As All of you know by now Im working on my 125/55 sump and I am trying to toss up if I want to DIY a Skimmer or if it would be cheaper to just Buy one. So if you guys have any good suggestions on skimmers could ya please let me know. I've been told the octopus line of skimmers are good would love to have one but the price range sucks right now lol. But if I can get another just as good for less money I would like to do it. If I have to in the end buy one I'll have to bite the bullet.
Skimmer suggestions
- Thread starter John_A
- Start date
I would make sure you get a quality skimmer. That being said, also plan appropriately for your load. A Coralife SuperSKimmer 125 may work ok for you if your load is light as a cost effective, adequate solution. If your going to stock heavy with lots of corals and fish, then a step into the bigger boy league with an Itech, ATB, ASM, etc...would be reccomended. Most skimmers are rated for realistically 70% or less the volume they state, excpet a bubble king or I-tech which handle heavy loads at their published specs. I am sure there are others that manage heavy load at stated spec too, I jsut don;t iown one and have no persoanly knowledge behind them.
mapn4reef
New member
I honestly think the only reason I kept SPS alive (and they grew) as a beginner...is A) patience B) Research C) A good skimmer I have a Warner Marine K2, it is awesome and I think it would handle what it is rated. I like all the Warner Marine skimmers, especially for their pumps and mods on them, and for their gate values for adjustments...
gannmann9876
Member
i would keep an eye on the for sale forum. i just picked up an aquac ev 180 with mag 7 pump for 175 shipped. i have only had it hooked up for 2 days so i cant really tell you much about it but i had a red sea berlin classic before and it seemed to be ok but they take a large pump to make them work. if you are short on cash and need one to get by on i have it and a rio 2500 in the garage i will make you a sweet deal on.
orthokardia
New member
If you got the room I would DIY a culligan and use one of the new bubble blaster(i think that is the name) pumps that way you would be in it for under $250 and hve a rcking system.
mixer911 just bought one of these pumps
mixer911 just bought one of these pumps
Bart are you speaking of doign the water jug skimmer? I have thought about that trying to get one from work I have alot of them just they are the thinner plastic ones from grocery stores Hadnt heard of those pumps yet might have to check into that as I was gonna follow this http://www.aquahobby.com/board/viewtopic.php?t=38764&highlight=
Gann What size tank is it rated for?
Gann What size tank is it rated for?
orthokardia
New member
no, a water filtration bottle like mine, but a bit smaller. only 48" with a 10" dia or 30" with a 8"
Well If I could get ahold of one of the bottles like Bart used to make his skimmer with and find one that would fit under my stand I would be very happy to DIY But seeing as my stand is only 36inchs Tall Im limited :/ I do however have 2 roughly 4 foot pieces of 6 inch pvc pipe sitting out back 
Had also thought about giving this a shot since I already had the 6inch PVC
http://www.randystacye.com/diy_needle_wheel_skimmer.htm
http://www.randystacye.com/diy_needle_wheel_skimmer.htm
gannmann9876
Member
i say go for it if you think about it protein skimmers arent a very complicated design. i think it would be cool to diy one!!!
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