Skimmer Q&A Thread

[mojo~]

Hi Mojo,
I have a smaller setup- 40 gallons plus about 10 in the sump. Sump space is somewhat limited. You had recommended the sss-1000. I noticed this has a 3 1/2" neck and rated higher than the sro-1000 you recommended on the tank above.

Do you think I should still go with the sss 1000 on my tank?

Thanks,
Ken

if the 1000 int will fit it would be better. if not The sss has a smaller footprint. so That is why I suggested it.

 

[mojo~]

Hi Mojo -

I have 45 gallons total water and an available foot print of 9"w x 9"d. My tank is not stocked yet, but I'm thinking about moderate to high bioload.

I also have 135 gallons total water volume and a large open space for a skimmer. Same moderate to high bioload.

I don't have a budget, but I don't want to spends tons of $$ either (unless it is REALLY worth the cost). Can you give me your top three recommendations for each tank? Thank you for your help!

The skimz 121 is probably the best bet. But what is the display? the tunze 9002 might be the way to go.

The 135 ,
SRO 2000, atb 840, jns sk2ect.. pick a couple you like or are thinking of and Ill help narrow it down.

 

[mojo~]

Going to have a mixed reef with SPS. Total water volume 370 gallons with the display being 225 gallons. The tank will at least have a medium bioload. Looking for an in-sump skimmer and space isn't a problem. Curious about your recommendations and if you would put the ATI powercone on the list.

The powercone is nice but where is it ......? No one will no how long the pump will last for some time.

I would suggest the the aquamaxx AM 250 .. its abeast of a skimmer. moves lots of water and light on the pocket book.

Also the SRO 5000 would be good.

 

[mojo~]

Hello. I am setting up a 40 gallon with 29 gallon sump. Medium bio load planned. I need help choosing a skimmer under 200 dollars please and thanks.

The NAC 3.5 , the BM NAC 6 will be little on the large size but might be the way to go if you think you will go bigger later.

also the vertex in 100 gen 3

All these are in your budget and will do a nice job.

 

[coolkidtr]

Hi mojo, looking for some advice. I really do enjoy reading this thread. I currently have a very heavy bioload on 400 gallon display with another 200 gallons of sump and clownfish breeding tanks. I currently run a precision marine xl3 dual Beckett skimmer and an swc 250a cone. Both skimmers are great but I am looking either to replace the Beckett (it runs off a barracuda 240 watts) or both skimmers with a suitable alternative. Just looking to cut some energy costs. I was looking at either the swc300a cone or the sro xp 5000. Your thoughts on either or any other suitable reliable alternative would be appreciated.

Tony

 

[beach138]

The NAC 6 was one I was eyeballing. That would not be to much for this tank size? I read you can actually have to much skimming, is that true?

The NAC 3.5 , the BM NAC 6 will be little on the large size but might be the way to go if you think you will go bigger later.

also the vertex in 100 gen 3

All these are in your budget and will do a nice job.

 

[mojo~]

the 300a is a big skimmer. It will skim great I am sure. The sro 5000 i think is not quiet big enough in my opinion. A larger SRO would be better. The 6000 uses the same pump as the 5000 but does use a larger body.

The Aquamax AM 500 would be my top choice. IT will handle the heavy load and have great water turnover.

http://www.marinedepot.com/AquaMaxx...ein_Skimmers-AquaMaxx-UJ1111-FIPSISNW-vi.html

 

[mojo~]

The NAC 6 was one I was eyeballing. That would not be to much for this tank size? I read you can actually have to much skimming, is that true?

too large ofa skimmer will pull less. THe neck will be too large and all your waste will sit in the neck and never make it to the cup.

 

[beach138]

Ok Thanks Mojo ima stick with the 3.5 then because I will not be upgrading for at least 2+ years on this tank.

 

[atlfishes]

The powercone is nice but where is it ......? No one will no how long the pump will last for some time.

I would suggest the the aquamaxx AM 250 .. its abeast of a skimmer. moves lots of water and light on the pocket book.

Also the SRO 5000 would be good.

I was looking into the AM 250 and its rated for 100-300gallons. Just double checking that it would be big enough for my water volume (tank 225, system 370). Does the space saver design with the pump in the cone decrease efficiency? I seem to remember reading somewhere that it generally does.

If I went heavily stocked would that change your recommendation?

 

[robojet]

the new pump is nice. Fixes any isssues the psk2500 had. the mini airstar is good but hte new pump is more quiet and works very well.

Great... thanks! looks like I'll invest in the new pump.

 

[coolkidtr]

the 300a is a big skimmer. It will skim great I am sure. The sro 5000 i think is not quiet big enough in my opinion. A larger SRO would be better. The 6000 uses the same pump as the 5000 but does use a larger body.

The Aquamax AM 500 would be my top choice. IT will handle the heavy load and have great water turnover.

http://www.marinedepot.com/AquaMaxx...ein_Skimmers-AquaMaxx-UJ1111-FIPSISNW-vi.html

Thanks for the quick follow up. Curious why you would recommend the sedras over the askoll from swc. I always thought the sedras were not the greatest. I do like the aquamaxx, looks like a beast. How reliable are the sedras compared to the askoll.

Tony

 

[acidblondie]

Mojo, to many projects got in the way and I still haven't bought a skimmer. I was looking at either the NAC 77 or the SRO 3000INT. But recently I saw the Bubble Magus BM-200A on ebay for about $300 shipped. How does it compare? Or what are your recommendation in the $300 to $500 range. oh yeah, she says quiet is a priority.

I will have when I get back to it this fall a 210 display, 90 gallon tank for the sump, total water volume of around 270.

 

[acidblondie]

OOPs I should add that it'll be a mixed reef with a medium bioload

Thanks

 

[mojo~]

I was looking into the AM 250 and its rated for 100-300gallons. Just double checking that it would be big enough for my water volume (tank 225, system 370). Does the space saver design with the pump in the cone decrease efficiency? I seem to remember reading somewhere that it generally does.

If I went heavily stocked would that change your recommendation?

THe 350 with the dual pumps will be better. Sorry The 250 will work for alight load. I would suggest the 250 for a heavy 125 to 180. Just stick with the sefra pump models on the AM series. I do not suggest the psk 2500 model. the 300 i think it is.

Great build and good skimmers.

 

[mojo~]

Thanks for the quick follow up. Curious why you would recommend the sedras over the askoll from swc. I always thought the sedras were not the greatest. I do like the aquamaxx, looks like a beast. How reliable are the sedras compared to the askoll.

Tony

the sedra's are what was used and the ASM skimmers and euroreefs everyone loved. The askol is a better pump. But the body design on the swc you were talking about is not my favorite.

Hands down the askol is a better pump but going with what you gave me I would still of went with the AM skimmer.

 

[mojo~]

Mojo, to many projects got in the way and I still haven't bought a skimmer. I was looking at either the NAC 77 or the SRO 3000INT. But recently I saw the Bubble Magus BM-200A on ebay for about $300 shipped. How does it compare? Or what are your recommendation in the $300 to $500 range. oh yeah, she says quiet is a priority.

I will have when I get back to it this fall a 210 display, 90 gallon tank for the sump, total water volume of around 270.

I would normally say the SRO 3000. IT is a solid performer.

However the 220A uses the same body as the ATB 1050a.

I would go with the BM 220a. Atman pumps are cheap but work well. And youcan take hte skimmer apart to clean it.

I think that would be a good bang for your buck unit. Better fit than the 77.

 

[JohnM99]

Hi Mojo
Breaking down my 8 year old reef and setting up a new one - it will have a 140 g main tank, 80 g second tank, 50 g sump and 45 g refugium. Main tank will have coral / fish / anemones. Second tank lightly stocked frags etc. Refugium has DSB and Chaeto. Skimmer is external, in a basement fish room with the sump and fuge.
Looking at the Super Reef Octopus cones - would you suggest the 2000 or 3000? The 2000 is for up to 250 g they say, and I have 220 g holding fish etc, but a total water volume of about 315 g.
Cheers

 

[mojo~]

Def the the 3000 ext. THe 200 is good but only up to about 180g light stock. I would go with the 3000.

Good luck to you.

Mojo~

 

[Mark1]

I need a new protein skimmer, my casing on my SWC160 fell over and cracked in a couple of places. I think it was under performing and want to go with something different.
My tank is 150 gallons with a 30 gallon sump. Mostly SPS, I will say heavy bio load. I've been reading about a lot of great skimmers and was wondering if I could get an opinion on them and how you think each would work for my 150. I don't want to over do it, but want something that will work better then what I had.

AquaMaxx AM200-S
AquaMaxx cone 2
Skimz 161 or 201 monster
SRO 3000