skimmers

[xmenx2dad]

Wanting to get everyones input on their current skimmers, what they think of them and in their opinion, the best skimmer. Contemplating a change to a better skimmer and want to see what is good. I currently use a seaswirl venturi style. Seems to work, but think if I had a more efficient skimmer, my tank would be better. Let me know thanks

 

[Ntvper]

i hear that, been trying to decide whats good to buy myself, some say octopus sucks others say its good. i want to know what everyone uses and is happy with.

 

[paul_111]

Well... do you want an in-sump or external? What's your budget? Set a budget and buy the best in that price range.

I've read good things about Reef Octopus and SWC. I think they are some of the better and most reasonably-priced skimmers. There have been a few EV180(?) for sale in town, but I think they're just ok.

I would love to buy a new skimmer. I've been using a Remora for years. On the up side, there isn't much to it, and it works. It's certainly not the best, but replacing it has been pretty low on the list.

Let us know what you decide.

How does that old saying go? ...opinions are like skimmers -- everyone has one... and they stink! :lolspin:


Paul

 

[sgallant04]

" Seems to work, but think if I had a more efficient skimmer, my tank would be better. "


I always find skimmer selection a very subjective subject.

Out of curiosity, define better? What test levels are you at now and what levels are you trying achieve. Personally, I have a hard time spending hundreds of dollars for the latest and greatest skimmer..that can't be quantitatively measured.

 

[reign]

I have always believed that a skimmer is one of the most critical ,most detrimental pieces of equipment you cannot skimp on in a reef setup...
+1 with paul..figure your budget and get the most bang for your buck..
Dont really agree on the "quantitatively measured" There really is not a way to measure nutrients in a aquarium, yes you can test phosphates,nitrates, and look at you aquarium orp average signature (ie 350 or even 430) they give you a good idea of your nutrients but you still don't know exact total nutrient levels.
If you replace your old skimmer w/ a newer "latest and greatest" and have double skimmate then you KNOW your old one was subpar or junk..
Technology is improving by leaps and bounds which makes it easier to make the right decsions...There is still junk out there being sold as good equipment..My way to tell if it is check the mfr. rated volume..the better skimmers have a very conservative rating as far as gallons..ie if you see skimmer a, that says rated for 100 gallons and skimmer b says rated for up to 300gallons and they use the same sicce pump then you really are going to know what mfr. is more "realistic" and that helps. Check out product reviews and see how others rate the product and make your final decision

 

[sgallant04]

I think it I had to do it again, I'd make sure I stuck w/ a reputable company where parts could be ordered. I'm totally under whelmed with equipment manufactures w/ storefronts in mainland china. Made in China fine, calling or emailing some crazy rep in china in hopes that business is still around = totally different story

Also is there a way to setup a skimmer so it has absolutely no bypass of dirty water?

 

[paul_111]

Also is there a way to setup a skimmer so it has absolutely no bypass of dirty water?

I guess it depends on your definitions, here... Do you mean 100% efficiency? As in, dirty water goes in, pure saltwater comes out? No -- you'll always have a fraction that is "dirty". Although, as the quality/efficiency of the skimmer improves, the amount of skimmate that remains in the water will decrease. This goes back to reign's comment about comparing your new skimmer that pulls twice what the old did in the same amount of time/volume -- the water coming out of the new skimmer is "cleaner", but there will always be something left in the water. There have been people who have experienced problems with over skimming, as too many nutrients are pulled out.

Keep in mind that we're looking for a balance; equilibrium, if you will. We don't want to pull out so much that there isn't any food available for the corals.

The recirculating models will do a better job, but 100% efficiency is impossible.

Paul

 

[usemore]

I just got a sro xp2000 and it blows away any skimmer I've ever had

 

[Ntvper]

did ya buy me one too richard? heard they lil pricey. im looking around 200 bucks for 125g.....let the hunt begin lol

 

[reign]

WICKED nice score!!
Thats exactly what Im looking at getting
What a bubble blaster 2000?

AND some people on here are saying SRO sucks????
***

 

[reeffer1983]

I had an AquaC in my 125 and I liked that I could run it in or out of sump. It pulled some pretty good skimmate, but they are a bit on the pricey side.

 

[jayl65]

I'm getting ready to buy an SRO XP-2000i for my new system. I was going to get the avast and build it myself with the swabbie attachment. I decided I did'nt want to do the work to build it. I have access to Vertex, ASM and SRO. I like the look and build quality of the SRO the best, although the Vertex look really nice also.

 

[sgallant04]

Who is SRO?

I've seen Reef octopus which is an Australian company. While I've seen plenty of XP-2000 for sale in Google search. I've never been able to identify the manufacturer. When I've looked at that Australian company called Reef Octopus, I was unable to locate any product of theirs identified as XP-2000.

I'm getting ready to buy an SRO XP-2000i for my new system. I was going to get the avast and build it myself with the swabbie attachment. I decided I did'nt want to do the work to build it. I have access to Vertex, ASM and SRO. I like the look and build quality of the SRO the best, although the Vertex look really nice also.

 

[jayl65]

Super Reef Octopus made by Coralvue. www.Coralvvue.com. Reefspecialty has lots of info on them. There is also a thread here on ReefCentral about them. I can get one for you if you like them. I am just starting a business over here in Santa Fe selling supplies. Google search them.They get great reviews. I also like the vertex but many people have had issues with the pumps on them. The SRO's have a bubbleblaster pump which gets great reviews. The pump alone is almost $200.00 bucks.

 

[reign]

BTW .YOU cannot advertise your business on general threads on RC. it violates the most fundamental reason for this forum existing...It is not here to help your business or make you money..If you do this you will get a slap on the hand or banned (general rules are that if you are a legitimate business you will be a sponsor)..
I have been doing maintenance here for 10+yrs.. just thought you should know so when they tell you it wont be a surprise..

 

[jayl65]

Thanks for the heads up. I will be more careful about what I post.

 

[Ntvper]

BTW .YOU cannot advertise your business on general threads on RC. it violates the most fundamental reason for this forum existing...It is not here to help your business or make you money..If you do this you will get a slap on the hand or banned (general rules are that if you are a legitimate business you will be a sponsor)..
I have been doing maintenance here for 10+yrs.. just thought you should know so when they tell you it wont be a surprise..

:lolspin: love the quick addon spot there reign. side note put ya name on the footer i keep forgetting lol.

 

[mistaflicksta]

Sorry to intrude but in El Paso there is a great push for Octopus skimmers, and that is because we believe they work great. They have many different options for the same style skimmers. I currently bought an Octopus NWB for the club frag tank and it can be turned into a different style skimmer just by changing the pump.

I personally run an octopus nwb 110 on my tank and it works like a beast, skimming all it can.

Erik

 

[reign]

"love the quick addon spot there reign. side note put ya name on the footer i keep forgetting lol." ???
addon spot ??
I really dont know what you mean??
Ive seen people get "moved on" here for pushing their agenda ..Just dont want to see it happen to anyone round here..

 

[Ntvper]

"love the quick addon spot there reign. side note put ya name on the footer i keep forgetting lol." ???
addon spot ??
I really dont know what you mean??
Ive seen people get "moved on" here for pushing their agenda ..Just dont want to see it happen to anyone round here..

i hear ya....

add on spot as in you said "maintenance......." that add on spot of ur bussiness. i thought u threw that in just for spite. guess not oh well i had a quick laugh, my old age is terrible on me.