Skimmer Q&A Thread

[TACoraled]

Mojo,
I'm looking at setting up a 40b with a 30g sump at work. I'd like to keep costs down so I'm looking at used skimmers, but either way, would you recommend an Octopus NWB-110 or a SWC 150 BMK? Now what if there was a $50 price difference with the SWC being more expensive? I don't for see upgrading this tank at all, but would like to run a heavy bioload with a mix of lps and sps.

I currently have an NWB150 with an upgraded bubble blaster pump that seems to work flawlessly so from experience and price I'm leaning towards the Octopus, but I've heard good things about the SWC.

Thanks.

 

[mojo~]

Mojo thank you for the excellent thread.

I am upgrading to a 210 display with full plumbing into the basement with an 80g frag tank and 50g sump. So figure around 350g when all is said and done. Was looking for an external skimmer and my favorite by far is the Reef Octopus xp5000. Am I barking up the right tree?

Yea, you are right on the money. I think that would be great. cant really think of a better option.

 

[mojo~]

Just ordered super reef octopus 2000 internal skimmer today for my 120 gallon with 20 gallon sump. Debated on the 2000 SSS model but I saved 140 bucks and I'm sure that it will fit in the sump.

great skimmer, About 6.5 water level is a good start to run it at. just fyi

 

[mojo~]

Mojo,
I'm looking at setting up a 40b with a 30g sump at work. I'd like to keep costs down so I'm looking at used skimmers, but either way, would you recommend an Octopus NWB-110 or a SWC 150 BMK? Now what if there was a $50 price difference with the SWC being more expensive? I don't for see upgrading this tank at all, but would like to run a heavy bioload with a mix of lps and sps.

I currently have an NWB150 with an upgraded bubble blaster pump that seems to work flawlessly so from experience and price I'm leaning towards the Octopus, but I've heard good things about the SWC.

Thanks.

well, the atman 2500 can be a great inexpensive skimmer pump but they have issues and and could be more hassle than its worth. The nwb 110 can be ok its nothing super fancy but it does work ok. Another option would be the vertex in100 gen 3. These are similar price and a better performer IMO

 

[mojo~]

Question, i have a euro reef sc400 i upgraded to a recirc with the parts supplied by euro reef, during the day at the peek of my light cycle the bubles ibn my skimmer get relaxed or les elastic and the foam is coarse and does not rise in the skimmer. have you any idea what causes this is it a corospondese to the bacterial cycle taking on the waste or what?

it could have to do with when your fish produce waste ? feedings ect.. Not really uncommon. are you using a feed pump?

 

[mtcoins123]

it could have to do with when your fish produce waste ? feedings ect.. Not really uncommon. are you using a feed pump?

no feed pump but i do feed daily and same amount in the afternoon so it would be a couple hours prior to feeding that the bubles stop rising into the cup... kinda thought it might be "lack of waste" or some part of it. i have a lot of lighting though and thought it might also be possible i was preventing the process with BLAZING SUN lol anywho i will play around with lighting to rule it out thanks for looking

 

[moondoggy4]

Feed pump or gravity feed?

 

[Gagonzalez]

I have a JBJ 28g Nano Tank that I am just starting up. What would be your recommendation for a skimmer? I am on a limited budget so value for the money would be better than best at any cost. Thanks

 

[mtcoins123]

gravity feed and target with a syringe

 

[mojo~]

I have a JBJ 28g Nano Tank that I am just starting up. What would be your recommendation for a skimmer? I am on a limited budget so value for the money would be better than best at any cost. Thanks

The tunze9002 is a popular choice. But you could just do water changes and you will be further ahead.

 

[Gagonzalez]

Would this be a better choice than a JNS VS1 or an Aqua Medic TurboFlotor Blue 150? Why only water changes? I'm planning weekly water changes of about 10% which would only be a few gallons each time. But once fully stocked and established, I figured a Skimmer would let me get away with every other week instead. Am I going about this all wrong?

Thanks for the advice.

 

[mojo~]

well a skimmer will remove Doc's from the water. Same as doing water changes. THe jns would be better if you want. water changes add calcium, Alk, mag, stronium , boron, and other essential elements.

 

[gasbatalla]

Mojo,

I need to buy a replacement pump for my Euro Reef RS 180 skimmer. The pump Euro Reef now Reef Dynamics sells is this one Modified EcoPlus 1056 Pump, but I was reading about some people using the Bubble Blaster 3000 on these skimmers. What is your recommendation?

Thanks

 

[mojo~]

I think the 2000 would be enough. How deep is your sump? if its deeper the 2000 would be the way to go if its 6-7 inches you could probably go with the 3000.

 

[G x 2]

Hi Mojo! Was wondering if I could ask you to verify a purchase b4 I make it.

I'm doing a 180G mixed reef build with 60gal sump. I haven't purchased the sump yet. Going to do so after the skimmer arrives to ensure it fits. I'm looking at a SRO Extreme 8" XS 200 vs. a Bubble Magus BM-NAC7. What do you think? Maybe you have a better suggestion?

After scouring RC for a couple of days, I've found that members tend to prefer the SRO. My LFS is recommending the BM.

 

[G x 2]

Hi Mojo! Was wondering if I could ask you to verify a purchase b4 I make it.

I'm doing a 180G mixed reef build with 60gal sump. I haven't purchased the sump yet. Going to do so after the skimmer arrives to ensure it fits. I'm looking at a SRO Extreme 8" XS 200 vs. a Bubble Magus BM-NAC7. What do you think? Maybe you have a better suggestion?

After scouring RC for a couple of days, I've found that members tend to prefer the SRO. My LFS is recommending the BM.

 

[raypa]

Hi Mojo new to the forum and hope you can help me.I'm back to saltwater after about 5 years out and really try to use most of what already have.I have a Euroreef CS80 but without a pump I search and found the Sedra 3500 is the one that this skimmer use and I can find it for about $80.00 My tank is a 55gal with a 15gal sump and 6-7gal refugium.I like to have a lot of corals and some fish I use to have a crowded tank.

The big question here is I read about some really cheap skimmer recently (SC 150) and some others and don't know if I can get a better skimmer for my tank or just get a new pump for my Euroreef.I'm really low on money but if you think that one of the low priced skimmers will work better for me I think I just buy one.What do you think?

 

[mojo~]

Hi Mojo! Was wondering if I could ask you to verify a purchase b4 I make it.

I'm doing a 180G mixed reef build with 60gal sump. I haven't purchased the sump yet. Going to do so after the skimmer arrives to ensure it fits. I'm looking at a SRO Extreme 8" XS 200 vs. a Bubble Magus BM-NAC7. What do you think? Maybe you have a better suggestion?

After scouring RC for a couple of days, I've found that members tend to prefer the SRO. My LFS is recommending the BM.

the xs 200 would be better for your water volume. the nac 7 isnt quite large enough the 180

 

[mojo~]

Hi Mojo new to the forum and hope you can help me.I'm back to saltwater after about 5 years out and really try to use most of what already have.I have a Euroreef CS80 but without a pump I search and found the Sedra 3500 is the one that this skimmer use and I can find it for about $80.00 My tank is a 55gal with a 15gal sump and 6-7gal refugium.I like to have a lot of corals and some fish I use to have a crowded tank.

The big question here is I read about some really cheap skimmer recently (SC 150) and some others and don't know if I can get a better skimmer for my tank or just get a new pump for my Euroreef.I'm really low on money but if you think that one of the low priced skimmers will work better for me I think I just buy one.What do you think?

replace the pump. The eco 633 is the new cheaper replacement pump that can be used if you have the old pump. you will need the venturi and other parts. if you dont have thosse you will need the 3500 already set up for the skimmer or contact reef dynamics. your old skimmer with a new pump will be much better than the sc 150. the sc uses a atman 2000 pump that doesnt move much water or air. it isnt bad for the money but its no euro reef.IMO

 

[raypa]

Thanks Mojo I need a complete pump I'm getting the original Sedra 3500 is that the right one?

http://products.marinedepot.com/asm_protein_skimmer_sedra_3500_replacement_pump_11411509.php