Protein skimmer change recommendations

[Andresnyc93]

Hello fellow reefers,

I have a debate on which skimmer will work best for my system, I have an 85 gallon hexagon shaped tank with a Crystal cube 18 sump. I have been wanting to change my filter socks for a collection cup for a while but now I want to modify it to fit a Fleece roller and because of it I have to get a smaller footprint skimmer in order to fit the fleece roller. I’m currently running a 110INT classic reef octopus (10.6" x 6.75" x 19.75" and have 0 complaints on its performance but would be so much easier if the pump was actually inside the skimmer.
These are the swap options I’m considering:

X-120 AXIUM Space Saving G4 Protein Skimmer

Eshopps mid-level line of Axium skimmers keeps upping the bar on simplicity and performance. The internal pump design allows for a smaller footprint and using powerful Sicce pumps means there is no loss of performance. The skimmer body of the new 4th generation has been completely redesigned...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

Reef Octopus Classic 150SSS 6" Internal Space Saving Protein Skimmer

The sleek and compact Reef Octopus Classic 150SSS in-sump protein skimmer supplies powerful filtration for aquariums up to 150 gallons where sump space may be limited. Recommended sump water height: 7"-8" Small Footprint - Big Performance Reef Octopus Aquatrance 2000s Skimmer Pump Removable...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

eSsence S-130 Internal Protein Skimmer

BRS Recommended for tanks up to: Heavy Bioload (Most Common) - 75 Gallons Medium Bioload - 120 Gallons Light Bioload - 160 gallons Footprint - 8.3" x 6.9" Height - 20.5″ Recommended Water Height: 7"-8" Reef Octopus eSsence S-130 Protein Skimmer has been designed from the ground up to create...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

I’ve attached a picture on how much wiggle room I have with the current skimmer and it’s sitting on a skimmer stand to perform better skimming on recommended water height.
Does anyone have experience with any of these skimmers I listed?
Also if you have a recommendation on a different small footprint skimmer will definitely appreciate it!

Thanks In advance

 

[Blue Spot Octopus]

Classic 110SSS 5" Internal Space Saving Protein Skimmer - Reef Octopus

I would get this one instead, when you do not have a lot of room every inch counts.

 

[Andresnyc93]

Classic 110SSS 5" Internal Space Saving Protein Skimmer - Reef Octopus

I would get this one instead, when you do not have a lot of room every inch counts.

That’s true, I wish I would’ve gotten my stand a little wider so I could just fit a bigger sump and not have to worry about changing the equipment at all.

 

[Blue Spot Octopus]

I have an IM Lagoon stand and space is super tight, it was difficult to find a sump to fit it, the sump was always an inch to small. LOL

I finally was able to find a Bashee sump and Bashee ATO container and they fit perfectly.

 

[Wasabiroot]

Have the 110SS on a 50g cube. It fits nicely below in the sump area where space is a bit cramped. Good performance and probably functions very similar to your current Octo. Only complaint people seem to have is the cup is slightly hard to remove - imo this is overblown. It just has a tight seal and some gentle pushing/pulling gets it off without too much effort.

 

[Andresnyc93]

Have the 110SS on a 50g cube. It fits nicely below in the sump area where space is a bit cramped. Good performance and probably functions very similar to your current Octo. Only complaint people seem to have is the cup is slightly hard to remove - imo this is overblown. It just has a tight seal and some gentle pushing/pulling gets it off without too much effort.

Did you need a stand for it or is the water level the recommended height? This is my biggest issue as the water height in my sump is about 10” so I’m worried on not having enough room to remove the collection cup?

 

[Wasabiroot]

I use a stand as the tank I got (SCA) does not have a fully silenced overflow and I found running my sump level higher significantly cut down on noise. I just pieced together some PVC slip elbows and put it on that, which raised it about 2-3 inches.

 

[Wasabiroot]

Super simple cheap solution. If you needed a different height just use longer pipe and make a "table". You would need a way to cut it though and some 90° T fittings.