Which Skimmer?

[Barfly]

Could you please recommend the best skimmer for a heavily stocked 125g mixed reef? I've got a height of about 32" in the stand under the tank. I'm looking at a budget of about $400. Also, I'm looking at the Ocean Runner 6500 pump. Is that a good, QUIET, in sump pump? Do you have another recommendation? Thanks for your help.

 

[Jeremy B.]

Hi,

Do you have any size limitations as far as the footprint goes in your sump for the skimmer? Let me know on that, and I will make some recommendations for you. There are quite a few skimmers in your budget that would work wondefully on that size system.

For the return pump I would take a look at the Maxi-jet Utility pumps. They use a Sicce motorblock, are virtually silent, pull a fairly low amount of power considering the flow rates, and put of very little heat. The OR is not a bad pump by any means, but in my opinion the MJ Utility is a better option. Here is a link to the MJ Utility 5500 pump on our website:

http://premiumaquatics.com/store/me...Code=PA&Product_Code=MJPU-5500&Category_Code=

 

[Barfly]

Hi,

Do you have any size limitations as far as the footprint goes in your sump for the skimmer? Let me know on that, and I will make some recommendations for you. There are quite a few skimmers in your budget that would work wondefully on that size system.

For the return pump I would take a look at the Maxi-jet Utility pumps. They use a Sicce motorblock, are virtually silent, pull a fairly low amount of power considering the flow rates, and put of very little heat. The OR is not a bad pump by any means, but in my opinion the MJ Utility is a better option. Here is a link to the MJ Utility 5500 pump on our website:

http://premiumaquatics.com/store/me...Code=PA&Product_Code=MJPU-5500&Category_Code=

My sump skimmer section is 12" x 15".

Thanks for the info on the pumps. I just haven't been too impressed with the reviews of the maxi jet pumps.

 

[Barfly]

Any suggestions on a skimmer?

 

[Jeremy B.]

I would recommend taking a look at the Vertex IN-180 first. The body design is excellent, and is one of the best bang for the buck protein skimmers on the market. Here is a link to that on our website:

http://premiumaquatics.com/store/me..._Code=PA&Product_Code=VX-IN180&Category_Code=

Next you could take a look at the Coralvue Octopus Extreme 200. The body design is not as efficient as the Vertex IN series in my opinion, however it's still a nice skimmer and deserves mention.

http://premiumaquatics.com/store/me...ode=PA&Product_Code=CV-EXT-200&Category_Code=

You could also take a look at the Coralvue Super Reef Octopus line, the SRO 3000 Internal. You will get a better, more efficient pump on this skimmer, with a good body design, and easier adjustment over the Extreme 200. You will pay for these upgrades however, pushing the limit of your budget.

http://premiumaquatics.com/store/me...PA&Product_Code=CV-SRO-3000INT&Category_Code=

Please let me know if you have any questions.


Thanks,
Jeremy