8' 300 display, 125 sump, 90g fuge, 90g LPS/waterchange tank. Currently using an old reef octopus diablo 8" recirculating skimmer. Looking to upgrade and plumb externally (current one using in sump) and am having trouble deciding. Its 3 choices and all will have the neck cleaner and skimmate locker ( have both on my current skimmer and would never go without again)
Regal 300 ext varios.
This skimmer is attractive with its variable speed so I can easily adjust air flow to skimmer to change with nutrient levels, but its rated 450 heavy..
SRO 6000 EXT
This one has bubble blaster which I know is tried and true, I've also heard due to AC pumps consistency they are better for skimmers..(true?) The pump uses 5 less watts and draws more air, but leave all controllability on to how much water you pump in or gate valve control. This skimmer rated 550-600g heavy...
SRO 8000 ext
This bad boy is monstrous (possible fitment issues by 1/4 inch but I'm sure I could make that up somewhere) this one has a big jump in price as its ~700 more than the other two but I've seen one in person (on smaller system too) and it was impressive, yet MASSIVE. Again, ac power for recirc pump.. Its rated 800g heavy.
Coralvue said "sizing" is based on display, but BRS says its total volume. With having 90g fuge that's gunna reduce load on skimmer too. My belief for filtrarion relies heavily on nature doing it (macros/liverock) and that skimmer picks up slack. I'm just a "buy once, cry once" kind of guy so wanna make sure I have enough skimmer to last the next 10 years.
A last question is the outlet pipe of skimmer, can I make that say 3 inches taller or would that impede performance? Reason being is where skimmer goes I'd need the exit pipe (one w gate valve) to be turned and over the feed intake. Imagine the gate valve being 3 inches higher and then pipe coming sideways instead of "straight out" as shown in retail pics.
Thanks In advance. Hope to hear from some ppl with large setups like me
Regal 300 ext varios.
This skimmer is attractive with its variable speed so I can easily adjust air flow to skimmer to change with nutrient levels, but its rated 450 heavy..
SRO 6000 EXT
This one has bubble blaster which I know is tried and true, I've also heard due to AC pumps consistency they are better for skimmers..(true?) The pump uses 5 less watts and draws more air, but leave all controllability on to how much water you pump in or gate valve control. This skimmer rated 550-600g heavy...
SRO 8000 ext
This bad boy is monstrous (possible fitment issues by 1/4 inch but I'm sure I could make that up somewhere) this one has a big jump in price as its ~700 more than the other two but I've seen one in person (on smaller system too) and it was impressive, yet MASSIVE. Again, ac power for recirc pump.. Its rated 800g heavy.
Coralvue said "sizing" is based on display, but BRS says its total volume. With having 90g fuge that's gunna reduce load on skimmer too. My belief for filtrarion relies heavily on nature doing it (macros/liverock) and that skimmer picks up slack. I'm just a "buy once, cry once" kind of guy so wanna make sure I have enough skimmer to last the next 10 years.
A last question is the outlet pipe of skimmer, can I make that say 3 inches taller or would that impede performance? Reason being is where skimmer goes I'd need the exit pipe (one w gate valve) to be turned and over the feed intake. Imagine the gate valve being 3 inches higher and then pipe coming sideways instead of "straight out" as shown in retail pics.
Thanks In advance. Hope to hear from some ppl with large setups like me