Skimmer suggestions

[R_Hudson]

I'm looking for a new skimmer and was wondering what everyone was using and how they liked it. It has to be an in sump. As far as footprint currently I've got 12x10. I'm not completely against building a new sump. However height is an issue I've got to stay somewhere around 2ft tall. I'd have to measure to know exact height.

 

[mutateddogbone]

i would look into SWC160 cone or Bubble Magus NAC-7 cone. best bang for the buck

 

[SoonerReefer]

I had an ATI bubble master that was great, but you had to keep your sump at a certain level for it to work properly.
Im still using the Euro-Reef CS-6,its been going for years and works as good as when it was bought.Im out of the new skimmer loop with so many choices its hard to pick...

 

[jjmcat]

Sea clone?

 

[yeldarbj]

What's the budget and what have you had?

 

[yeldarbj]

How about something like this? Skimz SK181

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I just got it. Put it in my tank today so I can't comment on it's performance yet, but I really like the design, with the internal pump and an outlet channel in the bottom plate. The footprint is only about 8.25" x 8.25". The pump is rated at 12 watts, haven't verified that yet. They claim that the skimmer is rated for 50g-300g, but I would guess it's best to keep it at half of that at most.

 

[R_Hudson]

I've been using an eshopps for almost 2 years. It's been a great skimmer, it died finally before that I ran skimmerless. I like the looks of that one. My budget is pretty much open as long as I can justify how well it works

 

[oddballs]

Brad let us know how that thing works,it looks pretty cool !

 

[yeldarbj]

Brad let us know how that thing works,it looks pretty cool !

I will. I'm planning on writing up a review thread. I'll post a link on the OMAS forum when I do. So far so good. I was surprised to see that I had shaving cream like foam being produced within 3 hours of start up. I was expecting it to take several days to get broken in.

 

[dustinc]

That is very nice. I've been looking at these myself. How is the noise from the pump? Also any micro-bubbles at all? I've heard with the way the output is that they don't happen from these, but just curious. Also, what kind of tank are you running it on? Thanks

 

[yeldarbj]

I don't want to completely hijack this thread to discuss the Skimz, but it's very quiet. I previously had been using an I-Tech 200 with Tunze hydrofoamer and a Tunze 9010. The Skimz is on par with those, if not quieter. I'm very noise conscious and have a very quiet tank. The pump was one of the big question marks for me. It's an Eden pump - made in Italy. They are apparently an OEM for some of the Eheim pumps. It feels very solid. Micro-bubbles are kept to a very minimum thanks to the design of the outflow under the pump. I need to clean the glass on my sump so I can see better.

Also, I should point out, you can buy these directly from Michael at AquaDigital (an RC sponsor). He is the North American distributor. I think the only other retailer is AquaCave and Michael had a much better deal. You can PM me for more info.

 

[dustinc]

I don't want to completely hijack this thread to discuss the Skimz, but it's very quiet. I previously had been using an I-Tech 200 with Tunze hydrofoamer and a Tunze 9010. The Skimz is on par with those, if not quieter. I'm very noise conscious and have a very quiet tank. The pump was one of the big question marks for me. It's an Eden pump - made in Italy. They are apparently an OEM for some of the Eheim pumps. It feels very solid. Micro-bubbles are kept to a very minimum thanks to the design of the outflow under the pump. I need to clean the glass on my sump so I can see better.

Also, I should point out, you can buy these directly from Michael at AquaDigital (an RC sponsor). He is the North American distributor. I think the only other retailer is AquaCave and Michael had a much better deal. You can PM me for more info.

Sent you a pm.

 

[dustinc]

BTW, I just received my Skimz SK-181 yesterday and it is phenomenal. The build quality of it is very nice and it feels like you have a much more expensive product in your hand. I would definitely recommend on quality, we will have to wait a little while to see how it performs.