Skimmer Q&A Thread

List of Skimmer- a start

List of Skimmer- a start

I've attached an excel file listing of skimmers with the following mostly filled out for comparisions
price
manufacturer
model
description
size rec by manufacturer
dimensions
pumps
power used in wastts
flow (if known)
Air draw
warranty
sump height rec by manufacturer
mojo's size rec (probably needs to be filled in by him)
Notes
Link to info on manufacturer's website

I am happy to add lines with other skimmers.
I started with the ones listed by mojo on pg 114 of this thread #2841 and related ones to those.
 

Attachments

biecacka said:
so with the mj on that GEO where is a good water line to ensure maximum efficiency
corey
Click to expand...

Turn on the mj pump and leave the sedra off. Adjust the water level so it is about a inch below the black transition. then turn on the recirc pump. This should be a good starting point
 
Tesla said:
Mojo,
Great thread and lots of info.
I am in the middle of a 125gal build. I am planning on using a 55gal as a sump for starters. I will have a 20-30gal fuge and 20-30gal frag tank. With all the skimmers discussed here, my head is spinning with choices. Recirculating or not, large plate or small, pumps etc...:confused:

Could you help narrow the choices down. I would like to stay below $900.

I like your review if the Alpha 250, would something like that work (maybe the 200)

Concerns:
Ultra Quiet is preffered
Mixed with SPS and medium Bioload
Stand is 36in high
11in x 18in skimmer space
Water height is TBD
BioPellet Reactor
Future ozone possibility


I like the Vertex 200, Avast CS2 Bk pearl, SWC 230 cone, many ReefOctopus. I would like to not have to upgrade later and go ahead buy the best I can get for a good price.:confused:

Great Thread
Click to expand...

I would look at the Aquamaxx am 250, SRO 2000 xp, and the JNS sk3. The BK mini 180gen 2 and ATB 840v2 are also great choices. Better balanced than the alpha. The 250 is too bigfor sure.
 
Thanks Mojo,

This is very helpful. Definitely gonna look very close at all those. Do u think the alpha 200 or avast cs2 black pearl are also too unbalanced?

How can you balnce a skimmer? Add a bigger sump or more water depth?

Thanks for the great info.
 
second round with additional skimmers

If you see any errors let me know.
if you have additional data for the skimmers, please add and re post.
I can merge the modified docs.

I hope this simple doc can provide some aid in deciding and comparing skimmers which has been a royal pain for me.
(especially the more difficult data to find such as optimal height of the sump for a skimmer- still missing that for many of these.
 

Attachments

Will standard pvc fittings fit the grey pvc on my euro reef rs 135? Trying to gate valve mod this thing. Also where can i get grey pvc. Going for a clean look. Would like to match colors on my plumbing.
 
hi,

tank is 350 mixed reef, heavy fish stock...

i currently have a alpha 250 and it hasn't been stellar lately, i just did a real good cleaning and went back to the non adjustable venturi and it seems to be working really good again...

but this makes me think alpha 300 as an upgrade.... is that too big for a 350? thoughts? pros/cons
 
hi mojo,

here i am once again seeking your advice. im setting up a 25 gallon fish only tank for a friend and was wonderin if the bubble magus 3.5 would be a good fit.

also are thier any mods i should look into or will it run good right out the box

thanks again,
and my sro 1000 is kicking but on my tank thanks for the advice
 
Tesla said:
Thanks Mojo,

This is very helpful. Definitely gonna look very close at all those. Do u think the alpha 200 or avast cs2 black pearl are also too unbalanced?

How can you balnce a skimmer? Add a bigger sump or more water depth?

Thanks for the great info.
Click to expand...

You dont balance a skimmer really it is how it is designed. tHe black pearl is nice but I found I didnt like the black acylic on my skimmer body. The alpha 200 is a nice skimmer but the neck is a little large IMO. But all in all a nice unit but I couldnt justify the extra cost.
 
hi mojo, can i get your take on this..



tank is 350 mixed reef, heavy fish stock...

i currently have a alpha 250 and it hasn't been stellar lately, i just did a real good cleaning and went back to the non adjustable venturi and it seems to be working really good again...

but this makes me think alpha 300 as an upgrade.... is that too big for a 350 plus sump?? thoughts? pros/cons
 
Drae said:
Will standard pvc fittings fit the grey pvc on my euro reef rs 135? Trying to gate valve mod this thing. Also where can i get grey pvc. Going for a clean look. Would like to match colors on my plumbing.
Click to expand...

I believe them to be standard. sch 80 is grey and it is at lowes or hd
 
hi mojo, can i get your take on this..



tank is 350 mixed reef, heavy fish stock...

i currently have a alpha 250 and it hasn't been stellar lately, i just did a real good cleaning and went back to the non adjustable venturi and it seems to be working really good again...

but this makes me think alpha 300 as an upgrade.... is that too big for a 350 plus sump?? thoughts? pros/cons
 
larryfl1 said:
hi,

tank is 350 mixed reef, heavy fish stock...

i currently have a alpha 250 and it hasn't been stellar lately, i just did a real good cleaning and went back to the non adjustable venturi and it seems to be working really good again...

but this makes me think alpha 300 as an upgrade.... is that too big for a 350? thoughts? pros/cons
Click to expand...

If you like alphas then stick with them. I would say the 250 is big enough but could use more water turnover for you. The SRO 5000 would be a really nice choice for the money.
 
would you say the sro5000 would be a step up?

if price is not an issue what would be the absolute best choice from your experience???
 
mojo~ said:
You dont balance a skimmer really it is how it is designed. tHe black pearl is nice but I found I didnt like the black acylic on my skimmer body. The alpha 200 is a nice skimmer but the neck is a little large IMO. But all in all a nice unit but I couldnt justify the extra cost.
Click to expand...

Mojo
Thanks for the great info. As I was looking at your suggestions, I ran across the ATB Elegance 200 pro, SRO 3000SSS, BK SM200 and the SWC230. All have a small footprint that meet my dimensions. Would any of these be ideal for my needs. 180-200gal total volume, med-heavy bio load and ultra quiet? The cone designs on all of these units look pretty nice.

Thanks, awesome help BTW.
 
In need for some advice from the "guru"...:)

Setting up a frag tank (9 x 2 x 1): 138 gallons
and sump: 90 gallons
Having the water level a little lower I guess total water volume should be around 200-210 gallons

I will keep mostly SPS and LPS and maybe 2 or 3 smaller fish.
I got some advice having a lighter bioload I shouldn't get an oversized skimmer for performance issues.

For those reasons would you recommend the Royal-Exclusiv Alpha 170 Cone or should I still look into the Royal-Exclusiv Alpha 250?

Thanks for any advice
Michael
 
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