Skimmer Q&A Thread

I am looking for a in-sump skimmer that is under $400. Here is what I have came across so far. Let me know what you think and thoughts on them and others to consider. I do not want to go above 500.

Bubble Magus BM-200PN 210-400 Gallons
Bubble Magus BM-NAC9 395-530 Gallons
Bubble Magus BM-NAC77 Cone 210-315 Gallons
Bubble Magus BM-NAC66 210-310 Gallons
AquaMaxx Cone 2 In Sump Protein Skimmer

This would be on a 175g -240g cube with an appropriate sized sump.

I wouldGowith the aquamaxx cone 3 not 2, or the BMNAc 9. Dont read too much into ratings. You have to know the pumps and their water flow rates to help determine size.

The sro 3000 would also be a good choice
 
Hi there!

Does anyone know of a replacement pump to use on my G1X skimmer that would be quietest? I am running it in a 75 gallon. The pump I am using is a G500. Thanks....

I would just replace with the same pump sedra 3500/ eco 633. anything else will have to be modded to fit. A tunze hydrofoamer 9410 would be great and super quiet .
 
Hi Mojo, after reading your review of the jns sk I decided to go with it. Would the sk3 or 2 be a better match for my tank? Heavy stocked 137g sps tank.

Thanks again for all your help.

you could get away with the 2 but I would jump up to the 3 if you are going to stock pretty heavy with fish.
 
Ken I have had them both now, I still have the pinwheel in my drawer. The pumps are not different. I am not trying to beat a dead horse here but I dont want other to be mislead. The only difference between the Warner Marine MF series is the color, Shape of the support ring, and vbt on the larger models. There was a small construction change too I believe but was a minor change. Something no one would even notice unless told about most likely.

I would just run it. They have been working some bugs out with the pumps. I would wait on them a little until I know that they have them worked out.

I have spoke with Jon W. many times, the people at skimZ and other North american suppliers about the pumps and design.

OK, thanks.
Ken
 
Mojo- this is what I'm getting outa the SB 40. What do you think. This is about as good as it gets for the most part.

IMAG0687.jpg
 
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Mmm beer, cough cough hack hack.
Don't have an SB 40, but some week mine looks like that. Some times lighter some times darker.
 
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Mojo, one further question. You had recommended the Sea Side Aquatics CS2 for my reef. Is there, in your opinion, a significant difference between the CS2 and the ATB 840v2? If I had to, I could modify my sump to accomodate the ATB. But the question is whether there is much difference in performance between the 2 skimmers to justify the expense and the effort (though I am happy to do so if there is a real difference).
 
Mojo, one further question. You had recommended the Sea Side Aquatics CS2 for my reef. Is there, in your opinion, a significant difference between the CS2 and the ATB 840v2? If I had to, I could modify my sump to accomodate the ATB. But the question is whether there is much difference in performance between the 2 skimmers to justify the expense and the effort (though I am happy to do so if there is a real difference).

They do use the same pump. The atb venturi is a little different and allows it to pull a little more air and water. The pump being external also gives it more reaction time. They are both great. The ATB is built a little nicer but you pay a little more. all in all they are pretty similar with the atb having a little edge in performance and build. But it will not make or break your reef. I would not redo my sump for it. The cs2 is great .
 
Mojo
Hope your surgery went well today and you heal up fast.

I am putting together a new 65 gallon display tank with 30 gallon sump and 20 gallon refugium. I am planning on a medium stocked reef tank with LPS coral. I have more than enough sump area for any of the sumps I am looking at and the water remains constant at 8.5" ( I can raise skimmer if required). I am looking at skimmers for the tank and I wanted to get your thoughts.

The skimmer I am looking at are as follows
1) Avast Marine CS-1 (Sicce PSK-1000) - Like the DIY idea
2) Reef Octopus SRO-1000 (Bubble Blaster HY1000)
3) Sea Side Aquatics CS1 (Sicce PSK-600)
4) Any of your thoughts

I am looking for a good skimmer, easy to maintain and hopefully fairly quite.
Thanks for your time.

Mojo

Yopu helped me previously narrow down my skimmer selection to the SSA CS-1 and I was going to purchase it when a local reefer offered up his ASG G3 skimmer. How would the G3 work on this system? Is it to much skimmer for my system?

Thanks
 
it would bea little large for your setup. If it was going to make or break your budget... Then it would work. the ssa cs1 would be a better fit. I say that because of the size of it. The g3 is a good skimmer though. So if that helps at all.. lol.check out hte pump really good though. The old sedra pumps were notorious for having the magnet swell up over time. This would cause it to wear on the shaft and in some cases seize up on the ceramic shaft.
Mojo
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by HOBrien
I am looking for a in-sump skimmer that is under $400. Here is what I have came across so far. Let me know what you think and thoughts on them and others to consider. I do not want to go above 500.

Bubble Magus BM-200PN 210-400 Gallons
Bubble Magus BM-NAC9 395-530 Gallons
Bubble Magus BM-NAC77 Cone 210-315 Gallons
Bubble Magus BM-NAC66 210-310 Gallons
AquaMaxx Cone 2 In Sump Protein Skimmer

This would be on a 175g -240g cube with an appropriate sized sump.

I wouldGowith the aquamaxx cone 3 not 2, or the BMNAc 9. Dont read too much into ratings. You have to know the pumps and their water flow rates to help determine size.

The sro 3000 would also be a good choice



I wouldGowith the aquamaxx cone 3 not 2, or the BMNAc 9. Dont read too much into ratings. You have to know the pumps and their water flow rates to help determine size.

The sro 3000 would also be a good choice

Ok there is an ATI bubblemaster 250 for sale at $350 used would that be to much overkill for the tank? Also what is the average cost for the SRO 3000 and the Aquamaxx cone 3?
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by HOBrien
I am looking for a in-sump skimmer that is under $400. Here is what I have came across so far. Let me know what you think and thoughts on them and others to consider. I do not want to go above 500.

Bubble Magus BM-200PN 210-400 Gallons
Bubble Magus BM-NAC9 395-530 Gallons
Bubble Magus BM-NAC77 Cone 210-315 Gallons
Bubble Magus BM-NAC66 210-310 Gallons
AquaMaxx Cone 2 In Sump Protein Skimmer

This would be on a 175g -240g cube with an appropriate sized sump.

I wouldGowith the aquamaxx cone 3 not 2, or the BMNAc 9. Dont read too much into ratings. You have to know the pumps and their water flow rates to help determine size.

The sro 3000 would also be a good choice





Ok there is an ATI bubblemaster 250 for sale at $350 used would that be to much overkill for the tank? Also what is the average cost for the SRO 3000 and the Aquamaxx cone 3?
The old Ati uses the pumps that are just not a good a the new pumps. As far as price. Google is your friend.
 
Mojo, I just wanted to thank you for all the knowledge you share in this thread. Based on your advice, I replaced the stock pump in my Vertex IN-100 with a Tunze 9410. What an amazing difference - that skimmer is now doing a fabulous job on my 100g tank!
I also purchased a SRO 1000int for a smaller tank based upon several recommendations you made to people with similar setups. That, too, is performing amazingly well, and its only been a week on the tank.
Your discussions about balance as well as water depth needed for different skimmers is especially appreciated.
So again, thank you. :)
 
No problem

Te balance of pump and body is so important for a skimmer to work well. Then water depth it will be run at really makes a difference too. if you have a deep sump you wouldnt want a sro 2000xp for example. it would overflow.great skimmer but just not for someone with a deep sump. and there are others that will work just as well. its about making your dollar work for you. with out modding your whole tank around.

Thanks again.
I dont know any one person who has had and used all the skimmers I have had and used. Its not too big of a deal once you figure out the pumps and what they are capable of. Just like cars. You wouldnt put a 454 in a chevy cobalt... you could it just isnt practical.

I check these once in a while during the day but typically I sit down and answer everyones questions at night after dinner. So please be patient. I answer questions on several forums. Every once in a while I dont get
on. But Ill get to ya as soon as I can.

Happy Holidays..

Mojo~
 
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