Protein skimmer suggestions

[Partsman41953]

Hi all,

I am in need of a protein skimmer and return pump for my 90 gallon aquarium. I will be housing both LPS and SPS coral
along with some fish. I have a 90 gallon Aqueon tank that I am putting together but since this is my first venture with
a sump I purchase a short stand as I thought it would be easier to clean no realizing I needed the space under the stand
for the skimmer. I have 23-1/2" from the bottom of my stand to the bottom of my tank. I am using a 30 gallon Aqueon tank for
my sump which is 16-3/4" tall. This gives me a little over 6" to get a skimmer out to clean. I will be adding the baffles to the sump
after I figure out what skimmer to use.

I have a budget of around $300 for the skimmer. Please let me know which skimmer you would use. I have heard good things
about the Reef Octopus NWB 150 but I am not sure if I will have enough room as I do not know how much room I will need to get
the collection cup off.

Thanks.

 

[LILBUDDHA]

I know you stated you measured your height from the bottom of the stand to the bottom of the tank but that sounds awful short . Most standard stands are 31-33 inches tall . Anywho that RO skimmer will not fit based on the dim's you gave . The RO is 22.13 inches tall .This skimmer is 19.7 inches tall . It can handle your tank . Look up or google .Sorry I was too lazy to embed the link in the name for a quick link to click on .
ConeS Series Needle Wheel Protein Skimmer - c01. I don't think they are a sponsor but you will see a link for BA and it costs 249.99 . A lot of users seem to be pleased with it's performance .

 

[Partsman41953]

It is a short stand, to the point that with the tank on the stand I can reach over and clean the tank without stepping on anything and
I am only 5'7". The Reef Octopus I believe is 22" tall with the collection cup. That makes it really close with not a lot of room to spare.
I have heard a lot of people using Tunze skimmers which are shorter and would fit but the price is a little more than what I would like
to pay. My only other option would be to see if the LFS will swap this stand out for a different one or see about an external but I heard
there is a possibility of them leaking and then I would need to conceal it somehow.

Anyhow, if there are any other options out there, please let me know.

Thanks

 

[a49panhead]

Look into the eshopps s-120. It is 17.5" tall My symptom is a little smaller with about about 80 gallons total volume and I'm very happy with it. It's about $250. The s-150 is 20". And I think it's around $300

 

[Reefing Madness]

SCA-302 180 gallon Protein Skimmer
Eshopps S-120 Economy Cone Skimmer - 40 to 120 gal - AquaCave.com
With your limited height these are going to be your best options that will still allow you to get the skimmer in and out easily.

 

[kacrocorals581]

I'd go with a aquamaxx co-1 AquaMaxx ConeS In-Sump Protein Skimmer

 

[Seph]

I'd check into the reef octopus prime 150 int. don't know if it will fit your application but I recently got the prime 200 int for my 180 and love it. Best skimmer I've ever owned so far. And removing the collection cup is so easy.

 

[WindeyD]

I would see about exchanging the stand; why start a build with such a space limiation? I say do it right the first time which will save you $ in the long run. Good luck!!