I'm sure this question has been asked only about 1 million times, but I thought I remember stumbling across a thread or FAQ on this site somewhere that had some recommendations for good protein skimmers. I've decided to get one, but I don't want to break the bank doing it. I have a 125 gal fish-only aquarium so far. I'd like to get into corals at some point. The bio-load in my tank isn't very high, but I'd like to get my filtration sorted out before jumping into stocking up. Can anyone point me to reviews/recommentations or make some recommendations of your own? Thanks in advance.
Skimmer reviews/recommendations
- Thread starter clappi77
- Start date
BreadmanMike
New member
There are a lot of good protein skimmers out there... To help us help you, how much are you looking to spend? Are you looking for a needlewheel, beckett or something different like Aqua C?
I have 2 different types of needlewheels that I use. I have a Deltec on my reef, and it was worth every penny I spent on it to me. I also have ASM skimmers going on my FO tanks. I say they also perform well for the money. The next skimmer that I'd like to try would be a Recirc My Reef Creations beckett skimmer. The guys running them seem to be very happy with them.
I have 2 different types of needlewheels that I use. I have a Deltec on my reef, and it was worth every penny I spent on it to me. I also have ASM skimmers going on my FO tanks. I say they also perform well for the money. The next skimmer that I'd like to try would be a Recirc My Reef Creations beckett skimmer. The guys running them seem to be very happy with them.
I figure I'd be around the $200 range for budget, it has to fit underneath the tank by the sump. Low noise, since it's under the tank. Of course, the less power required the better. Not sure what you mean by upgrade my tank... I'm going to keep the 125 gal. I'm looking to get the filtration up to par for heavier bio loads and possibly corals.
robsmith32
New member
for 200 buck you won't get one that is really sufficient for a 125, much less best for 125g.
unless you go DIY.
yes css 225 is rated for 225 gallons, but an asm g3 is rated for 250g, but i sure as heck wouldn't trust a 200g reef on it.
For a 125 gallon, g3 is "OK" but it runs ~$260 range, you need to increase the budget a little for a decent skimmer..
unless you go DIY.
yes css 225 is rated for 225 gallons, but an asm g3 is rated for 250g, but i sure as heck wouldn't trust a 200g reef on it.
For a 125 gallon, g3 is "OK" but it runs ~$260 range, you need to increase the budget a little for a decent skimmer..
fishaholic911
New member
I ran a g-2 on a fully stocked 125 reef worked great but my deltec works even better!
tonyf
New member
Clappi, seeing as that you are on a budget, have a look at the Reef Octopus range ... go here to read comments: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=749634
Tone
Tone
What if I upped my budget to the $200-$300 range? How much better are the availalbe skimmers? I've heard that the one component you want to make sure is high quality for a salt water setup is the skimmer, so perhaps I could invest a little more if it buys me much superior water quality...
