Which skimmer would you get?

[TankJanitor]

I'm putting together my first saltwater tank after 10 year hiatus, and I want to do it right so here I am asking questions.

It's a 30 gallon display with a 15 gallon sump. I figure it will have a total water capacity of about 35 after accounting for displacement and backflow capacity.

In any event, I'm considering three different skimmers, Icecap K2-50, Icecap K2-120, and Eshopps Axium X-120, and I can't seem to make up my mind about which one to get. The K2-50 has a very agreeable price, and seems to be the right size. The K2-120 appears to have a better build quality and at nearly three times the price, you'd hope so, but would be oversized for my planned build. The Axium looks to have a decent build quality as well, and the price isn't that bad considering. However, it might be oversized as well.

I'm probably overthinking it, but I do want to do things right.

What skimmer would you buy for my tank set up?

 

[TankJanitor]

I forgot to mention, I am planning on a mixed tank. Rock, fish, inverts and beginner corals.

 

[Barro777]

SWC seems to be a legit skimmer. Have had it for a while. No complaints.

 

[scooter31707]

Simplicity is the way to go!

 

[LQT]

At the relatively small volume of your tank, I'd go with the K2-50 for consistent skimming performance. Now if you plan on upgrading within the year, which many do when they start with small volume tanks, then go with the K2-120.

As an example, after a long lay off from the hobby, I started with a Biocube 29 a little over a year ago. I'm currently building out a 57 rimless.

 

[chriscobb]

Love the IceCap but like the Reef Octopus Elite as well...

 

[Sk8r]

I have an Eshopps that is doing very well for me. You can make a skimmer go light on the skimming, but it's hard to get more skimming out of one that isn't good enough. I do advise a cone-type that produces a frothy stand-up foam rather than one that just bubbles.

 

[K.I.N.G]

I forgot to mention, I am planning on a mixed tank. Rock, fish, inverts and beginner corals.

Definitely use the SCA 302 it is AMAZING [emoji6] and very quiet to!!


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[ericarenee]

skimz skimmer here and it just works , Quiet and no need to adjust it over and over like almost every other skimmer i have used..