Skimmer Help

[Frank_PR]

Hi Fellow Reefers,

I need help choosing a skimmer for my new build, a 75g mix reef tank with a 29g DIY sump. The tank will be in my bedroom so silent or quite is a priority. I haven’t built the sump waiting for the skimmer but the height is limited to 20” since the inside of the stand measures 26” and need clearance to take out the collection cup. Very important the Budget is also limited to $300!!!, I made the research and these are my finalist:

1) Simplicity 240DC

2) Coral Box D700 or D500

3) Icecap K2 -120

4) Aquamaxx CO-1

5) Reef Octopus SSS 150

I was leaning towards Simplicity or Coral Box for the DC pumps since they are supposed to be quit, but don’t know about the durability. I like the design of Coral Box and read good reviews. The Simplicity is relative new to the market and there are not many reviews but looks well-constructed. Can someone tell me what is the difference in the design of the outtake of these two skimmers and which work best for tuning?

I believe that the Aquamaxx CO-1 and the Icecap K2 120 are too small for my tank since I will have a heavy bio load, also could not find much about the Icecap.

Please let me know your experience or recommendations on any of these skimmers, also if you have other suggestions. Any help will be appreciated!!!

Thanks

 

[Joey waid]

I love icecap, but I would go with the bigger one than the 120. 80 gallons is the 120's max. They are very quiet..

 

[Frank_PR]

The Icecap 160 is the next model but they are $350, a bit more over the budget
but looks like a very high end product.

Thanks for your response.

 

[Joey waid]

The Icecap 160 is the next model but they are $350, a bit more over the budget
but looks very high end product.

Thanks for your response.

For some stupid reason I thought I paid 120.00 for the 120, I bought a whole set up. I did not know they were almost 300.00. They are a spin off of reef octopus. They are really good for the money. It's says up to 80 gallons, if you have other clean up like a refuge and such you might give it a go.