Skimmer Q&A Thread

[NyReefNoob]

hmmmm grim maybe i need to move out your way.

mojo question for you, noticed ya dont reccommend the vertex as often. i am still waiting to pull the gun on a cone, but not fully sold on them { as in they would be a leap in skimmate production compared to other good skimmer's } ive kept going back to my good ole trusty das ex 1. got a ex 2 but a inch to tall and inch to wide. and now waiting for the new ati 160 to be released

 

[BigGimp77]

yea bang for the buck the swx 160 cone, and BM NAC 7 ae pretty good. The next step up would be the SRO 2000 then the ATB 840 and the bk mini 160.

another would be the Vertex in 180 too

I acutally have an SWC 160 extreme cone on my 40G tank (overkill I know).

However, I wasnt sure if that would be enough for a medium-heavy bioload on the 120G. Should I put the SWC160 in the 120g and downgrade for the 40G tank?.

 

[dwilly]

I've got a Vertex In 100 that I've had for aboput 1.5 yrs and I really like it but the pump is done. Any ideas for a replacement pump that would be better for this skimmer? Would the eheim compact work?

 

[mojo~]

I acutally have an SWC 160 extreme cone on my 40G tank (overkill I know).

However, I wasnt sure if that would be enough for a medium-heavy bioload on the 120G. Should I put the SWC160 in the 120g and downgrade for the 40G tank?.

that is what I would do. Save you some $$

 

[mojo~]

hmmmm grim maybe i need to move out your way.

mojo question for you, noticed ya dont reccommend the vertex as often. i am still waiting to pull the gun on a cone, but not fully sold on them { as in they would be a leap in skimmate production compared to other good skimmer's } ive kept going back to my good ole trusty das ex 1. got a ex 2 but a inch to tall and inch to wide. and now waiting for the new ati 160 to be released

The vertex is a good bang for the buck unit. But the 180 i feel is one of the best in the lineup. When it comes to smaller ones the 100 model stacks up against some tough competition. Like SRO, BM and SWC.

 

[mojo~]

I've got a Vertex In 100 that I've had for aboput 1.5 yrs and I really like it but the pump is done. Any ideas for a replacement pump that would be better for this skimmer? Would the eheim compact work?

what about a bubble blaster 1000. Kind of costly, otherwise I would just pick up a sedra 3500. Same pump really.

 

[dwilly]

Mojo, thanks. That Bubble Blaster is pricey. The eheim compact skimmer pump is $20.00 less and I love eheim, but I can't tell if it would work. If I get the bubble blaster will it require a lot of tinkering to fit, or is it pretty easy?

 

[rob.mwpropane]

I feel really bad to keep coming back, but you all save my bank account. Some people use accountants, I use you guys... Anyway, I found a good deal on a Kent marine nautilus te? Could this be used on my 29 with 30 sump? If so, what pump should I get to go with it? It's only 20$, but I dont need another 20$ pos. Thanks guys.

Thought I might of got lost, thanks for any advice in advance.

 

[westreef]

Hi Mojo,
I have a 75g mixed reef. Want to have a value skimmer that is reliable and efficient and not cost over $300. What do you recommend?
Someone recommends SRO 1000int. What is your opinion on this? What water level in the sump does it required?

Thanks in advance!

 

[westreef]

Hi Mojo,
I have just measured my sump dimensions. I can accommodate 6.5"x 10"X25" (WxLxH). This could limit my selection. SWC xtreme 150 BMK may just barely fit into it. 6.5" is limited by the lips over the old style Wet/Dry sump having the spray tray there supported by these lips. Of course if I can squeeze through them, I actually have 8" at the bottom of the sump. I don't like to redo a sump if possible. Any advice or recommendation will be highly appreciated.

 

[mojo~]

Mojo, thanks. That Bubble Blaster is pricey. The eheim compact skimmer pump is $20.00 less and I love eheim, but I can't tell if it would work. If I get the bubble blaster will it require a lot of tinkering to fit, or is it pretty easy?

Well just depends on how creative you are. They come with fittings but it may take a little work. Another option would be the atman 2500. inexpensive option

 

[mojo~]

Thought I might of got lost, thanks for any advice in advance.

I think $20 would be better spent else where.

 

[mojo~]

Hi Mojo,
I have just measured my sump dimensions. I can accommodate 6.5"x 10"X25" (WxLxH). This could limit my selection. SWC xtreme 150 BMK may just barely fit into it. 6.5" is limited by the lips over the old style Wet/Dry sump having the spray tray there supported by these lips. Of course if I can squeeze through them, I actually have 8" at the bottom of the sump. I don't like to redo a sump if possible. Any advice or recommendation will be highly appreciated.

I have the bmk 150 running on my 40 breeder right now. I ll have to go measure some for you. But it would work well for you. I think the smaller swc 120 would be too small. If the bmk 150 by chance wont work the ocean force 100 would work.

 

[dwilly]

Mojo, Thanks, I appreciate the help. I'll let you know what I do and how it works.

 

[Antwan620]

I started another thread but then I saw this one so I guess I can get more help here. I have a 150g tank that I want to have a mixed reef but mostly sps dominated what skimmer out of these would you recommend ? or do you think there are better ones for the money ? I know the MRC needs a motor to go with it but I have a mag 9.5 that I can maybe use with it.
Thanks in advanced!
ATI Bubble Master 200 Protein Skimmer $349
SWC Xtreme 200 protein Skimmer $289
MRC MR-2 PROTEIN SKIMMER [MR-2] $380
Reef Dynamics INS180 Protein Skimmer $399

 

[Antwan620]

ooh I forgot to say I would like to keep the price under $400.

 

[goldenboy]

REcently set up a 90. Looking at a reef octopus skimmer to place in the 30g sump. Narrowed it down to the NWB 150 or NWB 200. Will the 150 be able to handle a pretty good bio level in the 90g? Of should I bite the bullet, kick in another $100 and get the 200?

tx

 

[raynist]

I started another thread but then I saw this one so I guess I can get more help here. I have a 150g tank that I want to have a mixed reef but mostly sps dominated what skimmer out of these would you recommend ? or do you think there are better ones for the money ? I know the MRC needs a motor to go with it but I have a mag 9.5 that I can maybe use with it.
Thanks in advanced!
ATI Bubble Master 200 Protein Skimmer $349
SWC Xtreme 200 protein Skimmer $289
MRC MR-2 PROTEIN SKIMMER [MR-2] $380
Reef Dynamics INS180 Protein Skimmer $399

Don't forget the SRO XP2000 cone for $399.

 

[salty55]

Bang for the buck skimmer recomendation for a 75 gallon sps dominant tank. Light bioload (for now) looking at vertex in100, 180 and swc 120 or 160 cone. Pros and cons of each?

 

[westreef]

I have the bmk 150 running on my 40 breeder right now. I ll have to go measure some for you. But it would work well for you. I think the smaller swc 120 would be too small. If the bmk 150 by chance wont work the ocean force 100 would work.

Hi Mojo,
Thanks for the advice. I am waiting to see if your measurements are favorable to my sump. I went to the MRC site. Apparently they don't carry the Ocean Force products anymore. Am I correct?