Skimmer Q&A Thread

[JKN]

Thanks for the info.

 

[ShipWreck2]

I am setting up a 400g display tank, sps dominated eventually , with a 100g sump/fuge and possibly a frag tank eventually as well and am trying to figure out a skimmer. Currently I have a homemade version of the Lifereef VS3-60 running (doesn't have near the fit or finish as the real thing) and was considering using this on the new tank as a recirculating model. I also have an 8" diameter 6' long piece of cast acrylic tube I could use to construct a skimmer. The other option is to purchase a second skimmer to work with my current skimmer or single skimmer and sell my current one.

I guess what I am looking for is a recommendation for what to use on the tank, keeping in mind price and electricity usage. I also forgot to mention that I really don't have any size restrictions, base or height.

 

[E.intheC]

Hey Mojo~ I just got the Bubble Magus Nac3 and the directions recommend an 8 inch water level... That seems pretty high for this little skimmer. Do you think 8 inches sounds about right?

 

[Korrine]

^the nac7 is 9.5-11" high. Seems like a lot to me too!

 

[ShipWreck2]

I am setting up a 400g display tank, sps dominated eventually , with a 100g sump/fuge and possibly a frag tank eventually as well and am trying to figure out a skimmer. Currently I have a homemade version of the Lifereef VS3-60 running (doesn't have near the fit or finish as the real thing) and was considering using this on the new tank as a recirculating model. I also have an 8" diameter 6' long piece of cast acrylic tube I could use to construct a skimmer. The other option is to purchase a second skimmer to work with my current skimmer or single skimmer and sell my current one.

I guess what I am looking for is a recommendation for what to use on the tank, keeping in mind price and electricity usage. I also forgot to mention that I really don't have any size restrictions, base or height.

What about a Euro-Reef RC 750? I have the opportunity to grab one of these at a steel.

 

[mojo~]

Hey Mojo~ I just got the Bubble Magus Nac3 and the directions recommend an 8 inch water level... That seems pretty high for this little skimmer. Do you think 8 inches sounds about right?

actually that isnt too bad for it. too low and it creates more head pressure on the little 1100 pump

 

[mojo~]

What about a Euro-Reef RC 750? I have the opportunity to grab one of these at a steel.

that would work pretty well. Great skimmer.

 

[CMLewis]

I'm setting up a 40 gallon SPS display tank so the bioload will be limited, but the system will be about 70 gallons total volume. What make and model skimmer would be the best bang for the buck?

Separately, what would you recommend for a similar setup that also has vodka dosing?

Thank you

 

[mojo~]

sro 1000 int, bm nac7. Both of those would work well

 

[jlylec]

hey mojo...firstly, THANKS for hosting this thread...man what a wealth of knowledge and help you're sharing with everyone!

I've been struggling for a week on which skimmer to get for a new 150H in-wall build I'm about to start. I have a 55gal sump so I figure I'll have about 180gal total volume. I'm thinking an internal skimmer would be easiest for me but I'm limited to the 12" width of the 55gal. This limits my choices a bit and I've been looking at the octo extreme XS-200 but it says it's good for up to 200gal and i've read other threads that say to double your tank size with the skimmer rating. What do you think? If you don't think this skimmer would be good for a medium load in the 150H do you have any suggestions?

Thanks again...I really appreciate it!
Lyle

 

[mojo~]

The octo xs 200 would be a really good skimmer for you. I think you will be pleased with it.

Mojo~

 

[jlylec]

thanks so much...i'll let you know how it goes!

 

[rkaires]

Hey Mojo~,

What is your impression on the new BK double cones?

There are three models (180, 200, and 250) in the Bubble King Double cone lineup with each of these skimmers being powered by a direct Mini Red Dragon pump (which is similar to the mini red dragon pump 1500) utilizing a 100mm solid 3D pump head. The Double Cone Bubble King 180 is for aquariums up to 500 liters with adjustable 400-700 liters of air power and retails for 735€ ($990). Expect these new Bubble Kings to be offered in Europe within the next few weeks and shipments have already been planned for the US.

Bubble King Double Cone Model 180 735€ ($990) for aquariums up to 500 liters (adjustable 400-700 liters of air power)
Bubble King Double Cone Model 200 815€ ($1098) for aquariums up to 1000 liters (adjustable 500-1200 liters of air power)
Bubble King Double Cone Model 250 995€ ($1340) for aquariums up to 1500 liters (adjustable 800-1800 liters of air power)

All screws made of pure titanium, grade 2 instead of plastic
Release clamping wedge pipe
Eindüsungspfanne dismantled and removed
Pot with pivoting Absorbatablauf
Foam tube removed due to silicone seal
Bottom of the pot is not made of boards, but from a solid PVC ring, CNC turning
Pot with CNC turned round thread, no dripping, no salt crusts, 100% tight!
Massive and heavy construction of the entire skimmer reduces vibration
Floor plate with 5 piece parabolic rubber buffer from 30 Shore soft natural rubber prevents hum
Silicone decoupling pump skimmer
Extremely quiet Mini Red Dragon Pump, 1000 units already in the mini-series BK
pump head with sea water-resistant titanium screws
Pump also parabolic with rubber feet, acoustically decoupled from the floor
Pump shaft made of special material, like titanium, absolutely unbreakable and sea water resistant
Air-and water-efficient, adjustable
CNC machined wheels made of solid POM-needle sticks, turned and milled
Including ozone connection at the nozzle
Including ozone hose and nipple directly on the wedge tube.
Ozone can be connected directly, without additional air pump
Original quality of Röhm Plexiglas tubes, plastic plates of German premium supplier
Air intake hose …. with 3 mm wall thickness not bent and is sea water resistant
High-precision fabrication, made by Royal-Exclusiv.
Three models available now: 180 – 200 – 250 mm

 

[Drewbaby]

I'm looking at making my 180 an SPS dominated reef and will have a moderate bio load with some messy eaters. I am also thinking about setting up a frag/growout system around 100 gallons or so. That would put me around 300g total water volume depending on the size of the sump. I may not connect the two systems, but I would like to know what skimmers would work well in these cases.

The total system with growout tied in(~300g):

Just the display standalone(moderate/high bio 180g):

The growout standalone(~100g):

I've read good things about the octopus brand, but if you could recommend a couple brands including the octos that would be great.

Thanks

 

[mojo~]

Hey Mojo~,

What is your impression on the new BK double cones?

There are three models (180, 200, and 250) in the Bubble King Double cone lineup with each of these skimmers being powered by a direct Mini Red Dragon pump (which is similar to the mini red dragon pump 1500) utilizing a 100mm solid 3D pump head. The Double Cone Bubble King 180 is for aquariums up to 500 liters with adjustable 400-700 liters of air power and retails for 735€ ($990). Expect these new Bubble Kings to be offered in Europe within the next few weeks and shipments have already been planned for the US.

Bubble King Double Cone Model 180 735€ ($990) for aquariums up to 500 liters (adjustable 400-700 liters of air power)
Bubble King Double Cone Model 200 815€ ($1098) for aquariums up to 1000 liters (adjustable 500-1200 liters of air power)
Bubble King Double Cone Model 250 995€ ($1340) for aquariums up to 1500 liters (adjustable 800-1800 liters of air power)

All screws made of pure titanium, grade 2 instead of plastic
Release clamping wedge pipe
Eindüsungspfanne dismantled and removed
Pot with pivoting Absorbatablauf
Foam tube removed due to silicone seal
Bottom of the pot is not made of boards, but from a solid PVC ring, CNC turning
Pot with CNC turned round thread, no dripping, no salt crusts, 100% tight!
Massive and heavy construction of the entire skimmer reduces vibration
Floor plate with 5 piece parabolic rubber buffer from 30 Shore soft natural rubber prevents hum
Silicone decoupling pump skimmer
Extremely quiet Mini Red Dragon Pump, 1000 units already in the mini-series BK
pump head with sea water-resistant titanium screws
Pump also parabolic with rubber feet, acoustically decoupled from the floor
Pump shaft made of special material, like titanium, absolutely unbreakable and sea water resistant
Air-and water-efficient, adjustable
CNC machined wheels made of solid POM-needle sticks, turned and milled
Including ozone connection at the nozzle
Including ozone hose and nipple directly on the wedge tube.
Ozone can be connected directly, without additional air pump
Original quality of Röhm Plexiglas tubes, plastic plates of German premium supplier
Air intake hose …. with 3 mm wall thickness not bent and is sea water resistant
High-precision fabrication, made by Royal-Exclusiv.
Three models available now: 180 – 200 – 250 mm

Well Royal Exclusive has been playing around with this shape for a while now. I am not a fan at all of what they are doing with the pumps making the intakes adjustable. This is what they are doing with the vertex alpha line as well when they started having issues with surging and or other issues. Now I should also say this was a pretty clever fix and I am not saying it doesnt work well. But it does add another element to adjust on the skimmer to get it dialed in.I honestly like the design and love the build of BK skimmers. I will be a hard sell vs the ati powercone with a very similar design.

I did pre order a ati powercone 200 but doubt i will order the bk just because of price. its hard to say though. all the bk skimmers I have had have been really nice. I would love to have a sm200. But I have not been able to justify the cost. I hope this helps shed some light on my opinion.

mojo~

 

[mojo~]

I'm looking at making my 180 an SPS dominated reef and will have a moderate bio load with some messy eaters. I am also thinking about setting up a frag/growout system around 100 gallons or so. That would put me around 300g total water volume depending on the size of the sump. I may not connect the two systems, but I would like to know what skimmers would work well in these cases.

The total system with growout tied in(~300g):

Just the display standalone(moderate/high bio 180g):

The growout standalone(~100g):

I've read good things about the octopus brand, but if you could recommend a couple brands including the octos that would be great.

Thanks

well for the 180 alone the atb elegance 200, the sro 3000 int ,hurricone cat 1, and octo xs 200/250 depending on load.

for the 300 total I would say the sro 5000, octo xs 250, atb 1050a, huricon cat 2 or bk super marin 250

hope this helps

mojo~

 

[Drewbaby]

Thanks MoJo,
I looked into the different skimmers you recommended and I like the SRO 5000. Do you know if there is a performance difference with the sump saver version compared to the int model?

 

[mojo~]

sloght. just a little more reaction time

 

[mrsmithers]

Hey Mojo, would the 840 v2 be too small for a 140 med to heavy stock and 40 gallon sump and doing probiotics ? I like the 1050a but $$$

 

[mojo~]

the 840 v2 would work well. the 1050a is justa it large for the 140. not that it wouldnt work but actually the elegance 200 from atb would be right in between the two. That would be the best fit.