Skimmer Q&A Thread

[NyReefNoob]

eden and sicce are the same pump, the issue was with the impellar on the first batch of the skimz skimmers, personally i never had a issue with mine.

sorry if i came across the wrong way, i just see alot of people making reccomendations on stuff they never had or got a new skimmer and it seems to kill their old skimmer to find out a few months later it really isnt any different.
lol a good 1/3 of the skimmer brands out now are chinese skimmers re-badged
as well as the gen-x, sedra and the pump used buy vertex is all the same pump just with a different name

 

[rxx2]

NYReefNoob, I have a Skimz SM161 with an ES2800 that I got back in March 2011. It's worked well until recently. It's become loud and sometimes doesn't restart. I need a new impeller. I haven't followed the Skimz saga. Do you know the best way to go about getting the new style impeller with the rear bearing? Looks like aquacave has the impeller but I can't tell if it comes with the rear bearing. I messaged them. They also sell a replacement pump but for $180, I'm thinking about jumping to a different skimmer. I'd really appreciate any info you can provide.
Thanks,
Ben

 

[coolkidtr]

Skimmer Recommendation

Skimmer Recommendation

I posted this in the coarlavue forum as well. Any feedback is welcome. Looking for a skimmer for my clownfish breeding setup. 130 gallons plus 90 gallon sump. I currently have 9 pairs within this set up fed 3 times a day.

Thanks

Tony

 

[swcc]

helps to know price range and do you want internal or external.. if internal sump depth and area you have to work with... to throw a few your way internally a reef dynamics ins180(e)or 250 sro3000 vertex alpha170..

 

[coolkidtr]

My apologies, I should have been more specific. I am looking for an internal, 500 dollars max. Thank you for the response. I am leaning towrds the SRO 3000 int. Wasn't sure if a SRO 2000 would have been enough.

Tony

 

[swcc]

My apologies, I should have been more specific. I am looking for an internal, 500 dollars max. Thank you for the response. I am leaning towrds the SRO 3000 int. Wasn't sure if a SRO 2000 would have been enough.

Tony

3000int.. good choice. the 2000 would essentially have enough air draw but the water throughput is not as good for the volume of water you have. The 3000 will be a better fit especially with multiple feedings daily. I think your gonna be pleased with the performance.

 

[tmulrney]

What do you all think about SRO 5000int SSS for 260 gal total water volume medium stocked tank? The display is 210gal.

 

[azjohnny]

What do you all think about SRO 5000int SSS for 260 gal total water volume medium stocked tank? The display is 210gal.

The volume of water is good, I have one on a 180 and it is good. Are you using the SSS model due to size restrictions?

IMO the SSS model is more of a PITA due to the pump being in the skimmer, its more of a problem for maintenance and some say the skimmer loses some effectiveness

 

[tmulrney]

The volume of water is good, I have one on a 180 and it is good. Are you using the SSS model due to size restrictions?

IMO the SSS model is more of a PITA due to the pump being in the skimmer, its more of a problem for maintenance and some say the skimmer loses some effectiveness

Yes, using SSS model due to space issues. I do plan on having a different sump in the not too distant future but for now I'm dealing with a 11.5x16 footprint for skimmer. I currently have an ASM and someone gave me the SRO 5000 SSS for 1/4 the cost brand new still in box. But that thing is a monster. I'm more than happy to deal with that monster as long as it isn't overkill for my tank.

 

[klwheat]

I have a 5000SSS in my 300ish gallon system. Works very well, stable after a brief break in, and has a HUGE cup. If you haven't actually seen one...it's bigger than you think. I almost with I'd gone with the 3000 SSS. In fact, unless the tank has a pretty heavy bioload..you may actually have a difficult time maintaining a good "head" of foam.

 

[tmulrney]

I have a 5000SSS in my 300ish gallon system. Works very well, stable after a brief break in, and has a HUGE cup. If you haven't actually seen one...it's bigger than you think. I almost with I'd gone with the 3000 SSS. In fact, unless the tank has a pretty heavy bioload..you may actually have a difficult time maintaining a good "head" of foam.

Well that is exactly what I am wondering. The 3000 vs the 5000. I have the 5000 here at the house in the box and the size of it is crazy big. I was looking at 3000 and foot print is essentially the same. I know the 5000 has a larger body.. Diameter is 10" vs 8" on 3000. I just concerned that the rating for the 3000 is up to 300 gal and my total water volume is 280 including DT fuge and sump. Not sure what to do.

 

[swcc]

What do you all think about SRO 5000int SSS for 260 gal total water volume medium stocked tank? The display is 210gal.

I personally would want a skimmer with an external pump for better utilization of the body and increased air water contact time . Also, one that moves more water and has less air draw than the 5000 does and is also a little more powerful than the sro3000. (the nwb250 fits the bill, but, the pump is not the best).
my personal choice for a tank that size would be an ATB 1050a. Little more costly though...but...well worth it in build quality and how well the skimmer is balanced. I also would get a reef dynamics ins300 over the 5000 reef octo as well. And there is the vertex alpha200 too.

Now if none of these would fit or are not cost effective, the 5000sss should do, but it might need a neck extension to maximize tuning and stability for your bioload.

 

[Clownin Aroun]

sorry if already asked and answered, but......

On a 200 gallon heavily stocked tank with a 50 gallon sump/ref what would be the best skimmer for me. I dont want to spend more the 700 and height is not a problem. I am looking for the best skimmer available as of right now. There are so many to choose from and i have heard good and bad about all of them. I am simply lost lol.
Someone please help me!

I would prefer an internal.......

 

[swcc]

Yes, using SSS model due to space issues. I do plan on having a different sump in the not too distant future but for now I'm dealing with a 11.5x16 footprint for skimmer. I currently have an ASM and someone gave me the SRO 5000 SSS for 1/4 the cost brand new still in box. But that thing is a monster. I'm more than happy to deal with that monster as long as it isn't overkill for my tank.

oops a whole conversation was going on when I was writing my last post... so with this knowledge... yeah run it... I still suggest a neck extention if you cannot get tight bubbles and dry skim near the top of the neck. that is if you decide to keep it.

 

[swcc]

sorry if already asked and answered, but......

On a 200 gallon heavily stocked tank with a 50 gallon sump/ref what would be the best skimmer for me. I dont want to spend more the 700 and height is not a problem. I am looking for the best skimmer available as of right now. There are so many to choose from and i have heard good and bad about all of them. I am simply lost lol.
Someone please help me!

I would prefer an internal.......

do you know how much space you have in the sump for the skimmer?

 

[Clownin Aroun]

im thinking about either making a new sump or having one made for me, so i am flexable with dimensions. However I do not want an overbearing skimmer either

 

[azjohnny]

IMO you should build your filtration and sump around your skimmer, I had an Eshopps 300 sump and thought that was good, soon found out it wasn't and built a sump out of a used 75 gal tank. I just siliconed in a few baffles

 

[Clownin Aroun]

so which skimmer should i go with?

 

[10galclowns]

Anyone have problems with a biocube protein skimmer? Mine stopped building skimmate. Don't know what to do?

 

[BucNtears]

Looking for replacement skimmer for 120 with 55 gallon sump. The tank is mixed reef with small bio load.
Looking for a quite skimmer without breaking the bank.