Skimmer Q&A Thread

dan223 said:
Is there a pump that will work in my swc 160 as well as the sicce 2500, its the original swc extreme 160 not the newer cone style. Id like to replace it with something more reliable on startup but not sure if there is another pump that is ideally sized for the application. I know that there is a sweet spot with skimmers as far as air and water flow and dont want to change the performance for the worse.
Click to expand...

The Sicce PSK 600 has the same GPH and they added in a digital circuit to fix the startup issues of the old PSk 2500. So, pretty much the same specs without the old problems, and it's quieter.
 
Thanks, is there a certain version I need to get so that it friction fits into the bottom of the skimmer the same way? Do they come with all different style volutes?
 
One last question, Ill be upgrading to about 140g and am looking at the SRO 2000 and the SSA CS2. Other than running depth how are they different, capacity wise are they the same are is one of them higher? As far as pumps are either of them quieter?
Thanks
 
Mojo~

Hi I was wondering if you could make a suggestion for a skimmer?

I have a 220g display tank light on rock, 40 gallon refugium which I want to convert to some sort of mini display, and a sump with a measured 42 gallons of water. I would estimate ~ 250 - 270 gallons total water, eventually this will be heavy bio-load, I feed heavy and my upkeep could be better.

I need to go external with an external feed pump. I was thinking on the order of an SRO 5000 EX. Could you please make 3 recommendations.

1. Best bang for the buck
2. next step up in price
3. money no object

also please recommend external feed pump for each.

Thanks in advance,

Mitch (GottaBNutz from Manhattan Reefs)

ps where has NYReefNoob gone?
 
Essense said:
I'm considering my options for a 90G display plus 30G sump for a mixed reef with medium/high bioload. I'll be running 3-4x tank volume through my sump. Id give noise a slightly higher consideration over performance, though if extremely quiet or silent skimmers won't get the job done then that is something i'd like to know. I'm having a difficult time finding ultra quiet skimmers for my build. The skimmer/sump will need to be in my stand below the DT.

I'm considering the following:
Reef Dynamics INS135E
SRO 1000 Int
BK Mini 160
Tunze 9011
Tunze 9016
Tunze 9410

I'm particularly interested in the Tunze options due to quiet operation, but I don't like the design tbh and i'm unsure about their ability to skim the size tank i'm planning.
Click to expand...

can't speak on the RD or the tunze 9016, but I've owned the BK mini 160 and currently own the 9410 and an 9011.

The BK has the least noise.

The 9011 is good too

The 9410 is a skim machine but is much louder because the hydrofoamer is outside the skimmer and is threaded directly to the body without any vibration buffer like uniseal or tubing.
 
mitchjstein said:
Mojo~

Hi I was wondering if you could make a suggestion for a skimmer?

I have a 220g display tank light on rock, 40 gallon refugium which I want to convert to some sort of mini display, and a sump with a measured 42 gallons of water. I would estimate ~ 250 - 270 gallons total water, eventually this will be heavy bio-load, I feed heavy and my upkeep could be better.

I need to go external with an external feed pump. I was thinking on the order of an SRO 5000 EX. Could you please make 3 recommendations.

1. Best bang for the buck
2. next step up in price
3. money no object

also please recommend external feed pump for each.

Thanks in advance,

Mitch (GottaBNutz from Manhattan Reefs)

ps where has NYReefNoob gone?
Click to expand...

The 5000ext is a bit large. I would look at the 3000 ext. check out the reef dynamics ext and Deltecs are probably the best externals on the market still
 
mojo

mojo

hello , was wondering whats your thoughts on the warner marine k-2 skimmer ? looking to put it on a 120 g ......i think it uses a sicc 2500 pump
 
Mojo,
I Have a apf600 and my aquabee pump is taking a dive... I am looking into replacing it and was wondering if you know if I can switch out and aquabee 2000/l with and ehiem and just reuse my needlewheel and venturi?
-Mike
 
mojo~ said:
The 5000ext is a bit large. I would look at the 3000 ext. check out the reef dynamics ext and Deltecs are probably the best externals on the market still
Click to expand...

Mojo~ what are your thoughts on the SRO 3000ext vs the cone version SRO XP-3000ext, and could you recommend a feed pump.

Once again Thanks

Mitch
 
layer3switchguy said:
Mojo,

Hi! I'm on the fence on a new skimmer for my 120g SPS tank. I have 6 fish total (3 Tangs, 2 Clowns and a Mandarin). I've pretty much narrowed it down to either an ATB 840 V2 or the ATB Elegance 200 Pro. I like the lower footprint of the Elegance, but worry it may be too much skimmer for my tank... Any thoughts?

Thanks!!
Click to expand...

I'm no Mojo, but do I have the Elegance 200 (not the pro) on my 150 and really like it. IMO, I think you'll be happier with the 840 v2. Sometimes I think my Elegance is oversized for my 150.
 
I've got an NW150, newer model with gate valve and bubble plate, and I'm having a hard time getting it to skim wet. And while it was skimming dry very nicely a few weeks ago, I'm not getting anything overnight while skimming dry now either. It's 3 months old so it's plenty broken in. Tank is about 60-70 tsv, six fish under 3", feeding 2x a day. Nitrates are higher than I like due to not much skimmate being produced. Currently 20ppm. I've run much higher bioload tanks in the past with no nutrient problems, but do you think the bioload is too low for the skimmer right now? Where should the water level for this skimmer be set in order to skim wet and to skim dry? The tank is barebottom, so I'd prefer to skim wet, but I also run a filter sock (changed 2-3 times a week, so it's not the source of nitrates) so skimming dry shouldn't be a problem. Any help would be appreciated. Great thread by the way!
 
Hey Mojo,
I have narrowed it down to two skimmers the jns sk3 & the Sro-3000int. Which skimmer would be best for a 175 gal bowfront mixed reef with a medium bio load & a 75 gal sump with fuge? Or is there a better skimmer for around the same price point. Thanks for any advice!
 
Lurking said:
I am looking at getting a skimmer for my 120 build. I plan to have it heavily stocked. Does anyone have any expieriance with the Bubble Magus 180EX ?

Here is a link http://www.saltysupply.com/Bubble-Ma...s-p/bm1119.htm

Thanks for any info!
Click to expand...

In a similar price range and footprint to the 180EX, but with a better pump look at the Seaside Aquatics CS-2. It uses the PSK1000 pump, which is quiet and reliable.

I just installed one on my system last night (thanks for the recommendation Mojo) and its super quiet and built well. Also not a single micro bubble gets out of it.

If you want to spend a bit more look at the ATB 840v2. I was all set to get this when a huge unexpected bill had me looking to spend less. I do plan on trying one in the future.
 
225 gallon medium bioload reef tank. 65 gallon sump. Might switch over to a FOWLR in the future. SWC 250 1a cone vs swc 230 cone. I see they run the same pump but one is internal and one is external. Also the 250 looks like it can recirc if wanted. What would work best for a tank of my size? I also run an algae scrubber just in case that matters. If the 230 is sufficient I prefer the footprint. Thank you.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

R
Replacement Pump for Vertex Omega 150 Protein Skimmer
Replies
4
Views
2K
r1racer
R
S
Why do oversized protein skimmers not adequately remove protein from a tank?
Replies
17
Views
3K
Guygettnby
Guygettnby
S
Small Sump Leak - Worth fixing?
Replies
1
Views
110
griss
griss
Broken reefer
Skimmer
Replies
7
Views
762
wvned
wvned
S
Back up power supply
2
Replies
24
Views
3K
ironwill723
ironwill723
Back
Top