Skimmer Q&A Thread

How about a Vertec in-80 vs a SWC MSX 160? I'm considering both for a 46 galloon tank. Those 2, i can get a good deal on. I prefer the SWC cone 160, but the 2 I mentioned can come via a trade.
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by lotusstar
Hey Mojo, truely awesome info you have put up on here. And the advice you seem to give is right on so I'd like to ask a bit. You have a great build thread by the way. Look forward to seeing what comes next.

Anyway, back to this thread and my question. I have a 92g corner tank and about 20g sump. I have currently an ATI BM 160 skimmer that's been in use awhile. I cracked the skimmer cup ages ago and just siliconed it back together. Well now the pump has crapped out on me and wondering should I just replace the sicce 2500 or I have permission from the wife to get a new skimmer. Is there something you'd recommend with my ceiling topping out at 300-350$?
I was thinking maybe octopus super reef 2000 or octopus extreme 200? Is there something else that I should look at better within my price range? What do you think? Thanks Mojo, keep up the great advice and build thread.
THe SRO 2000 would be great. The warner marine AS150(on sale) the cs200 and last but not least the SWC 160 cone. All in your price range and great units.

Mojo,
thanks for the quick reply. I'm debating between the SRO 2000 and just replacing the pump on the ATI. Do you have any experience with the ATI? Would the SRO be worththe upgrade or is the difference neglible?

Thanks again for the advice.
 
lotusstar said:
Quote:
Originally Posted by lotusstar
Hey Mojo, truely awesome info you have put up on here. And the advice you seem to give is right on so I'd like to ask a bit. You have a great build thread by the way. Look forward to seeing what comes next.

Anyway, back to this thread and my question. I have a 92g corner tank and about 20g sump. I have currently an ATI BM 160 skimmer that's been in use awhile. I cracked the skimmer cup ages ago and just siliconed it back together. Well now the pump has crapped out on me and wondering should I just replace the sicce 2500 or I have permission from the wife to get a new skimmer. Is there something you'd recommend with my ceiling topping out at 300-350$?
I was thinking maybe octopus super reef 2000 or octopus extreme 200? Is there something else that I should look at better within my price range? What do you think? Thanks Mojo, keep up the great advice and build thread.
THe SRO 2000 would be great. The warner marine AS150(on sale) the cs200 and last but not least the SWC 160 cone. All in your price range and great units.

Mojo,
thanks for the quick reply. I'm debating between the SRO 2000 and just replacing the pump on the ATI. Do you have any experience with the ATI? Would the SRO be worththe upgrade or is the difference neglible?

Thanks again for the advice.
Click to expand...

well to be honestI would probably replace the pump but not with the psk 2500. get the tunze 9410 or 9420. Muc better pump and no rotational issues.
 
westmoorenerd said:
Mojo, what's your suggestion for around 600g total volume system in the $700-$1200 range, medium stock with SPS and LPS. I was leaning towards the SWC Askoll Cone since I have a 160 cone and it works like a champ.
Click to expand...

I would take a look at the super reef octo 5000's I think would be a better fit than the SWC cone with the askol pump. The swc cone would be a little too small for that volume.

Mojo~
 
Mojo -

I'm running a BM250 on my 225gal tank 60 gal sump (actual water volume about 220) and can't stand dealing with the finicky, start-up issues with the sicce pumps.

I don't necessarily need the latest, cutting-edge skimmer made. I'm fine with a tried and true design, as long as it's proven to be solid and dependable.

Here's my wish list:
A skimmer that is as close to set and forget it as possible
Ease is cleaning - and being able to take the skimmer fully apart
An excellent quality, dependable pump (prefer 1 pump over 2)
Great customer service


Price range of 600 - 1000.

Thanks for your help.:fish2:
 
So, I have a 180 gallon tank that I will be setting up, or either my half circle 100. I cannot decide yet. I have been trying to sell the 180, but no bites. So, may just have to set it up. I was wondering, what is a good skimmer for this size tank? I cannot afford the most expensive skimmer. Right now I have an H&S that I simply love. I was told that it would be too small for this system. So I've been looking on RC for a used skimmer. I have come across a Bar Aquatics SK1620, and an Etss 700. What one is better? If neither of them are any good for my system, what would you recommend? Thank you so much.
 
hey mojo:

I have tried a coralife ss, seaclown, one that looked like a seaclown that came with a plug and play sump (long story didn't send me the correct parts very confusing)as well as octopus 800. The coralife overflowed and the octopus is way too big for my 29 gallon (sold it). I see the octopus BH100F is about the same size as the 800. But I hear some good reviews about this but scared about it hanging on my tank. The 800 was heavy was afraid it would crack the tank. I just added corals and an anemone to my tank and want the tank to stay as well maintained as I can. I have done fine just using filter floss and changing it out daily and been able to maintain 0 nitrates. I want something this pretty much is plug and play for my 29g. I know you have to "tweak collection cups" etc...but something that is simple, not to overflow and perform well for a HOB skimmer. I see there are some new ones out there and I don't want to drop another 200 bones for another skimmer. Can you help a reefer out?
 
summer6 said:
Mojo -

I'm running a BM250 on my 225gal tank 60 gal sump (actual water volume about 220) and can't stand dealing with the finicky, start-up issues with the sicce pumps.

I don't necessarily need the latest, cutting-edge skimmer made. I'm fine with a tried and true design, as long as it's proven to be solid and dependable.

Here's my wish list:
A skimmer that is as close to set and forget it as possible
Ease is cleaning - and being able to take the skimmer fully apart
An excellent quality, dependable pump (prefer 1 pump over 2)
Great customer service


Price range of 600 - 1000.

Thanks for your help.:fish2:
Click to expand...
First one that jumps out at me is the ATB 1050 meets everything plus great service set ad forget.
NExt would have to be The SRO 3000, the MSX 250A or the hurricone Cat 1

Only the atb can come fully apart. its also at the top of your budget.
you will want something with a askoll or bubble blaster 3000. The warner marine AS200 is another good option. Moves a lot of water. Not the same air draw as the new latest and greatest but becoming more and mre tried and true.

Toss those around and see what you think. LEt me know if u have any furth questions. If I think of something else I ll let you know as well
Oh almost forgot. The alpha 200 is another nice option. The only alpha cone I like. Its the only one in my opinion that is well balanced and would suggest. just my two cents but check it out as well.
Mojo~
 
MarineGirl411 said:
So, I have a 180 gallon tank that I will be setting up, or either my half circle 100. I cannot decide yet. I have been trying to sell the 180, but no bites. So, may just have to set it up. I was wondering, what is a good skimmer for this size tank? I cannot afford the most expensive skimmer. Right now I have an H&S that I simply love. I was told that it would be too small for this system. So I've been looking on RC for a used skimmer. I have come across a Bar Aquatics SK1620, and an Etss 700. What one is better? If neither of them are any good for my system, what would you recommend? Thank you so much.
Click to expand...

Well to buy new. for the 100 gallon the SWC 160 cone is good, the vertex in 180 and the Sro 2000 series are all nice budget options

for the 180 you can look at the vertex in 280, a WM s200, msx 250 a
 
woogy said:
hey mojo:

I have tried a coralife ss, seaclown, one that looked like a seaclown that came with a plug and play sump (long story didn't send me the correct parts very confusing)as well as octopus 800. The coralife overflowed and the octopus is way too big for my 29 gallon (sold it). I see the octopus BH100F is about the same size as the 800. But I hear some good reviews about this but scared about it hanging on my tank. The 800 was heavy was afraid it would crack the tank. I just added corals and an anemone to my tank and want the tank to stay as well maintained as I can. I have done fine just using filter floss and changing it out daily and been able to maintain 0 nitrates. I want something this pretty much is plug and play for my 29g. I know you have to "tweak collection cups" etc...but something that is simple, not to overflow and perform well for a HOB skimmer. I see there are some new ones out there and I don't want to drop another 200 bones for another skimmer. Can you help a reefer out?
Click to expand...
The warner marine h1 is nice but a little big and direct I think you can get them for 180
you may consider something like a tunze 9002 and have it mount inside in the corner. nice smaller skimmer
 
mojo~ said:
First one that jumps out at me is the ATB 1050 meets everything plus great service set ad forget.
NExt would have to be The SRO 3000, the MSX 250A or the hurricone Cat 1

Only the atb can come fully apart. its also at the top of your budget.
you will want something with a askoll or bubble blaster 3000. The warner marine AS200 is another good option. Moves a lot of water. Not the same air draw as the new latest and greatest but becoming more and mre tried and true.

Toss those around and see what you think. LEt me know if u have any furth questions. If I think of something else I ll let you know as well
Oh almost forgot. The alpha 200 is another nice option. The only alpha cone I like. Its the only one in my opinion that is well balanced and would suggest. just my two cents but check it out as well.
Mojo~
Click to expand...

Thanks Mojo for all of the above suggestions.

Upon my first RC/skimmer search I had my eye set on the Alpha 200 - with a great pump. I think the only thing that I wonder about is it's new to the market, and I hope all of the kinks are out for someone like me who does not want to fiddle constantly.

I will read into all the other skimmer options you suggested and see where it leads me.
 
Hey Mojo... I started reading the thread today and am up to post 200 (I will continue to keep reading). I noticed a lot of times you mention a preference for the MSX skimmers. Why is this one you keep recommending?

Don't get me wrong... I am using a MSX-160 and am very happy with it. I am looking to upgrade my tank (210g) and the skimmer... just looking for the best I can afford.

What is it about the MSX you like?
 
I usually only suggest the msx 250 A . As it doesnt use the sicce pump and it s a good value. Askol pump skimmer under $500. nice.
 
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
123
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