Skimmer Q&A Thread

Hey Mojo, what in-sump skimmer would you recommend for an elos midi? display tank is around 36 gallons and total volume with sump should be around 40~45 gallons. If you can, could you give me a list of 2~3 good skimmers from best to worst. You can include any mods that may be required to boost skimmer efficiency.

Footprint shouldn't matter much.

thanks! :),
 
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Mojo quick question. Upgrading to a aga 125 2 corner overflows heavily stocked mix reef wanted to get a PS rs36+ sump and was thinking about a sro xp 2000 int or a sro 3000 ss. Also looking at a better media reactor then the tlf style possibly dual chambers for gfo and carbon with one feed pump. And any recommendations on a return pump. Price is no option these are just suggestions.
 
Mojo, what's your opinion of the jns hob and octopuss bh 2000? i have a lightly stocked 75 mixed reef and can't decide between these 2 skimmers.
 
Hi Mojo,

I own a SRO 3000INT. The pump had a restarting issue so CoralVue has sent me a new pump. The new pump is the correct pump - HY3000. I have not added any chemical(s) and/or epoxy to my tank. I did cleaned the skimmer while waitig on the new pump. However, ever since the new pump has been replaced, the skimmer keeps on overflowing. The water level in my skimmer chamber is at a steady 6.5 inches, the gate valve is wide open, and every other parts of the skimmer is in great shape. The continuous overflowing has been 5+ months. I have worked with CoralVue regarding the issues but to no preval. I am hoping that you can assists me so the skimmer can function properly again.
 
yongpanda said:
Hey Mojo, what in-sump skimmer would you recommend for an elos midi? display tank is around 36 gallons and total volume with sump should be around 40~45 gallons. If you can, could you give me a list of 2~3 good skimmers from best to worst. You can include any mods that may be required to boost skimmer efficiency.

Footprint shouldn't matter much.

thanks! :),
Click to expand...

The Tunze 9002, the Skimz 121 and the mrc ocean force 100
 
jpochan81 said:
Mojo quick question. Upgrading to a aga 125 2 corner overflows heavily stocked mix reef wanted to get a PS rs36+ sump and was thinking about a sro xp 2000 int or a sro 3000 ss. Also looking at a better media reactor then the tlf style possibly dual chambers for gfo and carbon with one feed pump. And any recommendations on a return pump. Price is no option these are just suggestions.
Click to expand...

eheim 1262... The sro is good choice.
 
stonecold said:
Hi Mojo,

I own a SRO 3000INT. The pump had a restarting issue so CoralVue has sent me a new pump. The new pump is the correct pump - HY3000. I have not added any chemical(s) and/or epoxy to my tank. I did cleaned the skimmer while waitig on the new pump. However, ever since the new pump has been replaced, the skimmer keeps on overflowing. The water level in my skimmer chamber is at a steady 6.5 inches, the gate valve is wide open, and every other parts of the skimmer is in great shape. The continuous overflowing has been 5+ months. I have worked with CoralVue regarding the issues but to no preval. I am hoping that you can assists me so the skimmer can function properly again.
Click to expand...

with no skimmer on the tank you may have a buildup of nutrients so the skimmer is working double time to catch up. Second reason could just be the small performance increases in the new pump. they made a slight change in pinwheel design around the first of the year. Give it time and empty a couple cups. if it still does it , raise the skimmer up an inch until it settles in.

Mojo~
 
really? tunze 9002 would be my best bet?

So you're saying that the tunze 9002, skimz 121 and mrc 100 are better choices than swc120?
 
mojo~ said:
with no skimmer on the tank you may have a buildup of nutrients so the skimmer is working double time to catch up. Second reason could just be the small performance increases in the new pump. they made a slight change in pinwheel design around the first of the year. Give it time and empty a couple cups. if it still does it , raise the skimmer up an inch until it settles in.

Mojo~
Click to expand...

Thank you, Mojo. The replacement/new pump was installed in February. Since February until now, the overflowing issue has been an on going problem for 5 months. Due to this problem, my ATO is pumping approximately 15 gallons a day. I've given up hope. I think its time to purchase a different skimmer.:-(
 
Mojo, I have a SWC Mini S Cone Skimmer. I'm looking for a replacement pump and impeller assembly that will not only fit/slip into the inlet, but will also produce a similar or better cfm to the Sicce PSK-2500. I'd like to find a low wattage alternative- preferably not chinese.

I'm having difficulty finding skimmer pumps, and when I do see them online I'm unsure as to whether they will be an appropriate pairing or even fit the inlet.

The Sicce PSK 2500 that came with the SWC would often be difficult to restart after a power outage, and very shortly after I received it the impeller shattered. SWC, after some difficulty getting ahold of them, replaced the pump and assembly. Shortly after that one went into use the identical experience in sued and the impeller cracked. I had been using a slightly modified Mag 9 to run it which is sorta like pushing a kid's wagon with a V8 engine.

I'm looking for an alternative because I won't use another Sicce pump- there's a fundamental flaw with those particular impeller assemblies. I'm at the point where my tank is now skimmer less and I'm seriously thinking, considering the cost of the pump alone, just biting the bullet and purchasing a new skimmer.

Any thoughts, suggestions, or insight would be greatly appreciated.

My current system is an 8ft Reef Aprox 100-120g water volume- 100g sump running at 40-50g water volume and a 40g water volume fuge. Lightly stocked atm.
 
mojo

mojo

Hi mojo,
Long time reader, first time poster. As many, I seek your advice and appreciate your time. I have a 90 gallon SPS tank with a 30 gallon sump. The tank is running a Octopus 200 Extreme skimmer (non-cone) with the sicce 2500 pump and a red devil pinwheel, and have never had the skimate(exception of light colored water) go into the cup, it always stays in the neck. Reading your past posts I believe my skimmer is to large for my tank and perhaps the 15% weekly water changes pay a part in this?

Fish in the tank are
4 tangs
royal grama
2 wrasses
hawk
6 cromis
I would like to add more fish.

I need to do something but not sure what. Down grade my skimmer, add more fish(not sure that would even help), upgrade my return pump (currently its around 500 GPH with 2 MP40s for tank circulation).

If I was to purchase a new skimmer I was thinking the Sea Side CS based on you previous recommendation. Not sure to go with a 1 or 2 in fear of repeating my mistakes. Thanks for your time.

FYI: I am running active biopellets with nitrate sitting at 25 and the skimmer is barely pulling.
 
Looking for suggestions for a HOB Skimmer for a 29 gallon reef. Top of my budget is $150. I have been looking at these 3...

Octopus BH-100
Bak-Pak 2R+
Eshopps PSK-75H

I think in am leaning towards the Octopus. Any suggestions/thoughts on what one works the best? Or another that I could get for under $150.

Thanks
 
hey mojo,
im planning a 75 gallon sps system and i want the tank heavily stocked
im torn between

bk mini 180gen2
atb 840
vertex alpha 170
sro 2000
sro 2000xp
which one u think would give the best performance with a 75 gallon tank packed with fish
thx
 
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InsaneClownFish said:
Mojo, I have a SWC Mini S Cone Skimmer. I'm looking for a replacement pump and impeller assembly that will not only fit/slip into the inlet, but will also produce a similar or better cfm to the Sicce PSK-2500. I'd like to find a low wattage alternative- preferably not chinese.

I'm having difficulty finding skimmer pumps, and when I do see them online I'm unsure as to whether they will be an appropriate pairing or even fit the inlet.

The Sicce PSK 2500 that came with the SWC would often be difficult to restart after a power outage, and very shortly after I received it the impeller shattered. SWC, after some difficulty getting ahold of them, replaced the pump and assembly. Shortly after that one went into use the identical experience in sued and the impeller cracked. I had been using a slightly modified Mag 9 to run it which is sorta like pushing a kid's wagon with a V8 engine.

I'm looking for an alternative because I won't use another Sicce pump- there's a fundamental flaw with those particular impeller assemblies. I'm at the point where my tank is now skimmer less and I'm seriously thinking, considering the cost of the pump alone, just biting the bullet and purchasing a new skimmer.

Any thoughts, suggestions, or insight would be greatly appreciated.

My current system is an 8ft Reef Aprox 100-120g water volume- 100g sump running at 40-50g water volume and a 40g water volume fuge. Lightly stocked atm.
Click to expand...

THe sicce psk 1000 and tunze 9420
 
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