skimmer reccomendation. 75 gallons.

[JTCdudeman]

Ive been looking at picking up a new skimmer as I have been running skimmerless for almost 2 months now due to poor luck. Its a long story that involves dropping two different skimmers (a turbofloater and then a cheapo superskimmer). I actually dropped the super skimmer trying to fit it in my sump an hour after I got it used from another reefer. Lets just say Im fed up with it right now. Both are useless now.


Im currently running about 65-75 total gallons of water on my system as we speak. I dont plan on upgrading to anything much larger in the next few years and I want to be done with this fiasco. I have a fairly large bioload because of the amount of feedings I go through at my house. So far, my nitrates are still undetectable and things are in check. But, Im not sure how much longer my system can handle it on its own. Ive noticed my Zoas and SPS looking less happy in the last week or so.


My requirements for my new skimmer:

External* or HOB of sump (sump houses a crackhead fish)
~6"x16" footprint in stand(16" is width of sump)
overflow fed(~450gph overflow, can be T'd)* or very small pump
quiet*
efficient*
includes drain on collection cup for skimming into larger container*

* = prefered


Last, Cost efficient...

Im really looking to get into a $150-350 skimmer right now. Im just tired of breaking them, dealing with finicky adjustments, dumping collection cups daily (wetskimming), the noise.



Brands I have browsed over(although no size consideration yet):

H&S
Octopus
MSX

 

[Nerdy Nudi]

jt.

just a little heads up. you mention cost but have already witnessed some of the attributes associated with lower cost skimmers.

the price point is too wide, as the 350 skimmer is over twice the cost of that which is only 150. try and settle with an under 200 or near 400 price tag.

also, as I have been in search of a skimmer upgrade myself, silence is golden and cost just as much. some of the most expensive skimmers are built the best but also include pumps that are near silent, draw half the power, pull more air, and cost more than a complete $350 skimmer.

if you really want a skimmer that has everything you mentioned, look for laguna pump based skimmers. but it will cost you more than $350.