Need help picking a skimmer for 120G

[Bitflip]

Hello!

I am planning a NYOS 440 build (about 120G). My current 20G doesn't have a sump and I never used a skimmer.

Skimmer chamber is (13 x 20 in)

Im hoping to get something that last and is easy to find tune (likely DC). A cup drain tube also seem useful.

I've found the following but there are hundreds of models. Ideally less than 600$

Red Sea 600DC
Nyos Quantum DC 160 (not yet available)
Curve 7 Elite Protein Skimmer

Thanks!

 

[X-37B]

Tunze 9410dc would be my choice.

 

[slingfox]

Hello!

I am planning a NYOS 440 build (about 120G). My current 20G doesn't have a sump and I never used a skimmer.

Skimmer chamber is (13 x 20 in)

Im hoping to get something that last and is easy to find tune (likely DC). A cup drain tube also seem useful.

I've found the following but there are hundreds of models. Ideally less than 600$

Red Sea 600DC
Nyos Quantum DC 160 (not yet available)
Curve 7 Elite Protein Skimmer

Thanks!

The RedSea 600DC requires a separate controller. It doesn’t make sense to purchase the RedSea skimmer unless you also get the RedSea return pump which is essentially a private labeled Sicce pump.

 

[Idech]

I have a Simplicity DC-240 and it does a good job in my 150 gallons (sump included). It’s quiet too.

There is a guy who did a great review on YouTube and he convinced me.

It’s been running in my tank for 2 years now.

 

[ChrisfromBrick]

reef octo are excellent. Maybe the 150 INT?

 

[skey44]

I absolutely love my Ultra Reef Akula 180. Best equipment decision that I never look back on and second guess. I don’t like to drain my cup externally for a few reasons. I actually prefer running an overflow sensor in the cup to prevent overflow, been the best skimmer upgrade I’ve ever done keeping the skim-mate in the cup until I can get to it.

 

[waverider]

+1 for Reef Octo. Definately one of the best Skimmer companies.

 

[RuralReefer1]

I am planning on a 100g cube build and have been looking into skimmers as well. I am currently leaning toward the curve 7 elite. Also an option for me is the curve 7 extreme which is the same skimmer just different pump. Elite uses a sicce and the extreme uses the bubbles magus rock pump.
I’ve considered the dc based skimmers as well but they don’t seem worth it for the extra price. After all it’s just a foam engine so once it’s tuned to your bioload needs you don’t really need the variable flow rate a dc pump gives you.
If you plan on incorporating ozone at some point then I did see that brs recommend a recirculating skimmer as their injection source. I’m not sure if that’s needed though.

 

[Bitflip]

I'm currently considering a 150.EXT or a INT :)
They have a float valve, a drain port and a 0-10v for controller.

 

[skey44]

I’ll vote again for ultra reef. This thing is on another level. It’s a brick house. Design is well thought out and craftsmanship is amazing. Simple to clean, assemble, reassemble. Easy adjustment. Such a great piece of modern reefing equipment. Couldn’t have 18 fish in my 80 gallon with nearly zero nitrates (I dose) without it. Water clarity is phenomenal.

 

[X-37B]

I’ll vote again for ultra reef. This thing is on another level. It’s a brick house.

Looks good!
I started with a 9410dc on my old 120 and went to a 9430dc.
My new 112 will run a 9430dc.
I have one I bought new and 2 I bought used when I was looking to get a replacement for my new.
A used 9430 was less than a new pump, lol. I now have 3.
I really like the new design of the 9430dc. However at $1500 I am good running an older model.
I will buy another used when it comes on the market as theybare that good.

 

[BryanM]

Another vote for Tunze here, I like their products.

And another vote against RedSea, but I am a biased user who dumped his tank before it dumped on me, and I just wont support that brand ever again.