what skimmer for a 100g water volume with heavy bioload?

[redhanded77]

Im looking into purchasing a new skimmer for my 100g system. It has a very high bioload and lots of sps.

I have a 11x14 area to work with in my sump and im looking to stay around the $500 mark, maybe a lil more or less, depending on how much performance is at stake.

Thank you!

 

[mojo~]

I would suggest the SRO 2000 xp, the bk mini 160, the ATB 840, the vertex in 180 and the octo xtreme XS 200

 

[redhanded77]

Thanks Mojo, Ill look into those skimmers you mentioned. One more question though, I keep reading alot about contact time, and how the BK mini is lacking in that department? TO be honest, I have no idea on what contact time means, but which of those would have the best rating?

 

[stanlalee]

Thanks Mojo, Ill look into those skimmers you mentioned. One more question though, I keep reading alot about contact time, and how the BK mini is lacking in that department? TO be honest, I have no idea on what contact time means, but which of those would have the best rating?

well there's the school of thought that contact time isn't that important if bubble size is small and air intake is adequate (deltec, BK,tunze ect) and the proof seems to be in the pudding (the amount of high end short skimmers that work well) so I wouldn't focus too much on contact time just the right size skimmer for your application.

 

[Jeremy B.]

Agreed, the Mini's work very well for their smaller amount of contact time. I'm of the thought that you do not need a high dollar skimmer to get high end performance, the IN180 and XS200 would give you a lot of bang for buck on that size tank.

 

[E.intheC]

I'm going to bump this as I have a similar system and am debating between the SRO 2000int and the XS200. The latter is a bit cheaper, but if the SRO is a lot better, ill go that way. Thanks.

 

[Jeremy B.]

The SRO 2000 is a 6" body skimmer, where the XS 200 is a 8" body skimmer. I would not recommend using an 8" body skimmer on a 100g skimmer, it's just way too much in my opinion. Stick with the SRO 2000, or another good 6" body skimmer, you'll be much happier with the performance.