Skimmer Q&A Thread

[Zeus2]

I have been reading through this thread learning alot. But I would rather just ask you guys directly. My tank prior was heavily stocked with SPS and some LPS. I intend on doing the same.
I have a 120 g. reef tank and I'm looking at purchasing the Bubble Magus
NAC7 protein skimmer or possibly saving up for the SWC 180 extreme. I know they are in two different classes. Has anyone seen this skimmer work first hand. Is there another skimmer I should be looking at. Should I wait and save up to buy something better. I have a 55 g sump. Size isn't the issue, but I was attempting to stay cost effective. 250 - 375 is my price range. If I need to wait and save to do this right, then I will. If anyone has any imput, please give it. Thanks.

Jaramie

 

[mojo~]

Thanks for all your help mojo I enjoy reading the posts on here as well!

Thanks for the kind words.

Mojo~

 

[mojo~]

Mojo - what are your thoughts on the SRO 2000INT vs the SRO 2000 XP for tanks in the range of 100-125 gallons? You talk a lot about balance being important and here we have two skimmers that have the same bb2000 pump, but different body sizes and types (hybrid vs cone).

The thing I'm most concerned about is that the 2000INT has only a 3" neck while the 2000 XP has a 4" neck (correct me if I'm wrong). That's a big difference. Does that mean one of the two has better balance?

I will have to look for sure But I think it is a little over 3 inches but you can change the size of the neck a little depending on he height of the skimmer. I liked the 2000 int but you do have to run them shallow. around 6 to 7 inches.

here is a pic of the int I had

 

[mojo~]

I have been reading through this thread learning alot. But I would rather just ask you guys directly. My tank prior was heavily stocked with SPS and some LPS. I intend on doing the same.
I have a 120 g. reef tank and I'm looking at purchasing the Bubble Magus
NAC7 protein skimmer or possibly saving up for the SWC 180 extreme. I know they are in two different classes. Has anyone seen this skimmer work first hand. Is there another skimmer I should be looking at. Should I wait and save up to buy something better. I have a 55 g sump. Size isn't the issue, but I was attempting to stay cost effective. 250 - 375 is my price range. If I need to wait and save to do this right, then I will. If anyone has any imput, please give it. Thanks.

Jaramie

Well they are really in the same class really. The 180 is much bigger but uses a psk 2500 sicce pump. This pump has rotational issues where it performs differently if it starts backwards.

Not with the price range you have set you could step it up a notch. The aquamaxx AM 250 would be good, the Super reef octo 2000, the Octos XS 200 would also fit the bill. All 3 of those would be better choices than the first two. Out of the first two the Nac 7 is a good unit and I think it will work fine. If you end up stocking heavy it might be a little overworked. But all in all it does work well.

couple shots from my nac 7

 

[skh]

I will have to look for sure But I think it is a little over 3 inches but you can change the size of the neck a little depending on he height of the skimmer. I liked the 2000 int but you do have to run them shallow. around 6 to 7 inches.

Thanks for the quick reply. So you don't think the 3" neck on the INT is a problem if you run it shallow (putting more head pressure on the pump)? Which of the two SROs - 2000 INT or 2000 XP - do you think is a better match for a 120g system?

 

[NyReefNoob]

Octo Nw 110
octo nw 150
octo nw 200
octoX 160
octoX 200
msx 160
msx 200
ETSS sump buddy 40
Oceanic biocube skimmer
saphire bc skimmer
cpr skimmer
aquaC ev 120
aquaC urchin
aquaC remora
Bermuda bps 3c
Warner Marine s150
Warner Marine s200
Warner Marine as 150
Warner Marine as 200
Warner MArine k2 prototype and production
Bubble king Mini 160 gen 1
Bubble king Mini 160 gen 2
Bubble king Mini 180 gen 2
ATB 840
ATB 840 v 1.5
Alpha 250
alpha 170
vertex in 100 gen 1
vertex in 100 gen 2
Vertex in 100 gen 3
vertex in 180 gen 2
MSX miniS
DAS ex 1
SWC 120 cone
SWC 150
Bubble Magus Nac 6
Bubble Magus Nac 7
SRO 2000 xp
SRO 2000 int
Aquamaxx am 250
CS 200 cone skimmer
ATB Elegance 200
Mojo mini 100 sicce pump
Mojo mini 3 Tunze
Mojo cone sicce
Mojo 4 sicce
mojo 5 bubble blaster

makes my list of 20 look bad lol
what made u choose this Aquamaxx am 250 over their semi cone ?

 

[mojo~]

Thanks for the quick reply. So you don't think the 3" neck on the INT is a problem if you run it shallow (putting more head pressure on the pump)? Which of the two SROs - 2000 INT or 2000 XP - do you think is a better match for a 120g system?

I think they would both do a good job really heavy stock go with cone. light to medium stock go with the INT. Hope that helps. but they both do work well

 

[mojo~]

makes my list of 20 look bad lol
what made u choose this Aquamaxx am 250 over their semi cone ?

The JNS shark 3 was not in stock. Working on trying to get one now. We will see. Also this ones price point is under $400 Many want a skimmer between 250 and 350 bucks. This one is on the high side of that but still pretty good for the value. I emptied another cup nasty oil like nog again today. did have to reaise the water a bit so it didnt suck air. it pulls a lot of water.

 

[Zeus2]

Thanks mojo for the insight. I'll look into the 3 choices you gave and will get back to you on what i choose.

Jaramie

 

[NyReefNoob]

ive really been looking at this and their smaller model but no one carries it
Skimz e-251 cone skimmer

 

[Zeus2]

Mojo,

I have decided to take your advice and purchase the AquaMaxx AM250. I think it will pay off in the long run. Is this skimmer finicky. I need to be able to trust it to not need adjusted constantly. I plan on having it on a timer to shut off for 20 min. everyday for regular feeding times.

 

[1mbrews8]

starting an upgrade...
i have a octo extreme 200 with upgraded wheel now..

i will be upgrading to:
180g DT (upstairs - with drains, etc going to basement)

(basement - connected together)
150g rubbermaid sump (will prob only have 55-75g in it)
55-75g fuge
60g frag tank

potentially a seperate DSB - either part of fuge or 20-30g...

i will have a mixture of sps, lps, etc and atleast a medium if not heavy fish load. i doubt if the octo x 200 would be ok for this... what are your thoughts? thanks
mike

 

[mojo~]

Mojo,

I have decided to take your advice and purchase the AquaMaxx AM250. I think it will pay off in the long run. Is this skimmer finicky. I need to be able to trust it to not need adjusted constantly. I plan on having it on a timer to shut off for 20 min. everyday for regular feeding times.

I adjusted mine once after it set up. So I would say not finicky at all. Mine is still pulling out the nasty for sure.

Mojo~

 

[rob020880]

Thanks Mojo,

You dont think that these skimmers might be a bit large for a 130 gal display? I currently have a ati bubble master 200 and I never get consistent skimmate.

 

[mojo~]

depends on your stock. I have a medium stock 125 with a am 250. I could get away with the smaller am 150. depends on load really How many tangs... lol

 

[nsmith_mma]

I need to buy a skimmer for my tank, and I think I've decided on a Reef Octopus, but I'm not sure what the difference is between these two:

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/...-skimmers.html

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/...p-skimmer.html

Other than size and gallon ratings, I just don't know on a functional or performance level what the difference is between the two. Can anyone help me out here?

 

[cec09]

Hey mojo, I have a question for you. i recently go an avast cs1 cone skimmer with sicce psk2500 pump. Iam having an issue with the bubble level in the skimmer. Ive had it in for about 2 weeks now. I had it set where i liked it. Nice dark skimmate. I fed the tank and the foam collapsed. I expected that so i emptied the cup. I did not turn it off. after i checked it in a couple hours the bubble level was significantly higher. Just trying to see if this is just still breaking in or if there could be something im doing wrong. Thanks
John

 

[njw26]

So i have a 55gal tank i'm doing a mixed set up reef and fish i'm looking for a good hob skimmer. something economical but something that works good any suggestions??

 

[mojo~]

Hey mojo, I have a question for you. i recently go an avast cs1 cone skimmer with sicce psk2500 pump. Iam having an issue with the bubble level in the skimmer. Ive had it in for about 2 weeks now. I had it set where i liked it. Nice dark skimmate. I fed the tank and the foam collapsed. I expected that so i emptied the cup. I did not turn it off. after i checked it in a couple hours the bubble level was significantly higher. Just trying to see if this is just still breaking in or if there could be something im doing wrong. Thanks
John

pretty normal. it will settle in

 

[mojo~]

So i have a 55gal tank i'm doing a mixed set up reef and fish i'm looking for a good hob skimmer. something economical but something that works good any suggestions??

Aquamaxx h1 is the way to go for sure. Marine depot has them.