Skimmer Q&A Thread

Skimmer compartment will have 10" water height. I don't anticipate a very high bioload in the tank, but don't want to be under equipped if I add more fish.

I'd like to keep it under $1000, budget is flexible if spending more results in significantly less noise and better performance. Noise is the biggest concern. That Avast looks tempting with the options...
 
Yes. I have had the 121 with the 2000 pump, the sk 201 with the 2800 pump and the sm201 with the 5000 pump
 
91coupe said:
Skimmer compartment will have 10" water height. I don't anticipate a very high bioload in the tank, but don't want to be under equipped if I add more fish.

I'd like to keep it under $1000, budget is flexible if spending more results in significantly less noise and better performance. Noise is the biggest concern. That Avast looks tempting with the options...
Click to expand...

The black pearl would do great.it its a recirc just fyi. So you will need a small feed pump but toy can run it internal or external
 
Would you recommend the Avast over the Alpha 200 or ATB 840? The swabbie is a neat feature, but not a necessity. Your advise sure is appreciated, thanks for the help!
 
91coupe the alpha 200 is a beast, out of all the skimmers ive had it has been the most consistant and solid skimmer, plus being able to take it completely apart is nice, it is dead silent, plus being able to adjust the waterflow\bubble ratio to dial it in for your tank is a big bonus, the skimz sm202 is you go external is a monster also and very well built. i know mojo like the bk mini's but i wasnt a fan of my mini 160. like the octo cone line but i still think they have some adjustments to be made on them. the atb 1050 would be a nice choice as well
 
out of all the vertex alpha skimmers the 200 is the best balanced. pump to body ratio.

I probably would not run it on anything smaller than a 180g though.

A skimmer is more about balance than it is about shape and name brand ect...

Then once you get one that is balanced then you have to make sure its not too large for the tank or it will only skim just so so.

and 91 coupe, if I could buy anything I wanted and it was my tank I would get a ATB 1050A. Great service, Great performance, And its pretty much plug and play. You can also take it all the way apart to clean as well.
 
mojo~, thanks so much for the advice. I think I've narrowed the options down to the Avast or the ATB. The tank won't be here for a couple of weeks, so I've still got time to make a decision. Looks like the ATB is the stronger performer, but I do like the options on the Avast, and I prefer supporting American companies when possible. Will let you know what I end up purchasing, thanks everybody.
 
Mojo,

I am setting up a new 90 gallon reef with a 30 gallon sump. It will likely end up with a high bio load. I have heard great things about the reef octopus skimmers so I am planning to go with one of them. I have been looking at the super reef octopus 2000 and the reef octopus extreme 160. Is one better than the other? What are the advantages and disadvantages of the two lines?
 
The 2000, would be better. It pulls more air and water than the 160 XS. For your setup the 2000 int would be great.
 
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