Skimmer Q&A Thread

[enduserferg]

Hi Mojo,

I've enjoyed reading some of your reviews. In planning my upcoming tank upgrade (from 90 to 125/150) i am planning on changing skimmer from a KZ small which i find to be very finicky. I have narrowed it down to a BK mini 180 or an alpha Cone 170. I see earlier in the thread that you did not recommend the 170 over a mini 180 and was wondering your reasoning for it.

Thanks ahead of time for your time =)

 

[mojo~]

I didnt have time to read all 66 pages of this thread sorry as intresting as this is I have a small tank around 40 gal all softie 6x39 t5 what type of skimmer would you sugest. I was looking to see if I coud get a hang on the back like a remra?

Well if you want a HOB, I would get the Warner MArine H1. you will be very pleased with it.

 

[mojo~]

Hi Mojo,

I've enjoyed reading some of your reviews. In planning my upcoming tank upgrade (from 90 to 125/150) i am planning on changing skimmer from a KZ small which i find to be very finicky. I have narrowed it down to a BK mini 180 or an alpha Cone 170. I see earlier in the thread that you did not recommend the 170 over a mini 180 and was wondering your reasoning for it.

Thanks ahead of time for your time =)

Well if you could put them side by side you would see the difference. THe BK is still built even thicker than the alpha's. The ability to just grab the collection cup off and clean it rather than the screw off cup on the 170. The water exits the bottom of the T on the 180 making it really nice. In every way I can think of the Mini 180 gen 2 beats out the alpha 170. Set and forget. Worth the extra $$.

Mojo~

 

[enduserferg]

Great thanks. I will be picking one up soon! =)

 

[0p3n Brain]

Anyone have an opinion on the Reef Octopus Triple 12? I'm considering it on my 400G system SPS heavy load.

Is there a better performer you recommend? Performance is most important, price is secondary.

Thanks

 

[ptan]

Mojo just a quick question... i have a octopus xp-5000int for my 270 gallon display tank with 100 gallons sump tank... my question is: will this skimmer enough for my setup? The tank will house dominantly sps with 5 tangs on the way...

i still have a spare space in my sump... around 18"x18" footprint... what skimmer should i add if i need one more? is it advisable to have two skimmers run side by side? if yes what model in octopus lineup will be good for my setup? Sorry for the numerous question... btw great thread you have and you got a lot of knowledge regarding skimmers... Great Job!

 

[mojo~]

Mojo just a quick question... i have a octopus xp-5000int for my 270 gallon display tank with 100 gallons sump tank... my question is: will this skimmer enough for my setup? The tank will house dominantly sps with 5 tangs on the way...

i still have a spare space in my sump... around 18"x18" footprint... what skimmer should i add if i need one more? is it advisable to have two skimmers run side by side? if yes what model in octopus lineup will be good for my setup? Sorry for the numerous question... btw great thread you have and you got a lot of knowledge regarding skimmers... Great Job!

I think it will work fine. The neck is huge. I think it will fit your setup just right. Take some pics and post if you get it.

Mojo~

 

[ptan]

I think it will work fine. The neck is huge. I think it will fit your setup just right. Take some pics and post if you get it.

Mojo~

alright will stick with it... i thought it will be too small for my setup... thanks again Mojo!

 

[mojo~]

no problem.

 

[lukinrats]

Mojo~ Thanks for all your hard work here. I know that you have spent some countless hours studying and swapping out skimmers, all in an effort to gain some knowledge about what is out there. Not only that, but you pass your knowledge on to us. Thanks!

I am setting up a 120g that I will be transferring my 75g SPS tank into. I am trying to decide between the SRO Xp2000 External and SRO Xp3000 External. Here are the particulars, can you help me out?

#1. 120 gallon stocked with SPS, and will be stocked with plenty of fish
#2. 40 gallon sump
#3. Plan to go barebottom
#4. Will be adding a 40-50 gallon frag tank to the set up

I think the 2000 will be just fine, but I don't want it to become overloaded when I start to set up a frag tank.
I also do not want to get the 3000 and have it be grossly over sized for my situation

Thanks again!
Nathan

 

[mojo~]

Mojo~ Thanks for all your hard work here. I know that you have spent some countless hours studying and swapping out skimmers, all in an effort to gain some knowledge about what is out there. Not only that, but you pass your knowledge on to us. Thanks!

I am setting up a 120g that I will be transferring my 75g SPS tank into. I am trying to decide between the SRO Xp2000 External and SRO Xp3000 External. Here are the particulars, can you help me out?

#1. 120 gallon stocked with SPS, and will be stocked with plenty of fish
#2. 40 gallon sump
#3. Plan to go barebottom
#4. Will be adding a 40-50 gallon frag tank to the set up

I think the 2000 will be just fine, but I don't want it to become overloaded when I start to set up a frag tank.
I also do not want to get the 3000 and have it be grossly over sized for my situation

Thanks again!
Nathan

I think the 2000 will be just fine as well. I think you wl be happier with it long term.

 

[Overboard]

you could get a ATB 840 1.5.or a SRO xp 2000 cone as well.

Mojo,

I have a quick follow up question please. What flow rate should I have through the sump for the best results for these skimmers (for a 150 gallon display)?

Thanks,
Mark

 

[grandp10]

Will any needlewheel impellar that fits into a Sicce fit into a QuietOne 2200 pump, if so which impellar is best? Thank you very much for any help.

 

[mojo~]

Will any needlewheel impellar that fits into a Sicce fit into a QuietOne 2200 pump, if so which impellar is best? Thank you very much for any help.

No not interchangable

 

[mojo~]

Mojo,

I have a quick follow up question please. What flow rate should I have through the sump for the best results for these skimmers (for a 150 gallon display)?

Thanks,
Mark

you will gets lots of opinions here. I would run something like a eheim 1262 for your setup. about 7to800gph

 

[grandp10]

Will any needlewheel impellars work on the QueitOne pumps?

 

[Adam S]

hey mojo i have a 120 gallon tank wih a truvu 125 wet/dry filter and was wondering what is a good hang on skimmer and what are some good in sump skimmers that ould handle the bio load of a fowlr. thanks :dance:

 

[reefEng10]

Comparing two "bang for buck" skimmers here for a 50g + 15g sump build. Will be sps dominant,bare-bottom system, w/ med- high bioload.

Ability to skim very well wet or dry would be nice.

I am looking at the swc 160 cone and bm nac6... they have similar footprint, and smallest possible footprint is important with my limited sump room.

I am leaning towards the swc 160 cone... am I thinking along the right lines here ?

Thanks to whoever (mojo or others) who would like to comment

 

[mojo~]

hey mojo i have a 120 gallon tank wih a truvu 125 wet/dry filter and was wondering what is a good hang on skimmer and what are some good in sump skimmers that ould handle the bio load of a fowlr. thanks :dance:

Warner marine H2 for the HOB.
insump on a budget the Vertex in 180 or maybe the SWC 160

 

[mojo~]

Comparing two "bang for buck" skimmers here for a 50g + 15g sump build. Will be sps dominant,bare-bottom system, w/ med- high bioload.

Ability to skim very well wet or dry would be nice.

I am looking at the swc 160 cone and bm nac6... they have similar footprint, and smallest possible footprint is important with my limited sump room.

I am leaning towards the swc 160 cone... am I thinking along the right lines here ?

Thanks to whoever (mojo or others) who would like to comment

for your 50g and 15g sumo you could get the SWC 120 or the NAc6. Both are good units but the nac 6 and the swc 160 use the same pump and have a larger pump. I personally would probably go with the 120.

Mojo~