Skimmer Q&A Thread

[mojo~]

I have a 60g tank with no sump currently and am looking to buy a protein skimmer. I have some smaller fish and soft corals. I want to buy something thats high quality and going to last, something thats good for a upgrad if I end up buying a 100g down the road.

I would look at the sro HOB or the aquamaxx HOB skimmer.

 

[mojo~]

I'm sorry, I think I asked this already when I was having pump trouble before but can't find the answer.

Mojo, can you tell me which pump to replace my psk2500 on an ATI 250 skimmer with

http://www.reefspecialty.com/virtuemart/12-protein-skimmers/64-atb/505-atb-sicce-syncra-pump.html

http://www.marinedepot.com/Sicce_Pr...for_Aquariums-Sicce_USA-XJ1111-FIWPSB-vi.html

or

http://www.marinedepot.com/Sicce_Pr...ater_Pumps-Sicce_USA-XJ11111-FIWPSBFT-vi.html

on the 3rd link the psk 1000's with everything will work well. Unless you need the stand the atb pump comes with. it is psk 1000 too

 

[A_Z]

well I think I have narrowed it down to three which of these is a beast:

Eshopps S-120 Cone Skimmer (cone skimmer, sicce pump)
Tunze DOC Protein Skimmer 9006 (german made, small footprint)
Super Reef Octopus 1000 (bubble blaster)

 

[dpstrand]

I've been looking at the reef octopus skimmers, but confused by all the different models. There is the SRO, then the SRO-XP, and then the Extreme. Different pumps, different designs, but why? How do they differ?

I have an 85G display and about 20G in the sump/fuge, currently lightly stocked, will ramp up stocking a bit going forward. About 11x9 space to work with in the sump, maybe 11x11 if the pump is not too tall and can fit under my drain pipes like my current sedra5000 does (asm-g3).

I was debating between the SRO-1000int, SRO-1000XP, SRE XS160. Perhaps if I can fit it an SRO-2000 but not sure if it will fit in the sump.

One of my main concerns is start up because I turn off the skimmer when I feed and need it to start back up without hassle.

Should I look at other brands? What is comparible? Budget is $300ish.

 

[mojo~]

I've been looking at the reef octopus skimmers, but confused by all the different models. There is the SRO, then the SRO-XP, and then the Extreme. Different pumps, different designs, but why? How do they differ?

I have an 85G display and about 20G in the sump/fuge, currently lightly stocked, will ramp up stocking a bit going forward. About 11x9 space to work with in the sump, maybe 11x11 if the pump is not too tall and can fit under my drain pipes like my current sedra5000 does (asm-g3).

I was debating between the SRO-1000int, SRO-1000XP, SRE XS160. Perhaps if I can fit it an SRO-2000 but not sure if it will fit in the sump.

One of my main concerns is start up because I turn off the skimmer when I feed and need it to start back up without hassle.

Should I look at other brands? What is comparible? Budget is $300ish.

you are looking at the right ones. The pumps are the biggest difference. Both the psk 600 and the bubble blaster are great pumps. another option that might be goodis teh sea side aquatics cs1. It uses the psk 600 pump too. Just like the octo xs 160. The sro 2000 int would be great if you can squeeze that in.

 

[autodave]

Mojo-It sounds like you really the Sea Side skimmers,can you tell me a little more about it (energy consumption,noise level, etc.) I am using a SWC 160 cone and like it,especially how quiet it is.How does it compare? Thanks

 

[garygb]

First, thanks for sharing all your knowledge, it's appreciated.

Question: I haven't been in the market for a skimmer in a few years and so am somewhat out of the loop. I've read several pages on this thread, but haven't found specifically the info. I'm looking for.

I currently have an Aqua C Remora Pro HOB with a mag drive 7 pump on it. The tank is a 50 gallon with what I would describe as a medium bioload. I'm tired of having the pump in the tank and am looking at the AquaMaxx HOB-1. Would you say the AquaMaxx would be comparable to the Aqua C Pro as far as effectively removing organic wastes?

 

[jason2459]

I'm getting a 180 setup with a 40b sump and will need a new skimmer in the next few months. Plan on mixed reef mostly softies and some lps. Very few sps if any and some clams. I suppose I'll have a moderate to heavy bioload eventually and feed fairly heavy.


I'm trying to keep a small foot print, easy to operate, and under $500. Right now I'm looking at two skimmers:

SRO 3000 SSS
I have a lx2000 right now and really like the bubble blaster pumps. It seems like it's a beast and could handle my new system.

The new Warner Marine MF201
I really like the small sleek footprint, design, and low wattage. Concern it may not match my new system with out going to the next model up and I really don't want to deal with dialing in two pumps and there goes the size and wattage advantage and not to mention big jump in price.

XXX skimmer you may recommend I look at instead.

 

[dpstrand]

you are looking at the right ones. The pumps are the biggest difference. Both the psk 600 and the bubble blaster are great pumps. another option that might be goodis teh sea side aquatics cs1. It uses the psk 600 pump too. Just like the octo xs 160. The sro 2000 int would be great if you can squeeze that in.

Thank you so much for the help!

Which pump has a more reliable startup? Also which is quieter? I'm guessing either would be quieter than my current sedra5000, right?

 

[mojo~]

Mojo-It sounds like you really the Sea Side skimmers,can you tell me a little more about it (energy consumption,noise level, etc.) I am using a SWC 160 cone and like it,especially how quiet it is.How does it compare? Thanks

well, The skimmer has good dimensions. The pump is the sicce syncra pump. Which I really like. There are a couple skimmers using these pumps. The JNS sk series, the Octo XS series, The Avast line and the Sea side aquatics line. As well as the ATB 840 v2 skimmer

So with that being said, Most of those all work really well. The sea side is just one of the least expensive of the group offering a great pump.the psk 600 is rated at 29 watts.

 

[mojo~]

First, thanks for sharing all your knowledge, it's appreciated.

Question: I haven't been in the market for a skimmer in a few years and so am somewhat out of the loop. I've read several pages on this thread, but haven't found specifically the info. I'm looking for.

I currently have an Aqua C Remora Pro HOB with a mag drive 7 pump on it. The tank is a 50 gallon with what I would describe as a medium bioload. I'm tired of having the pump in the tank and am looking at the AquaMaxx HOB-1. Would you say the AquaMaxx would be comparable to the Aqua C Pro as far as effectively removing organic wastes?

The Aquamaxx is one of the best HOB units out. The sro hob units are really good too. So either way you go you will be pleased.

 

[mojo~]

I'm getting a 180 setup with a 40b sump and will need a new skimmer in the next few months. Plan on mixed reef mostly softies and some lps. Very few sps if any and some clams. I suppose I'll have a moderate to heavy bioload eventually and feed fairly heavy.


I'm trying to keep a small foot print, easy to operate, and under $500. Right now I'm looking at two skimmers:

SRO 3000 SSS
I have a lx2000 right now and really like the bubble blaster pumps. It seems like it's a beast and could handle my new system.

The new Warner Marine MF201
I really like the small sleek footprint, design, and low wattage. Concern it may not match my new system with out going to the next model up and I really don't want to deal with dialing in two pumps and there goes the size and wattage advantage and not to mention big jump in price.

XXX skimmer you may recommend I look at instead.

I would suggest the sro 3000 sss. I think it will be a better choice for now. The bb pumps are really nice. The eden pumps are just too new to really know too much about them. I have had all 3 models of the eden pump and the 5000 model is hands down the best of the 3. I know you will be happy with the 3000 model. The MF 201 will be nice as well but it is too soon to tell the longevity of the pump.

mojo~

 

[jason2459]

I would suggest the sro 3000 sss. I think it will be a better choice for now. The bb pumps are really nice. The eden pumps are just too new to really know too much about them. I have had all 3 models of the eden pump and the 5000 model is hands down the best of the 3. I know you will be happy with the 3000 model. The MF 201 will be nice as well but it is too soon to tell the longevity of the pump.

mojo~

Thanks a lot mojo. Another positive for the 3000sss is a new lfs just opened up and I stopped by today. Turns out they are exclusively going to stock and sell reefoctopus skimmers and quoted me the same price as I can get online. They said they can handle any of the warranty claims if ever needed and do the shipping.

Those new WM skimmers sure look good though.

 

[SteveSS]

I have read most of this thread and still can't make a decision. The tank is a75g with med-heavy bio-load and I need a small footprint.

I think I narrowed it down to these and they will fit the sump:

NAC6 (Atman pump, cost much less)
SRO 1000 (bubble blaster punp)
RO xs 160 (sicce pump)
SWC 160 (Atman pump)

I am thinking they all would be a good choice but which one would be best?

 

[garygb]

Thank you Mojo, I'm going to get the Aquamaxx.

 

[mojo~]

what water level are you run in your sump

I have read most of this thread and still can't make a decision. The tank is a75g with med-heavy bio-load and I need a small footprint.

I think I narrowed it down to these and they will fit the sump:

NAC6 (Atman pump, cost much less)
SRO 1000 (bubble blaster punp)
RO xs 160 (sicce pump)
SWC 160 (Atman pump)

I am thinking they all would be a good choice but which one would be best?

 

[SteveSS]

It can be adjusted but I would like to stay under 8 or 9 inches. I probably could go 9.5 if you are thinking BM.

 

[TandN]

Hey mojo i have a 60g cube not used to a tank this size usually alot bigger so dont know much about smaller skimmers. Im debating betwee vertex cone bkmini 160 or reefoctopus but theres 4 diffrent ones if reef octopusses any thoughts ????

 

[fishbro25]

hey. new to this site. i am setting up a 36g reef tank... so no sump =[ making my life difficult.

i am looking for a quality HOB skimmer for this tank.

this is going in a friends office, so the less maintenance the better, the last thing i need is to get a phone call on Monday morning letting me know about an overflow or leak due to the protein skimmer.

any help is much appreciated =] ty.

 

[migas_01]

Nyos Zen Compact cone 120

Nyos Zen Compact cone 120

Mojo do you think I can go with this skimmer on an Elos Midi 36 gal tank plus Elos 400 sump?

Nyos Zen Compact Cone Protein Skimmers

The New Nyos Zen Compact Cone Protein Skimmer is the result of successful development in integrating cylindrical and cone shape chambers in our quest to produce the most effective skimmers. This successful design minimizes sharp edges within the skimmer body, thereby minimizing pre-mature bubble bursting and surface agitation.

Together with the use of the bubble plate design to reduce turbulence within the skimmer chamber, maximum air flow capacity can be achieved in our compact skimmer. This results in the reduced height of the skimmer; allowing the Nyos Zen Compact Cone to easily fit into most installations.
All Nyos Zen Compact Cone protein skimmers are fitted with the new Nyos ES Pumps. NyosES Pumps are jointly developed with Italian pump manufacturer, using the most advanced material for the needlewheel impeller, "œseamless-coated rare earth magnet" for unsurpassed durability and performance. The NyosES Pumps are available in 3 models: ES2000, ES2800 and ES5000.

Nyos latest design allows cleaned water to exit the skimmer chamber at its base where it is almost bubble-free. Precise adjustment of the water level within the skimmer body can now be easily achieved using the new micro-Adjustable Valve.
Nyos Zen Compact Conesare designed for in-sump use. No feed pump required, skimmers draw water directly from sump.

Features
"¢ Cylindricalconeshapebody
"¢ Nyoshigh performance "˜ES Skimmer Pump'
"¢ Bubble plate design reduces bubble turbulence
"¢ Micro-adjustable Valve for easy and precise setting
"¢ Nyos latest design allowing exit of bubble-free cleaned water
"¢ Twist-lock neck for easy cup removal
"¢ High precision CNC machinedparts
"¢ Top quality +GF+ pipefittings

Model 120
Pump ES 2000
Air 680 Liter
Power consumption 12 Watt
Dimensions 15.6 x 15.6 x 53 cm
Tank size 200 - 750 Liter
Sump Water Level 18 - 24 cm


Thank you for your help!