Protein Skimmer Recommendation

[DMReef]

I am about to set up a 500 gallon aquarium, and the system will be about 600 gallons total. I have not had an aquarium this large. Do you have any recommendations for a skimmer for this tank? It'll be an FOWLR at first then might transition it to a reef tank. Medium bioload.

 

[TX_REEF]

I’ve never had a tank that large, but I am a fan of Reef Octopus skimmers, this one would probably fit the bill for you: Amazon product ASIN B00NETTV72
Royal Exclusiv is also a well reputed brand for large tanks, but they are extremely pricey.

Also, I recently attended a brief lecture by Doctor Tim, an expert on bacterial biomes, specifically in the reef aquarium, and he strongly advocates NOT skimming 24/7, especially if you will have corals, because skimming can reduce bacterial biodiversity in the tank, which can be detrimental to the biome of your tank. He recommends a 1 to 5 hour break in skimming nightly, which can be accomplished by putting your skimmer on a timer or controller.

 

[Blue Ring Octopus]

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/u...-apex-kamoer-reef-octo-red-sea.1096562/unreadI would simply get this skimmer and if in the day you need a bigger size sell it and buy something else.

 

[00W]

I am about to set up a 500 gallon aquarium, and the system will be about 600 gallons total. I have not had an aquarium this large. Do you have any recommendations for a skimmer for this tank? It'll be an FOWLR at first then might transition it to a reef tank. Medium bioload.

Lifereef.
Any model.
The bigger the better.
Best skimmer I've ever owned.
Any questions, just call Jeff.

 

[Gundy]

Lifereef.
Any model.
The bigger the better.
Best skimmer I've ever owned.
Any questions, just call Jeff.

I did a lot of research before buying a LifeReef skimmer for my 380 gallon tank. I bought the 36 inch tall model and have loved it. It’s simple to dial in, you can expand the length of the tube if necessary and it works flawlessly. I hooked mine to a reef octopus collector because it produces so much skimmate. I love this skimmer.

 

[legionofdoon]

I have the 24 model lifereef with the mazzei injector mounted vertically. Best skimmer I've owned. Nice thing about them is that they aren't married to a particular pump and they are easily upgradable by just attaching another body segment. Jeff is also very responsive too. I bought mine used on eBay and he personally took the time to answer any questions and told me how to set it up properly. This is just now and I cleaned it last night.