Skimmer Q&A Thread

[lukinrats]

Mojo, I hear you are the man with the plan on skimmers. I think that I have a skimmer that I can use, but I ain't real sure that I want to. Below is a picture of the one that I have now. Now, I have this one on my 75 w/ 20-25 gallon sump/fuge. It woks great, and supposedly can be used on something bigger. It has a 7.25" body, with a 4.5" neck x 2 Aquabee 2000/1. I could add a third aquabee I suppose, but I am thinking that this skimmer will make someone else a nice toy to use.

I am moving into a 120 gallon soon, and I may or may not use the sump that I have. I might end up trying to build a new one out of a 40-50 gallon breeder. So my total volume will be something around 140-150. I am pretty sure that I will be adding a frag tank to the setup later on, so we can go ahead and figure in another 50 gallons. So a total of about 200-225 gallons. Right now I am liking the looks and what I read about the SWC cones. I am sooooooo open to suggestions though, so fire me out some recommendations when you get time. They do not have to be available right now, so anything cool that may be coming out in the next 3-4 months will work

Things that I would like to know, are things like this. Here are two SWC skimmers. Both (I assume) are for around a 250 gallon tank. Is there enough difference between them to justify the extra cost. Both have the Askoll Pumps, so I am assuming that the biggest diff. between them is the body

http://saltwaterconnection.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=11

http://saltwaterconnection.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=383



I am not opposed to Octos, and similar. I dont think that I want to spend the money on an ATB unless it is the smallest one. I have not read anything to convince me that they are worth that much more. Although I am sure that someone could point me to it. I think 400-700 will get me something good. Thanks---NathanS

 

[cham]

Hey Mojo,
I have a 120g display, 20g fuge, 40g sump and 20g frag tank (all plumbed together) heavy bio load and I've been under skimming for some time. I wanted to get a beast of a skimmer and I ordered the Super Reef Octo 6000 (got it new for the same price as a 5000). My question is will I have problems with too big of a skimmer?

A 12" body and 6" neck is pretty stout.

 

[mojo~]

Mojo, I hear you are the man with the plan on skimmers. I think that I have a skimmer that I can use, but I ain't real sure that I want to. Below is a picture of the one that I have now. Now, I have this one on my 75 w/ 20-25 gallon sump/fuge. It woks great, and supposedly can be used on something bigger. It has a 7.25" body, with a 4.5" neck x 2 Aquabee 2000/1. I could add a third aquabee I suppose, but I am thinking that this skimmer will make someone else a nice toy to use.

I am moving into a 120 gallon soon, and I may or may not use the sump that I have. I might end up trying to build a new one out of a 40-50 gallon breeder. So my total volume will be something around 140-150. I am pretty sure that I will be adding a frag tank to the setup later on, so we can go ahead and figure in another 50 gallons. So a total of about 200-225 gallons. Right now I am liking the looks and what I read about the SWC cones. I am sooooooo open to suggestions though, so fire me out some recommendations when you get time. They do not have to be available right now, so anything cool that may be coming out in the next 3-4 months will work

Things that I would like to know, are things like this. Here are two SWC skimmers. Both (I assume) are for around a 250 gallon tank. Is there enough difference between them to justify the extra cost. Both have the Askoll Pumps, so I am assuming that the biggest diff. between them is the body

http://saltwaterconnection.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=11

http://saltwaterconnection.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=383



I am not opposed to Octos, and similar. I dont think that I want to spend the money on an ATB unless it is the smallest one. I have not read anything to convince me that they are worth that much more. Although I am sure that someone could point me to it. I think 400-700 will get me something good. Thanks---NathanS

The SWC cones that just came out will not work well. THe older swc with the askol will work well. Not they dont work well , its just they are too small. The larger cone with the askol pump will work great. The SRO 3000, the msx 250a, the ATB 1050A are also nice choices.

 

[mojo~]

Hey Mojo,
I have a 120g display, 20g fuge, 40g sump and 20g frag tank (all plumbed together) heavy bio load and I've been under skimming for some time. I wanted to get a beast of a skimmer and I ordered the Super Reef Octo 6000 (got it new for the same price as a 5000). My question is will I have problems with too big of a skimmer?

A 12" body and 6" neck is pretty stout.

Even the 5000 is going to most likely be on the large size for you. I dont honestly think the 6000 will work that well on your setup. it might for maybe a week then it will stop skimming. the 6 in neck requires a huge organic load for it to be functional.

 

[lukinrats]

Thanks MOJO! So if you were going to buy a skimmer right now, which one would you go with?

SWC~250 1A or 250 A

or OCTO SRO 3000 or SRO XP300

or MSX 250 A

or Something not listed?

Thanks,
NathanS

 

[madmike]

^^^^^^^

Same question for me... I have a 375 gallon mixed tank with a 180 gallon sump. I currently have a reeflo orca 250 running on it but would like to move to a newer cone style skimmer.

looking at the MSX 250 1A cone, the SRO XP 3000 and or the XP5000. What do you think?

Thanks!

 

[mojo~]

Thanks MOJO! So if you were going to buy a skimmer right now, which one would you go with?

SWC~250 1A or 250 A

or OCTO SRO 3000 or SRO XP300

or MSX 250 A

or Something not listed?

Thanks,
NathanS

The ATB 1050 A would be myfirst choice. then the msx 250a then the swc cone with the askol

 

[mojo~]

^^^^^^^

Same question for me... I have a 375 gallon mixed tank with a 180 gallon sump. I currently have a reeflo orca 250 running on it but would like to move to a newer cone style skimmer.

looking at the MSX 250 1A cone, the SRO XP 3000 and or the XP5000. What do you think?

Thanks!

with your volume you could go with the sro 5000

 

[lukinrats]

The ATB 1050 A would be myfirst choice.5 then the msx 250a then the swc cone with the askol

What is it that is making you love the ATB so much? I am just curious. I know there has to be a reason, but I cant tell any difference in any of them really

I am looking real hard at the ATB and the SWC Cones. The 1050A and the 250 1A could be brothers by looks. They have the same pump.

The SWC is bigger. Is that right?

The SWC comes with the Askoll, but on the ATB it has to be added as an upgrade. Is this right?

Am I reading these right?

Later,
Nate

 

[cham]

Even the 5000 is going to most likely be on the large size for you. I dont honestly think the 6000 will work that well on your setup. it might for maybe a week then it will stop skimming. the 6 in neck requires a huge organic load for it to be functional.

Should I down grade to the 5000? My order hasn't shipped yet, it should tomorrow.

I had originally thought I was going to buy a Bubble King one day. But if I bought one of the baddest SRO skimmers (looks to be a rip off of the BK 300 anyway) it could keep up with the big boys and keep my tank super clean for my SPS.

 

[lukinrats]

Ok, so I think what I should do is this! I am sure that the cones are nice, and there has to be some sort of advantage to them, but I just can't see it being exponentially different. So, I think I should take the money I would spend on a cone, and then get the best conventional type skimmer that I can buy.

So what is the absolute best cylindrical skimmer on the market. Hopefully, it would be able to run in or out of sump. The pump that is proven, and pulls the most air, without getting as hot as a fire cracker. Then, I can work my way down from there

Thanks,
NathanS

 

[mojo~]

What is it that is making you love the ATB so much? I am just curious. I know there has to be a reason, but I cant tell any difference in any of them really

I am looking real hard at the ATB and the SWC Cones. The 1050A and the 250 1A could be brothers by looks. They have the same pump.

The SWC is bigger. Is that right?

The SWC comes with the Askoll, but on the ATB it has to be added as an upgrade. Is this right?

Am I reading these right?

Later,
Nate

THe ATB 1050A has the askoll custom volute and is built well. Performs well and is very well balanced. Not to mention top of the line customer service.

Its just a complete package.

the swc cone body is a little larger good skimmer but the balance isnt quite as refined as the ATB. Just my opinion. But it is still a great skimmer. A cheaper material and just not the customer service that ATB offers.

Nothing wrong with either one.

 

[BlueBadger]

So it sounds like, for a big tank (400G DT, 90G Sump, 45G Frag) with SPS and Heavy fish population, ATB is a good choice, What size would you do...I'm torn between the 10.5 Internal Deluxe or the 12.5......

Also does the Octopus XP-5000 External even compare with these???

 

[mojo~]

So it sounds like, for a big tank (400G DT, 90G Sump, 45G Frag) with SPS and Heavy fish population, ATB is a good choice, What size would you do...I'm torn between the 10.5 Internal Deluxe or the 12.5......

Also does the Octopus XP-5000 External even compare with these???

400gal will need more than a atb 1050a.or the deluxe. i would look at the atb large.

The SRO 5000 series would be another good fit. They are pretty large and move a good amount of water.

 

[BlueBadger]

When you say larger you do you mean their orginal cone skimmer large or deluxe 12.5 internal correct. They look to be very similiar and are the same cost....

Is the SRO you're talking about the cone or the non-cone

Dan

 

[hammmerhead]

What is it that is making you love the ATB so much? I am just curious. I know there has to be a reason, but I cant tell any difference in any of them really

I am looking real hard at the ATB and the SWC Cones. The 1050A and the 250 1A could be brothers by looks. They have the same pump.

The SWC is bigger. Is that right?

The SWC comes with the Askoll, but on the ATB it has to be added as an upgrade. Is this right?

Am I reading these right?

Later,
Nate

Your gonna pay over 3 times the amount for an ATB to get the same air pull from a SWC/Askoll based skimmer. MSX skimmers are a thing of the past. Even though MSX skimmers are actually just like the SWC skimmers and built by SWC, SWC is no longer selling skimmers to a retailer to be re-labeled "MSX".

The SWC cone will pull almost twice the air (SCFH) as the ATB 1050a and just use another 20 watts. And the SWC is almost $500 dollars less.

 

[Hal]

MSX skimmers are a thing of the past. Even though MSX skimmers are actually just like the SWC skimmers and built by SWC, SWC is no longer selling skimmers to a retailer to be re-labeled "MSX".

Are you saying that MSX is not going to sell the MSX line of skimmers anymore?

 

[solitude127]

I'm sure this was covered at some point.... but I'm looking for a HOB skimmer for my 40 gallon. No sump, so total water volume will be about 30 gallons. I'm not going to have too much live rock in there, maybe about 20 - 30 pounds. I'm primarily going to use this for my quarantine tank. But since it'll be in my sons room, I'm looking for something quiet. I was thinking of the WM H1. Any other suggestions?

 

[E.intheC]

The Warner Marine H1 is probably awesome. I used the H2 for a little while and liked it a lot.

Check out the Euro Reef line or the Tunze 9002 as well. The Tunze was VERY quiet and reliable when I used it on my 30 gallon cube. I've heard the Deltec MCE300 (or 600) is a great skimmer as well, but I have no personal experience with it.

 

[mojo~]

Your gonna pay over 3 times the amount for an ATB to get the same air pull from a SWC/Askoll based skimmer. MSX skimmers are a thing of the past. Even though MSX skimmers are actually just like the SWC skimmers and built by SWC, SWC is no longer selling skimmers to a retailer to be re-labeled "MSX".

The SWC cone will pull almost twice the air (SCFH) as the ATB 1050a and just use another 20 watts. And the SWC is almost $500 dollars less.

The msx askol does not pull twice the air. I have aid this many of times. its not all just about the air. its about balance. But if you know more than I so be it. Just so many people hop on here and give opinions and really have no idea sometimes what its all about.

The msx cone is a larger cone and is injection molded out of different material than the ATB. Its all good.

You are correct. MSX will be no more. they are still out there though. and you can buy the SWC version which are what the msx were anyways. Just a sticker. Lets do some math. the ATB is about $1000-$1100 depending on where you get one. The SWC askol cone is $750. thats $250 to $350.

to me its worth the added cost. Try getting parts on the SWC skimmer quickly. if your tank is down. will they overnight the parts to you. No questions asked. Now I know one that might but he lives close But I know ATB will no questions asked.

Now the MSX 250A is a great skimmer and is still for sale. it is $519 i believe. I would go with it over the SWC cone. Just my two cents. The smaller swc cones that just came out are nice.

Mojo~