What skimmer are you using for 180g tanks?

[allykahn]

I figure I will post here to get suggestions. I have been reading threads for research trying to upgrade my current skimmer (ASM G3). The tank is 180g and the sump/refugium is 40g. I don't think the ASM is cutting it any longer with my bioload. I have been looking at:

EuroReef RS 180 $400+
Orca $400
Octopus NW200
AquaEuro 250

I only have about 28" max under my stand and the skimmer area in the sump is 16x12. I could go recirc but I do not have any experience with them. I have about $450 to spend, which I know isn't much. Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Allan

 

[taflaw]

^

 

[taflaw]

If you could hold off a while longer and get the Euro-reef RC 180 instead, you would see better results from your upgrade in my opinion. I am very pleased with the performance and quality of my Euro-reef RC 500 skimmer.

 

[allykahn]

The RC 180 is 30", which is too tall for my stand and about $850.

 

[taflaw]

I would also recommend the AquaC EV 240 skimmer, which is not on your list. It should fit under your stand (26" tall skimmer) and is in your price range. The skimmer does a great job as well (installed in sump or external). Here are a few pictures of my old skimmer in action.

 

[taflaw]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9764646#post9764646 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by allykahn
The RC 180 is 30", which is too tall for my stand and about $850.

The Euro-reef RC180 is only 24" tall and would fit as well. The RC 180 recirculating skimmer would give you better results than the RS 180. Not sure how much better results the RS series will give you over your exisiting skimmer, which is a similiar design, but different quality.

 

[allykahn]

skimmer

skimmer

I was sent a link to check out these Orca skimmers. Let me know what you think since you have used both the EuroReef and Aqua C skimmers.

Thanks

 

[tack-msv]

I bought one of the Orca skimmers. However, I had mine customized (36"x10" w/ two RC pumps). It is the first two pics in my gallery. Shan (the owner) has it incorrectly listed on that website as 8.5" and that I live in NC. I mentioned to him at the time, but I guess he hasn't gotten around to changing it yet.

Anyways, the skimmer is a piece of art for a fraction of the price compared to a Deltec or a Euro Reef. Customer service was excellent. I would not have been able to assemble my reef for the prices of some of the higher end skimmers that look and perform exactly the same. He even offered to make several other components which he doesn't advertise (calcium reactor, kalk reactor, and phosphate reactor) to replace my smaller units from the upgrade to my 180.

 

[allykahn]

So should I only look at recirculating skimmers?

 

[mike660r]

I would stick with the recirculating skimmers. I think they are the best thing out there right now. Here is my baby hooked to my 180.

 

[nikonosis]

Octopus NW200 with meshmod.

 

[thor32766]

I have an aqua c ev400 on my 220 and I love the aqua c product. The ev-240 is a great skimmer

 

[allykahn]

taflaw, I confused the height with the RC500. My mistake.

Here is the decription of the Orca from their website, except it would hava a 4.5" neck and meshmod.

Orca 8.5"x 24" to 28" (your choice) Single Pump Recirculating Protein skimmer, 3.5" Neck Diameter. This skimmer is built from heavy duty 1/4" American made cast acrylic tube. It includes heavy-duty sch 80 low profile neck union, 1.5" sch 80 gate valve for fine water level adjustment and a bolt off top for total access to skimmer body. It will be standard w/ the H3 pumps (same as Ocean Runner 3500 and Octopus 3000) equipped w/ needle wheel impeller at 65 watts.

 

[Rueg]

A My Reef Creations MR-2. Very happy with it.

http://www.myreefcreations.com/psstandard.htm

 

[evoracer]

I ran an EV-240 on my 180 with great results.

 

[nikonosis]

Why not just run an octopus skimmer with meshmod? It will perform as well as any of those skimmers that are more than twice as expensive.

http://octopusskimmer.com/

$509

$679

 

[nikonosis]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9766599#post9766599 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mike660r
I would stick with the recirculating skimmers. I think they are the best thing out there right now. Here is my baby hooked to my 180.

How much did you pay for that?

 

[scottk]

He's only got a 12" x 16" space in the sump. Most of those recircs aren't going to fit in that. It would have to be external....I think. I have the same problem, except I've got 40" height and 18" x 17" for my 180. I can't find a decent sized recirc to go in there. I'm leaning to the RS-250 so far.......

 

[ben&bobbi]

ASM G3 modified. i know there are several others using the same on same size tanks and very happy.

 

[reefdna]

ASM G4 Have not even had a pump problem in 2.5 years of almost contiual operation. Was stopped and soaked in vinegar for an hour last month. If anything I would upgrade to an auto draining cup

Ed C