Skimmer Q&A Thread
- Thread starter mojo~
- Start date
jason2459
Well-known member
Yep, I've used eggcrate for the base and zip tied pvc pipe cut to size for the legs.
I'm very new to the reefing hobby and actually dont have a tank yet, only 2years of reading and planing.
I have thought much about tank choice. The best option for me is a costume 40g AIO with a large compartment for a good but not to strong skimmer, and I will also be able to fit two aqua medic reactors S(gfo/carbon) and perhaps a refugium if neccessary.
So what do you guys think is the best choice for a tank this size with a low bioload and soft corals. Sea Side Aquatics CS3.5 or sea side ES5?
Dont want to go oversized as i've read that can make skimmers go a little crazy sometimes.
Regards.
I have thought much about tank choice. The best option for me is a costume 40g AIO with a large compartment for a good but not to strong skimmer, and I will also be able to fit two aqua medic reactors S(gfo/carbon) and perhaps a refugium if neccessary.
So what do you guys think is the best choice for a tank this size with a low bioload and soft corals. Sea Side Aquatics CS3.5 or sea side ES5?
Dont want to go oversized as i've read that can make skimmers go a little crazy sometimes.
Regards.
I've got a BM Curve 5 on my 80g display/~20g sump. It seems to be working well, but I'm getting a 3/4 full cup in about 4-5 days. Is this an indication of being underpowered?
Current fish:
1x clownfish
1x scopas tang
1x mandarin
2x Leopard wrasses
2x small lyretail anthias
1x red velvet fairy wrasse
1x six-line wrasse
Seems like rating wise, it's probably in the ball park. I also have a SSA ES7 or CS7 (forget which it is currently), but it's slightly too big for the chamber of my sump I prefer the skimmer to be in. But, I would have the option of putting it in the fuge compartment, but would like to avoid that if possible.
So, BM Curve 5, underpowered? SSA a better fit? How about the NYOS Quantum 120? Improvement capacity wise from the BM?
Current fish:
1x clownfish
1x scopas tang
1x mandarin
2x Leopard wrasses
2x small lyretail anthias
1x red velvet fairy wrasse
1x six-line wrasse
Seems like rating wise, it's probably in the ball park. I also have a SSA ES7 or CS7 (forget which it is currently), but it's slightly too big for the chamber of my sump I prefer the skimmer to be in. But, I would have the option of putting it in the fuge compartment, but would like to avoid that if possible.
So, BM Curve 5, underpowered? SSA a better fit? How about the NYOS Quantum 120? Improvement capacity wise from the BM?
jason2459
Well-known member
The Curve 5 may be a bit under powered but not terrible. You could dial the outlet back a little and skim dryer.
The SSA if it's a full cone is the CS series if it's shaped like the curve 5 it's the ES series which I believe the SSA's to be a better skimmer just for the fact of the sicce pumps. The SSA CS/ES7 would be a good skimmer for that 80.
I went back and found a pic of the SSA and it is the ES7. (I am at work or I would have just looked at it.)
I will probably stick with the BM for now. I wish the ES7 fit better in my sump. It fits but you have to have it just right and is difficult to remove completely if/when needed.
Thanks for the input. I am guessing the NYOS would not be of benefit when I already have the two aforementioned skimmers already.
jason2459
Well-known member
I couldn't see the NYOS being any better .
I have basically the same setup (85 gallon tank/20 sump) and have been researching the new Aquamaxx Cone CO1,SSA ES7, and the RO 150SS. I'm leaning towards the AM, but what are your thoughts? I'd like to keep it under $300.
Thanks
jason2459
Well-known member
I'd go with either the Aquamaxx or the SSA ES7. Both good designs and great pumps. If you will be stocking heavy I'd go with the SSA ES7 as it's a slightly bigger body and more powerful pump.
I squeezed my SSA ES7 into my sump yesterday. It fits in the chamber it's supposed to, but the sump is acrylic so the slight lip at the top is what restricts it from getting in there very well. Hopefully I won't need to remove it too terribly often. 
I think the Curve 5 was doing OK, but this will be better. It started producing a foam head right away.
I have nothing but good things to say about the SSA ES7 and would highly recommend it. It's quiet and produces very well.
I think the Curve 5 was doing OK, but this will be better. It started producing a foam head right away.
I have nothing but good things to say about the SSA ES7 and would highly recommend it. It's quiet and produces very well.
You think the CO-1 would be big enough? What about the SSA CS7? The CS8 is around $329.
The SSA ES7 and CO-2 are a little more than I want to spend.
Last edited:
jason2459
Well-known member
If you don't stock to heavy or if you incorporate other filtering/nutrient reduction methods to complement the skimmer the CO-1 would be fine. I'd go with the Aquamaxx CO-1 over the SSA CS7.
jason2459
Well-known member
You have it setup in sump or HOB?
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