Trying to Decide on a Skimmer

[ReefSentinel]

All I have right now is the HOB Emperor 400. Too many people have told me I need to get rid of this, buy a skimmer and get it in. Next payday I am going to buy the HOB reef octopus for the short term. I am designing a stand, and sump for this aquarium and need an idea of what skimmer I should use.

Only requirement is it should be atleast under 22" tall.
It will be for my 46 gallon and most likely this sump:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BLLWJ8S?psc=1

I appreciate any and all advice given.

I also attached (I Believe) an image of the stand and sump I'm designing

 

[ReefSentinel]

<a href="http://s18.photobucket.com/user/jstar381/media/StandandSumpDesign.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b123/jstar381/StandandSumpDesign.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo StandandSumpDesign.jpg"/></a>

Maybe this picture will show up. I'm at work and the internet isnt being very reliable atm.

 

[ReefSentinel]

<a href="http://s18.photobucket.com/user/jstar381/media/StandandSumpDesign.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b123/jstar381/StandandSumpDesign.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo StandandSumpDesign.jpg"/></a>

Maybe this picture will show up. I'm at work and the internet isnt being very reliable atm.

 

[DoubleM 10]

Im a fan of the ReefDynamics skimmers. or Euroreef. same exact thing. just ReefDynamics replaced Euroreef.

The INS-80 is 22" tall. and would be good for your tank. very easy to use. skimmer cup slides off instead of being lifted. i have had the INS-80 before and the euroreef version and have had good luck.

ReefOctopus is another good option. the Classic-110 INT is about 20in tall.

the sump pictured what area is the skimmer going in? the fuge area the water looks to low. and the portion that the water comes into looks to high. IMO

HTH

 

[tanksfishtank]

I have always had good luck with Reef Octopus skimmers! The new vertex skimmers look pretty good as well.

 

[Zer0.]

http://www.marinedepot.com/AquaMaxx...in_Skimmers-AquaMaxx-UJ00154-FIPSISNW-vi.html

 

[chri]

swc 120

 

[ReefSentinel]

Im a fan of the ReefDynamics skimmers. or Euroreef. same exact thing. just ReefDynamics replaced Euroreef.

The INS-80 is 22" tall. and would be good for your tank. very easy to use. skimmer cup slides off instead of being lifted. i have had the INS-80 before and the euroreef version and have had good luck.

ReefOctopus is another good option. the Classic-110 INT is about 20in tall.

the sump pictured what area is the skimmer going in? the fuge area the water looks to low. and the portion that the water comes into looks to high. IMO

HTH

This is actually all my first thoughts on the design so bear with me.

The first stage on the left is where my intakes will be. I would use a filter sock but I've heard that they are nitrate sponges. This is also where my skimmer will be. 2nd stage will be fuge, 3rd will be return. Obviously the first stages water level will be chosen by the skimmer model I place in it. For the skimmer I was thinking about getting the water level need to be in between 7-10 inches high. I would also be keeping the fuge at that level and the return at the same level if not maybe a little less.

Thoughts and opinions are desired.

 

[ReefSentinel]

And you can't see the third stage in the picture due to the stand. I have some behind view pictures on my comp at home I can post later if needed.

 

[A sea K]

Trying to decide myself for a very similar sized system 30galDT-20gal sump and 10gal fuge so our system volume is close to the same. One that has not been mentioned, and the one I am most interested in is the SeaSide Aquatics CS-3.5 http://alphaaquaculture.com/store/index.php/dry-goods/sea-side-aquatics-cs3-5-skimmer.html
Also in consideration and already mentioned are the Reef Octo and SWC120.

 

[ReefSentinel]

You're total system volume is around 60 gallons. Wouldn't you want more as far as capacity/capability? The seaside is rated at about 80 gallons isn't it?

 

[Wryknow]

This is actually all my first thoughts on the design so bear with me.

The first stage on the left is where my intakes will be. I would use a filter sock but I've heard that they are nitrate sponges. This is also where my skimmer will be. 2nd stage will be fuge, 3rd will be return. Obviously the first stages water level will be chosen by the skimmer model I place in it. For the skimmer I was thinking about getting the water level need to be in between 7-10 inches high. I would also be keeping the fuge at that level and the return at the same level if not maybe a little less.

Thoughts and opinions are desired.

Filter socks do an excellent job of removing debris and keeping your water column clear. You do need to clean them periodically but that is a very easy task. Make sure that you're allowing plenty of room for your skimmer. If it's a tight fit in the compartment it's harder to work on. An extra inch or two in each direction is helpful IMHO. Also, think about the height. Nto sure what kind of stand you have but if you need to raise the skimmer height because of the sump water level a 22" tall skimmer can get to be a problem really fast in some commercial aquarium stands. Also, plumbing in an extra run of pipe and two bulkheads to put in a bucket for a return are seems like a lot of work and extra leak risks to me. I would recommend getting a new 20L from PETCO and build a DIY sump if you need more space.

Extra holes in your system that can drain out tanks if there's a bulkhead failure = bad.

 

[ReefSentinel]

Also, plumbing in an extra run of pipe and two bulkheads to put in a bucket for a return are seems like a lot of work and extra leak risks to me. I would recommend getting a new 20L from PETCO and build a DIY sump if you need .

The bucket to the right is going to be for ATO. Is that what you're referring to?

Also, the stand is custom made for the area I'm trying to put the setup in.

I say 22inch max in height due to inside measurements. I have about 3 inches more I could go so just trying to be safe. The footprint of the skimmer is was planning this around is about 8"x7" @ 22" in height. The area on the sump set up for the skimmer will be 10x12 and a water level of 10"

Only thing that has me down about this custom stand is the way I have to get my sump in and out of it.

Since the front won't allow me the room to place the sump in due to center braces I have to put it in via the backside of the stand. Which inherently is a problem invade I have issue where I need to take my sump out immediately. This will have to work for the time. Wife won't let me start over and doesn't understand stuff like this.

Thanks.
opinions and experienced suggestions are welcome.

 

[A sea K]

You're total system volume is around 60 gallons. Wouldn't you want more as far as capacity/capability? The seaside is rated at about 80 gallons isn't it?

True system volume is actually much closer to 40-45 max. The 30gal DT less LR and sand, the sump and refuge have a capacity of 30combined gallons but when running only use a portion of that volume, all told I believe closer to 45 actual gallons.
That and I don't subscribe to the bigger is better mindset when it comes to sizing a skimmer and I'm right at half of the manufacturer's claimed (often exagerated) 80 gal capacity so it should be just about right.

 

[ReefSentinel]

Interesting.

I'm new so my knowledge and experience is limited.

 

[A sea K]

Interesting.

I'm new so my knowledge and experience is limited.

Maybe so but it seems your off to a very good start!

Lots and lots of info available here, at times it can actually be confusing. Just take your time and use common sense in what seems to apply best to your individual situation and all will go well, at least mostly, we all have problems from time to time no matter how much experience we may have.
That and always remember to ask if there is something you are unsure or unaware of, no such thing as a dumb question when you don't know the answer and there is always someone here that will know the answer.