with water changes.

Up to 50G
Bubble magus 3+
swc 120 (these two skimmers use the same atman 1100)

50 to 100g

Now these can very quite a bit with tanks . Lots of people really stock some 75 and 90g tanks and then I have seen 50g tanks with just a few softies.

BK mini 160
atb 840
SRO 1000 (50 to 75g)
sro 2000 for 90g +
Bubble magus nac 6 or 7
swc 160
Octo xtreme xs 160
vertex in 100 50 to 75g
vertex in 180 for heavy 90g
AQUAMAXX am 150 and 200
125g to 180g
ATB 840
Bk mini 180 gen 2
Vertex in 180
Vertex in 280 for heavy 180
SRO 2000 on 125
Sro 3000 on 180
aquamaxx am 250
Octo XS 200
octo xs 250 on 180 heavy
Hurricone cat 1
ATB elegance 200 or 200 pro
atb 1050a on 180g
BK super marin 200 on 180 maybe the 250 model on super heavy stock

For those of you with 200g plus I would look at the following
Aquamaxx 250 or 300
The SRO 5000
Octo Xtreme xs 250
Hurricones
Bk mini 200 gen 2 up to 200g
THe ATB 1050A
The swc cone with askol pump is pretty good too
when you get up to 300g plus it start making more sense to get a beckett skimmer

why you ask. Because the cycle a ton of water and the body size isnt crazy large. But you get a lot of water turnover and you dont need several pumps to get you what you need.


Again this is just my opinion and I am sure some will argue theirs is better. Now i am not saying go replace the old ASM g3 or euroreef . This is simply a reference list for those of you out looking.

Bottom line... I am a firm believer if it isnt broke dont fix it.

Ill apologize in advance as I am sure I missed some along the way. Best I could do from memory.


Well I hope I haven't bored you all but thought it was some good basic info to share for you all.

Mojo~