Skimmers for Large reef tanks

[caddydaddy]

What are some of the best overall choices for a protein skimmer for a large reef tank?
Say 400-600 gallons.

Thanks,

AJ

 

[masharp1126]

Probably not he "BEST" one, but I went with an ASM skimmer. Get the biggest one for the size tank you've got, however, make sure it's got the recirc mod on it.

There are others that are nicer, but way pricier as well.

 

[caddydaddy]

You are happy with your G5?

What's the wattage on that skimmer?

AJ

 

[Dk Coral]

Im running a ATI Bubble Master 250 on my 1300+600 liter tank and i am VERY pleased - dead silent and doing a great job !

 

[Dk Coral]

An btw low wattage !

 

[caddydaddy]

Nice! I can get these easily as well.

I wasn't sure if it would be enough.

AJ

 

[Charlie's Angel]

I just ordered an H&S A250 for my 375...am currently running an ASM G4...it is undersized.

 

[pwhitby]

I recommend the reeflo 250 with the ORCA needlewheel. I have a 600g tank heavy stocked and it works great.

Regards,

Paul.

 

[mattyice]

another vote for the reeflo 250 with the orca needle wheel, in-friggin-credible skimming and i have 1 drain from my tank dedicated just to flowing into the skimmer, my system will be about 450 gallons total and i bet this thing could easily handle a 800G full stocked system

 

[pwhitby]

Matty, thats how mine is set up as well.

Paul.

 

[mattyice]

its the best way, i am going to catch everything come through it and the amount i feed my tank im going to need that, i decided to go with 2 drains though just because i think 2000 GPH is too much going through the skimmer and would be against the whole point of a skimmer and giving the water time to go through it

 

[pwhitby]

mine handles around 700gph I think.

 

[mattyice]

thats where im going to try and get mine to do

 

[pwhitby]

heres a pic of my reeflo 250.

 

[caddydaddy]

That looks like the best option yet.

Big powerful but not bad on power either.

Thanks for the responses guys!

AJ

 

[mattyice]

i would say it is very good on power, i look at it this way, if i can plumb it into a drain from the main tank then i dont have to power a pump to feed it so its extremely efficient and i couldnt be happier with it, i dont even have the air valve opened all of the way and the dense foam that is coming out of it is incredible, except it does fall rather quickly once oil hits the water but it creates a new bubble head fast and will skim out everything...mine is skimming out bristle worms and large amphipods lol

here is a picture of mine during break in

and here is a picture of the head it got 10 minutes after initial startup on a tank that only has cured LR in it

 

[masharp1126]

That's a nice skimmer. What kind of price range are they in?

 

[pwhitby]

around 1300 i believe.

premium sells them.

 

[Elliott]

I'm running a dual Beckett skimmer, Barr 5220 off a Pan World 250 and really like it.

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[Lunchbucket]

Granted I've never owned any of these two skimmers I've heard great things about the Orca (I want to get one Might get one of the smaller versions that they just came out w/) and Volcano skimmers are supposed to be un-freaking-believable!!

Check them both out.
Lunchbucket