Skimmer Q&A Thread

[ODShaun]

hey Mojo... Any recent input on those super reef octopus skimmers. With my new build in process (48x30x20, 120 gallon) I was considering the sro due to its pump wattage output and of course pricing too. I was really set on the vertex 170 or even the 200, given that im planning on a sps dominant tank with a fair amount of fish. The only thing thats delaying the purchase on the alpha vertex is $$$ as of right now.

Id like to know if there were any issues to this date with the SRO. ex.. reliability, pros and cons or what not. Living in socal and its forum and asking the same question between the 2 skimmers, all I get is " alpha vertex hands down". But I really couldnt get a direct responce on why. thanks

 

[mojo~]

Hello
My current skimmer is 4 years old. So I'm looking to upgrade. System is 680 g sps display with another 400 g sump, frag... Should I go with one large or two smaller skimmers? What would you recommend that's efficient but not break the bank.
Thanks Mojo for your great work.

You could go with the vertex alpha 300, the sro 6000 or 7000

http://www.reefspecialty.com/Protei...SS-Internal-Protein-Skimmer/product_info.html

or the hurricone cat 3 too.
all good bang for buck units

 

[mojo~]

hey Mojo... Any recent input on those super reef octopus skimmers. With my new build in process (48x30x20, 120 gallon) I was considering the sro due to its pump wattage output and of course pricing too. I was really set on the vertex 170 or even the 200, given that im planning on a sps dominant tank with a fair amount of fish. The only thing thats delaying the purchase on the alpha vertex is $$$ as of right now.

Id like to know if there were any issues to this date with the SRO. ex.. reliability, pros and cons or what not. Living in socal and its forum and asking the same question between the 2 skimmers, all I get is " alpha vertex hands down". But I really couldnt get a direct responce on why. thanks

well I would say the build is better on the vertex but not performance. they are ok but the 200 model is too big and the 170 just isnt up to par with the others in my opinion. Not for the $$. The 200 is probably one of the models in the alpha line.


that being said. I would pick up one hte nice used bk minis that people are selling. a 160 or 180 would work well. An atb 840 1,5 or v2 would work very well, the SRO 2000 int or XP.

All will work well. I dont think you will be happy with either vertex u mentioned. The neck is too big on the 200 model and the 170 has too many adjustments with the added adjustable venturi to get the pump to work correctly.

Again just my opinion but I would go with the others as they are plug and play and have great track records.

Mojo~

 

[Frank789]

Octopus LX1000S vs ATB Multi-Use Skimmer vs Deltec MCE600

Octopus LX1000S vs ATB Multi-Use Skimmer vs Deltec MCE600

Which of these offers best performance and/or best value for moderately to heavily stocked systems (fish and LPS) in the 50-100 gal range? For in sump use, how does the ATB compare to Octopus SRO-1000INT? Thanks.

 

[rob020880]

Mr. Mojo,

I need your advice. I have a 130 gal corner tank with about a 30 gal sump not counting all my rock, fairly heavily stocked with sps and fish. I need a new skimmer and almost pulled the trigger on a BK Mini 180. I figured this would be the mini that was sized for my system.

Thing is I couldn't bring myself to pull the trigger, just too expensive. I was rationalizing the cost but after doing a bit of research I realized there are a ton of skimmers that might perform just as well.

What reasonably priced skimmer would you recomend for my size system? Performance is my main concern. Anything cheaper then the bk mini I consider reasonable but it would be nice to stay around or below $400. Also I have limited sump space, which is one of the main reasons I was leaning torwards the mini 180 with its in skimmer pump design. I would prefer a skimmer with the motor directly below or inside the skimmer. Are there any skimmers on the way soon that I should consider? Do you have any recomendations Mojo?

 

[mojo~]

Which of these offers best performance and/or best value for moderately to heavily stocked systems (fish and LPS) in the 50-100 gal range? For in sump use, how does the ATB compare to Octopus SRO-1000INT? Thanks.

Hands down the ATB would be a better performer on the higher gallon range. The 1000 would probably be better at the low range closer to the 50 gallon range. 75 to 125 g the ATB will be a great performer.

 

[ODShaun]

well I would say the build is better on the vertex but not performance. they are ok but the 200 model is too big and the 170 just isnt up to par with the others in my opinion. Not for the $$. The 200 is probably one of the models in the alpha line.


that being said. I would pick up one hte nice used bk minis that people are selling. a 160 or 180 would work well. An atb 840 1,5 or v2 would work very well, the SRO 2000 int or XP.

All will work well. I dont think you will be happy with either vertex u mentioned. The neck is too big on the 200 model and the 170 has too many adjustments with the added adjustable venturi to get the pump to work correctly.

Again just my opinion but I would go with the others as they are plug and play and have great track records.

Mojo~

:thumbsup: Thanks Man!!! Ill look into the other skimmers you mentioned.

 

[Alien2100]

Rob,
You might consider looking at the SWC line of skimmers. I'm going to purchase the SWC XTREME Cone Mini S for my own heavily stocked 90gal, I'm also adding a larger sump too. But the foot print is 10"1/2x10"1/2x23" and it uses a Sicce pump mounted under the body like what your looking for. It's bio load rating is 150 heavy, 180 med 200 light, and sales for $379.99 I've been looking around for a while myself and it was the one I decided on. saltwaterconnection.com

 

[Frank789]

Hands down the ATB would be a better performer on the higher gallon range. The 1000 would probably be better at the low range closer to the 50 gallon range. 75 to 125 g the ATB will be a great performer.

Thanks. How would the Deltec MCE600 compare to the ATB in the HOB configuration? Do the Deltec and ATB have similar maintenance requirements or is one more forgiving than the other?

 

[mojo~]

Rob,
You might consider looking at the SWC line of skimmers. I'm going to purchase the SWC XTREME Cone Mini S for my own heavily stocked 90gal, I'm also adding a larger sump too. But the foot print is 10"1/2x10"1/2x23" and it uses a Sicce pump mounted under the body like what your looking for. It's bio load rating is 150 heavy, 180 med 200 light, and sales for $379.99 I've been looking around for a while myself and it was the one I decided on. saltwaterconnection.com

The swc mini s cone has a huge step going into the neck. you will see the nice little bubble grow to larger bubbles at this point. The skimmer is not mini by any means ad the sicce doesnt do well with head pressure. To get good performance out of the mini S you will need to run it at 10 in water depth. Not one of my favorite cone skimmers. Well built but I would get a cylinder without the huge step going into the neck if it was my money.

 

[Alien2100]

I think that's the reason SWC list the operating depth at 6" to 10" with 9" to 10" being the best. And for my new sump that's perfect. Your right about the step, however I'm not sure it's going to have that much of an effect, but I will see when I get mine and hook it up. And there $279.99 right now, value for the money is there to me.

 

[Just2Many]

Ok so which is better Used Warner Marine AS150 for $200 Bucks looks clean. Or a New Reef Octopus Extreme SX 160 Protein Skimmer by CoralVue $294.95
But would Probably Buy
Reef Octopus Extreme SX 200 Protein Skimmer by CoralVue $319.95

Have a 54 Corner that is plumed to a 55 plumed to a 40 With a couple tens.
The 54 is Aggressive Tanks Triggers and Lionfish, the 55 is mostly sump with cheato but has a breeding pair of maroons, the 40 is coral grow out and frag tank, and 10's are grow out for the clowns.
Ideas help Please

 

[rob020880]

Mojo,

So which would you recommend for me besides the swc? Besides bubble king. Im looking for a relatively compact, for a 130 gal tank.

 

[mojo~]

Ok so which is better Used Warner Marine AS150 for $200 Bucks looks clean. Or a New Reef Octopus Extreme SX 160 Protein Skimmer by CoralVue $294.95
But would Probably Buy
Reef Octopus Extreme SX 200 Protein Skimmer by CoralVue $319.95

Have a 54 Corner that is plumed to a 55 plumed to a 40 With a couple tens.
The 54 is Aggressive Tanks Triggers and Lionfish, the 55 is mostly sump with cheato but has a breeding pair of maroons, the 40 is coral grow out and frag tank, and 10's are grow out for the clowns.
Ideas help Please

The WM as 150 is a great skimmer but I think it will be too much for the 54 corner over time. It moves a lot of water with the sedra 7000 . Its a heck of a skimmer for sure. the the 160 will give you a little more space in your sump and probably be a better fit for your water volume. the smaller sicce 600 will be a good match or your volume if it was just the 54 gallon.

I would get the as 150 as long as you dont mind not having a warranty. I think I still have a spare pinwheel for the sedra 7000. The wm as 150 wll handle all the tanks tied into the system. both will work. just depends on preference.

 

[mojo~]

Mojo,

So which would you recommend for me besides the swc? Besides bubble king. Im looking for a relatively compact, for a 130 gal tank.

, the sro 2000 sss , the mrc ocean force 300. the aquamaxx am250 as well.

 

[Just2Many]

The WM as 150 is a great skimmer but I think it will be too much for the 54 corner over time. It moves a lot of water with the sedra 7000 . Its a heck of a skimmer for sure. the the 160 will give you a little more space in your sump and probably be a better fit for your water volume. the smaller sicce 600 will be a good match or your volume if it was just the 54 gallon.

I would get the as 150 as long as you dont mind not having a warranty. I think I still have a spare pinwheel for the sedra 7000. The wm as 150 wll handle all the tanks tied into the system. both will work. just depends on preference.

Yeah not just for the 54 it's for all of them together. So go with the WM 150

 

[rob020880]

I was looking at the sro 2000sss, but I was also thinking about the sro 1000sss because its a tad smaller. Do you think I could get away with the 1000 sss on a 130 gal tank?

Also what do you think about the Octopus Extreme XS line of skimmers. Looks like they will be out soon and have the new siccer pumps. I was looking at the 160 and the 200. Do you have any opinions on these? They seem to look nice.

 

[JG1]

Whats the better skimmer for a heavily stocked 100g tank?

swc 180 cone skimmer or sro xp2000 internal or ATI Bubble Master 200-250?????

 

[Frank789]

Which is better Deltec MCE600 (older and upgraded turbo versions) or ATB Multi-Use in the HOB configuration for moderately to heavily stocked systems (fish and LPS) in the 50-100 gal range? Do the Deltec and ATB have similar maintenance requirements or is one more forgiving than the other? Thanks.

 

[mojo~]

the atb will be easier to work on. both are solid performers.