Skimmer Selection help

[itz frank]

I know this has been discussed before but I've been skimming through popular build threads and can't find a consensus on what's being used by people with success.

I currently have a 5 ft 130. It's about a 150 gallon total water volume I think. Moderate bio-load.

I have a SRO1000int that I've been super unhappy with. It's either flooding or doing nothing. I've had it for a year. Tried different water levels. Cleaning it. Nothing.

I'm upgrading my sump to a skimz sumpro up34-39. Haven't decided and figured a skimmer needs to be next.

I was considering a skimz skimmer but figured I'd ask for suggestions.

Budget is $300-500. Won't be upgrading for awhile but fish load will increase.

I'm posting in sps talk because my tank is sps only.

Thanks in advance.


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[Mr.Fishtank]

I would go with a skimz. For you tank size I would suggest the Skimz Monzter SM203 DC. That is the one I am looking at. Just need to save up some cash. I currently have the Aquamaxx Q2. Not too happy with it.

 

[ClownReef®]

Save for a Bubble King Mini 180.

 

[itz frank]

I would go with a skimz. For you tank size I would suggest the Skimz Monzter SM203 DC. That is the one I am looking at. Just need to save up some cash. I currently have the Aquamaxx Q2. Not too happy with it.

That seems like huge overkill. Rated 208-320gallon tanks.


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[swk]

I'd go for a deltec from Adam at Battlecorals personally. Best skimmer I've owned

 

[John4455]

I'd go for a deltec from Adam at Battlecorals personally. Best skimmer I've owned

+1

I have the Deltec SC1456 and love it!

 

[Rakie]

I love my Vertex, but they are hit and miss with some people. If you're patient enough to fiddle with it you'll be greatly rewarded by them. Skims and AquaMaxx have great reviews. bubble king and Deltec also have phenomenal reviews.

Honestly, you have a hard time making a bad choice when you're looking for something these days. Most skimmers are pretty great out there right now.

 

[atorres53]

Bubble King mini 180 or mini 200, you won't regret it. It will be the last skimmer you buy!!! I have the mini 200 on my 125 gallon SPS reef and it is a beast. Set it and forget.

 

[jusn317]

Look at the Lifereef skimmers. The svs-24 is within your budget, and you can also use whatever pump you like. Have that skimmer on my heavily stocked 105 gallon reef and it is great! Most consistent skimmer I have ever used.

 

[Mr.Fishtank]

That seems like huge overkill. Rated 208-320gallon tanks.


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Yes it is rated for a larger tank size but... Once it is a DC skimmer you can turn the pump speed down to match your current bio load. Then in the future if you add more fish or upgrade to a larger tank you won't have to fork out more cash for another one. Just my 2 cents.

 

[itz frank]

I just bought the sm203.


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[Potatohead]

That seems like huge overkill. Rated 208-320gallon tanks.


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I just bought the sm203.


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[Mr.Fishtank]

Updates? How is that skimmer working out for you?

 

[Angel101]

Deltec all the way for me.

 

[dfm34]

Look at the Lifereef skimmers. The svs-24 is within your budget, and you can also use whatever pump you like. Have that skimmer on my heavily stocked 105 gallon reef and it is great! Most consistent skimmer I have ever used.

I have a life reef on my 180 it is low maintenance and works great


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[jda]

There is a consensus... that is that lots of different skimmers work.

I don't think that RO skimmers are very good once they stopped using the sicce PSK in them. A 10 year old euroreef or ASM are considerably better than these. I don't think that skimz are that much better... just hot right now and will likely go the way that CAD did a few years ago.

Lifereef make fantastic skimmers that have been at the top of performance for more than a decade. Easy to use and you can forget about them other than emptying the collection cup.

Currently, I use two skimmers. While a high quality skimmer will pull out 20% more than a lower quality skimmer, they will not pull out more than two skimmers. A pair of used ASMs will destroy a single BK or deltec at a fraction of the price. However, most people don't have room for two skimmers.

 

[itz frank]

Updates? How is that skimmer working out for you?

It's working amazing. Sucks gunk like no other.

To the point I think my tank is now too clean and I have to dial back the lights.


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