Easiest skimmer to maintain for 220gal

[Ann Enomy]

I am upgrading from a 120 to 220 and have a red sea skimmer currently. I do like the neck wiper and the general stability of the skimmer but I do find it difficult to get the skimmer apart to give the pump a good cleaning. Seeing that my skimmer is only rated for 150 gal I have to go up in size.

Back when had a 300gal tank in the late 90's I had a down draft beckett style skimmer that was an absolute beast at removing nutrients and the pump was easy to clean because it was external to the skimmer. These style skimmers don's seem to be popular anymore. What should I be looking at as far as specific model of skimmer that is super easy to do maintenance on. Links would be appreciated

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

Have a look at the deltec 1000i (or 1500i). I use the 600i and its the best skimmer I've ever had, its a workhorse, and so far does well on only 2 cleanings per year, and its super easy to clean IMO. My octopus 1000 classic hob has an external pump, but I've ever never seen an external pump on an in-sump skimmer, doesn't mean it doesn't exist though. Good luck

 

[Oldreefer44]

Agree on Deltec. Also Lifereef. Many of us have had them for ten to 15 years. Can have them customized to match tank volume etc.

 

[Ann Enomy]

Life reef skimmer looks interesting. Not having to break it down to clean is kind of what I’m after. Anyone have experience with the Bashsea twisted skimmer?

 

[DCR]

If you have space in your sump, I would avoid any skimmer that has the pump inside the body of the skimmer. I personally use a LifeReef driven by an external Iwaki but if I went with a needle wheel it would probably be something like one of the Reef Octopus SRO models (non-space saver) or one of the larger Tunze skimmers.

 

[BryanM]

Life reef skimmer looks interesting. Not having to break it down to clean is kind of what I’m after. Anyone have experience with the Bashsea twisted skimmer?

I am not a skimmer guy but the fact that this bashsea skimmer appears to use the same tech as your old skimmer would seem to tip the scales in its favor.

I also like the fact that it is not dependent on sump water level, which is one of the primary reasons people struggle with getting skimmers to function properly.

Me thinks you found your next skimmer :)

 

[minus9]

Deltec or Tunze.