Skimmer Q&A Thread

[bernie lyons]

skimmer overflow

skimmer overflow

But to answer the question "can the external skimmer empty your tank if it overflows and your not aware, and what safeguards can you place to prevent this?"

Easy answer actually, the MTC skimmers have an "waste collector" unit that shuts down the skimmer if the skimmer overflows...and it works for real !

 

[Dolmo5000]

New skimmer needed for 120g sps dom.

New skimmer needed for 120g sps dom.

Hello, I recently upgraded from a 4ft 55g with 29g sump to a 4ft 120g with 55g sump (new total volume approx. 130). I am currently using the diablo xs160 I ran on my 55g system and just don't think the little psk600 pump is up to the demands of what my system will demand when mature. I have read read and then read some more about skimmer in search of the best skimmer for my system. Here is what I have come up with after looking and having a few preferences: BUDGET (up to 600 or 700 but less is prefered) NO BK's

1. Aquamaxx EM200- seems to be a tried and true skimmer for my size tank but not the most attractive one (not that looks come before performance).
2. Aquamaxx Cone S 2- New on the scene relatively but has totally 100% great reviews.
3. Vertex Omega 150- Looks great and if I read this thread properly it IS actually a good fit size wise for my tank at maturaty. Cons are that it uses a vertex specific pump which is less likely to be easy to replace.
4. RLSS R 6i- A bit on the small side but it does have a nice DC pump which DONT have any issues (yet at least)

So, I don't want to shoot my self in the foot but this time around I want to go with a different brand than Reef Octopus. No good reason, just want to play the field. I like my xs 160 but there are a few details that really seem elementary. I am VERY much liking the RLSS style and the price doesn't break the bank but the R-8 series using the waveline 5000 is in the middle of insanity.

Last thing is I'm leaning towards the Aquamaxx brand because they seem to perform very well for all users. What I would like to know is why the Cone s 2 is rated for 350g and the EM200 is only 240g when they are so very similar. Same neck size, pump, and very similar in total height. Is it only the newly designed bubble plate and the fact that the pump is not within the body of the Cone 2? Help!!! What would you suggest? Don't have to stick to the list by any means. Thanks in advance.

 

[adamhicks1988]

I have a reef octopus skimmer 150 its a needle wheel its a older model just wondering if I can use a tunze hydrofoamer pump

 

[Drae]

Hello, I recently upgraded from a 4ft 55g with 29g sump to a 4ft 120g with 55g sump (new total volume approx. 130). I am currently using the diablo xs160 I ran on my 55g system and just don't think the little psk600 pump is up to the demands of what my system will demand when mature. I have read read and then read some more about skimmer in search of the best skimmer for my system. Here is what I have come up with after looking and having a few preferences: BUDGET (up to 600 or 700 but less is prefered) NO BK's

1. Aquamaxx EM200- seems to be a tried and true skimmer for my size tank but not the most attractive one (not that looks come before performance).
2. Aquamaxx Cone S 2- New on the scene relatively but has totally 100% great reviews.
3. Vertex Omega 150- Looks great and if I read this thread properly it IS actually a good fit size wise for my tank at maturaty. Cons are that it uses a vertex specific pump which is less likely to be easy to replace.
4. RLSS R 6i- A bit on the small side but it does have a nice DC pump which DONT have any issues (yet at least)

So, I don't want to shoot my self in the foot but this time around I want to go with a different brand than Reef Octopus. No good reason, just want to play the field. I like my xs 160 but there are a few details that really seem elementary. I am VERY much liking the RLSS style and the price doesn't break the bank but the R-8 series using the waveline 5000 is in the middle of insanity.

Last thing is I'm leaning towards the Aquamaxx brand because they seem to perform very well for all users. What I would like to know is why the Cone s 2 is rated for 350g and the EM200 is only 240g when they are so very similar. Same neck size, pump, and very similar in total height. Is it only the newly designed bubble plate and the fact that the pump is not within the body of the Cone 2? Help!!! What would you suggest? Don't have to stick to the list by any means. Thanks in advance.

You'd be good to go with the em200 or the am coneS co-2. Also look at the jns sk2 or the AQuamaxx cone 2 ( slightly different than the co-2). The vertex is kinda touchy and I have mixed feelings about the rlss. The rlss uses a chinese dc pump that the jury is still out on. If you like that design get the aquamaxx cone 2, it's the same body type but runs a way better pump and it's got better contact time being a non space saving design. The aquamaxx cone skimmers are balanced extremely well and the shark pumps are rock solid.

 

[moondoggy4]

which one

which one

What do you think about a SCA-301 (rated for 65 gallons) or SCA-302 (rated 180 gallons)

I run a mixed reef with a light bio load 60g rimless cube with a 15 gallon sump.

They're is a pretty large SCA club forum it is or was named SCA150 club many pages with updates with the newer models, you could check their for that skimmer, they do work work good so I have hear, down size cheap pump.

 

[hobbzz]

I'm setting up a 300g and trying to decide between an ATB 1050a v1.5, Alpha 250, or XP5000. ATB would be my first choice, but the USA side closed and no one has them in stock so I would have to find it used. Unless anyone knows of somewhere in Europe that ships international?

Medium to heavy bioload and heavy feeding. Lots of small fish, a few larger ones, maybe 3-4 tangs and an angel, but mostly small fish. Mixed reef but mostly sps due to the angel. Dosing vodka and vinegar now. At least vinegar on the new tank. Would also prefer something that could handle only 15-20 fish and still skim, until the bioload gets closer to finished.

Opinions? Any under $1200 that would be a better fit? Thanks in advance.

 

[razataz5]

Hello, I recently upgraded from a 4ft 55g with 29g sump to a 4ft 120g with 55g sump (new total volume approx. 130). I am currently using the diablo xs160 I ran on my 55g system and just don't think the little psk600 pump is up to the demands of what my system will demand when mature. I have read read and then read some more about skimmer in search of the best skimmer for my system. Here is what I have come up with after looking and having a few preferences: BUDGET (up to 600 or 700 but less is prefered) NO BK's

1. Aquamaxx EM200- seems to be a tried and true skimmer for my size tank but not the most attractive one (not that looks come before performance).
2. Aquamaxx Cone S 2- New on the scene relatively but has totally 100% great reviews.
3. Vertex Omega 150- Looks great and if I read this thread properly it IS actually a good fit size wise for my tank at maturaty. Cons are that it uses a vertex specific pump which is less likely to be easy to replace.
4. RLSS R 6i- A bit on the small side but it does have a nice DC pump which DONT have any issues (yet at least)

So, I don't want to shoot my self in the foot but this time around I want to go with a different brand than Reef Octopus. No good reason, just want to play the field. I like my xs 160 but there are a few details that really seem elementary. I am VERY much liking the RLSS style and the price doesn't break the bank but the R-8 series using the waveline 5000 is in the middle of insanity.

Last thing is I'm leaning towards the Aquamaxx brand because they seem to perform very well for all users. What I would like to know is why the Cone s 2 is rated for 350g and the EM200 is only 240g when they are so very similar. Same neck size, pump, and very similar in total height. Is it only the newly designed bubble plate and the fact that the pump is not within the body of the Cone 2? Help!!! What would you suggest? Don't have to stick to the list by any means. Thanks in advance.

I would also like to no why the big rating deference between the cone s2 and the em200

 

[vic8361]

will a bubbleblaster 3000 run a euro reef rs-250 ?
I'm wondering if the skimmer body will be too tall for this pump. I have the pump already and may have a good deal on the skimmer body.
Thanks,
Vic

 

[Drae]

I would also like to no why the big rating deference between the cone s2 and the em200

Marketing ploy basically. The cone 2 should have a slightly higher rating for the simple fact that is has a slightly bigger reaction chamber due to the non space saving design. The little cones may help with some turbulance but meh... The em200 would skim a heavy 150 and the cone 2 would skim a heavy 180. I ran the am200 on a heavy bioload 150 and it sat idle at times. hth

 

[azreefr]

Question on the Aquamaxx EM200. I had to purchase a custom sump and it runs at 9". The em200 calls out an operating range of 8" to 10". You think I will be able to set it up correctly between 8" & 9"? I currently have an em200 on backorder. Thanks

 

[ksed]

I hate marketing. Go with the EM 200. Don't kid you yourself the em may have just as much volume as the S cone. The cone loses a lot of volume.

 

[bernie lyons]

marketing ploy

marketing ploy

Marketing ploy basically. The cone 2 should have a slightly higher rating for the simple fact that is has a slightly bigger reaction chamber due to the non space saving design. The little cones may help with some turbulance but meh... The em200 would skim a heavy 150 and the cone 2 would skim a heavy 180. I ran the am200 on a heavy bioload 150 and it sat idle at times. hth

Marketing Ploy ? And that as they say: "There's a Sucker (customer) born every minute"-P.T.Barnum !!!

 

[moondoggy4]

vic8361 just give it a whirl and see and let us know how it works out. I have put three different pumps on my ER 180 skimmer. I heard that ER skimmers like more water and less air but the BB pumps are more air and less water should be interesting to see if it works out.

 

[azreefr]

I would greatly appreciate it if someone could help with my question about my sump water level vs my skimmer operating range. I've read that running them too low could result in less efficiency and more noise. Should I cancel my order and look for a new skimmer? Is there a mod to raise the skimmer level above the sump level? Or should I think about an external? Just trying to learn before making a big mistake.

 

[brob22]

hello, i was wonderin what you guys think about running an mce600 on a 30 gallon tank

 

[Drae]

I would greatly appreciate it if someone could help with my question about my sump water level vs my skimmer operating range. I've read that running them too low could result in less efficiency and more noise. Should I cancel my order and look for a new skimmer? Is there a mod to raise the skimmer level above the sump level? Or should I think about an external? Just trying to learn before making a big mistake.

your sump level of 9 inches should be optimal. I ran mine at about 8-8.5

 

[azreefr]

Thanks Drae.

 

[vic8361]

vic8361 just give it a whirl and see and let us know how it works out. I have put three different pumps on my ER 180 skimmer. I heard that ER skimmers like more water and less air but the BB pumps are more air and less water should be interesting to see if it works out.

Thanks, I'm going for it and will post the results when everything is settled in.

 

[moondoggy4]

mce600

mce600

hello, i was wonderin what you guys think about running an mce600 on a 30 gallon tank

I have heard lots of praise on the MCE300 skimmer, that would be a better match, have you already purchased the 600 model? or do you have a good deal lined up?

 

[ulysses191]

Been following along for a new skimmer for my 120 heavy bioload reef with a 20g sump and 15 gallon refugium.
Had a BK MINI 200, but the motor block just went out and can't afford to pay 200 for a new one right now.
Sold the Mini and based on the posts looks like the EM200 is the way to go for a budget skimmer.
but a friend offering the Bubble Magus Curve 7 at a great price.
Regardless, I don't see it being recommended as much.
How does it compare with the EM200?
The Mini 200 was awesome, do you think I would see a big performance difference?