Which HOT skimmer is best?

[mistermikev]

Ok, doing thorough research on this one. Have considered just about everything.
Budget: $190
Tank Size: 75g (would like to be able to go to a 110 eventually)
Sump?: have a hang on refuge but no sump (live above landlord)
Current Equip: 75All glass, 1500gph circ via 4pico pumps/2 penguin/1 aquasweep/fluval 404 for chem filter/prism dlux skimmer, 400w metal halide running 20000k/110w vho (1 actinic 3' and 1 10000k 3')/110w pc (1 50/50 and 1 10000k), 6gal hang on refuge w 55w of t5.
I have considered the octopus dual backpack nockoff, coralife nw220, remora, prism pro.
-the octo has some cons in terms of no feedback, two pumps sucking electricity, two cups to empty, and three eyesoars in my tank(pumps plus return pipe).
-I've heard the coralifes overflow and require "pampering"
-remora tough to dial in
-prism pro sucks and overflows

A. What say you about "the best HOT skimmer"?
B. Any experiences with above mentioned issues?
C. Should I just go with a berlin air lift? (JK)
D. What would you say are pros cons of each?

Any and all input welcom.

 

[Ti]

some people like the remora, but not all have had great luck with it.

 

[mistermikev]

I'm kinda leanin' towards the coralife cause it's small and they say they skim great once set up... thatpetplace has a 220 for $140ish... anyone every deal with thatpetplace?

 

[luke33]

No but i've dealt with big al's alot and its 142 there. I have a remora pro with a mag 7 and thing its a very good and consistend HOT skimmer. Not the best skimmer but good. I've heard good stuff about the coralife's as well.

 

[mistermikev]

oh yeah, big al is a good call... been there b4 just didn't check him on this one. So that remora... what size tank? How much did that one cost ya(I think i saw the one with the mag for 220ish?).

 

[dhnguyen]

You know they do have a pump in skimmer version of the Octopus HOT similar to a Deltec MCE600.
http://www.aquacave.com/detail.aspx?ID=1013

I have never used this skimmer myself so I wouldn't know how it actually performs. But since it is a needle wheel skimmer, it should be able to out perform the Remora easily, which isn't saying much mind you since IMO the Remora isn't that great of a skimmer to begin with. Forget the Prism as it is a piece of crap. The Coralife is a decent HOT but is rather large and can be quite unsightly with that large pump in your tank. Another decent HOT is ther AquaMedic TurboFlotor multi 1000.

 

[luke33]

mistermike, as you will see, this is a very 'your preference answer' I'm not trying to sway you any way, just inform you. My skimmer was 290 shipped from premium. But i got the mag 7 upgrade and extra large cup. It was the cheapest around. You could do the turbofloater, heard nothing but good things about it. $250ish, the coralife SS 220, 142, or the octopus HOT. Any of these are good choices IMO. I don't know much about the octopus. My pro is very consistent at what it does. Its not the best but it does a good job IMO. As many will highly regard and disregard it. The deltec is one of the best as well. But very expensive. personally if i were to get another skimmer i would like to try the turbo as it can be run in the sump or HOT. Good luck!

 

[Ti]

check this out.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1013904

 

[mistermikev]

yeah, seen the turbofloater hot but its like 220ish with the same mixed reviews I see with cs220. I have searched rc, rl, 3r, and ten others and one thing they all agree on: the prism blows! Thanks for the heads up on the octo... checking it out now.

 

[Ti]

it's working for that guy

 

[mistermikev]

psdhnguyn... love the avatar. looks just like my nephew. that is the best... LOL

 

[bjc451]

I have the dual octo hang on only 2 months old still producing microbubbles

 

[mistermikev]

wow, 2months?!? What size tank? What kind of bio-load? Does it skim good? What do you think of the construction? Are you using any bubble defusion tactics in the center chamber? Any info would be great.