Skimmer Q&A Thread

[luke33]

Mojo Im running a Swc 200 in a 140 gal with about 30 to 40 gals in the sump. The sump is 48x20x16 water is at 10" I'm running about 7 to 800 gph. Bio load is going to very heavy. I have found a passion for Anthia's and Wrasse that has taken over my love for SPS but they are still very important to me. I run MB7 and will be adding vodka here shortly. The tank is only 5 wks old (rock is a year old atleast). I am leaning towards the BB 5000s with the extened neck pretty heavy but being untested makes me worry a bit. Luke said I could throttle it back by reducing down to 3/4" but how would I Know if I still was getting to much air or water. What are the signs I would be looking for.

Sorry for the long post been waiting for your input for sure. Thanks

I wouldn't suggest running it in 10" water. It will most likely overflow constantly at that depth. I run mine in 6-8" with the askoll. If there is to much air in the body it will just overflow and be impossible to adjust. Just be careful with the vodka and large skimmer, you can strip the nutrients from your corals doing this. I tried vodka dosing and skimming heavy and all i got in return was a sterile tank for a good 6-8mths.

 

[mojo]

I agree that 10" is a little deep. I think you will be just fine with the bb5000's. Sold pump and good build. I dont like to throttle back a skimmer as then its not running as it should of been designed to. you throttle it back chances are you wont get enough air/water to fill the neck up. Neck size is usually determined by air volume. Or I should say primary factor.

Mojo~

 

[mike_dani]

You guys can't compare a swc200 with an atb 1050a. The comparison would be the swc askoll cone and the atb1050a.

So is the SWC XTREME 250A or 300A the one to compare with the ATB105A?

 

[luke33]

Neither. There are three askoll based skimmers, the 250a, 300a and askol cone. The askoll cone is the one that is comparable. I don't want to clog up this forum but i can send you the info.

 

[mojo]

^^ what he said

 

[jascymcl]

the 250a can hang with the ATB any day!!!!

 

[mike_dani]

the 250a can hang with the ATB any day!!!!

I hope so I ended up buying the SWC300 it's like Christmas waiting on all of these new toys

 

[cet98]

I ll have to get some pics of the swc 120 up and running here tomorrow

dying to hear your opinion and see your pix

bump...:nerd:

 

[Alky]

160 gallon total water volume
200 lbs live rock, ssb in display, dsb in refugium area of sump
Skimmer compartment in sump is 9" x 16"
Right now I'm medium fish, low coral bio load. But, hoping to go heavy in both departments.

I seem to be a skimmer collector of sorts, and currently own a H&S A200-1260 and ATB original small with eheim 1250. Well, I think the H&S is too large, and the small w/1250 is too small. I plan on selling both those, and picking up (1) new skimmer.

Right now, I'm leaning towards the ATB 840 v1.5, but, have always been fond of H&S and am also looking at the A150-F2001. Heck, the Vertex is appealing too, but I'm not sure it's worth the extra money. See how I end up with extra skimmers :squigglemouth:

Suggestions?

 

[Troylee]

the atb 840 v1.5 is a masterpiece of craftsmanship in it's self.....it will handle your tank easily..

 

[CSJIII]

Ive looked into buying a Vertex IN 100 but I think the footprint would be a little too large to put in my sump/fuge and still have room for liverock and such.My total water volume will be about 55 gallons. Does anyone think it would fit in my tank pictured below? If so, how would i divide the baffles given the footprint of 13"X11" and the other chambers? Dont forget the I also need a return pump to the tank in the skimmer chamber. The tank pictured is the sump as you can see in the 2nd picture.

 

[mojo]

160 gallon total water volume
200 lbs live rock, ssb in display, dsb in refugium area of sump
Skimmer compartment in sump is 9" x 16"
Right now I'm medium fish, low coral bio load. But, hoping to go heavy in both departments.

I seem to be a skimmer collector of sorts, and currently own a H&S A200-1260 and ATB original small with eheim 1250. Well, I think the H&S is too large, and the small w/1250 is too small. I plan on selling both those, and picking up (1) new skimmer.

Right now, I'm leaning towards the ATB 840 v1.5, but, have always been fond of H&S and am also looking at the A150-F2001. Heck, the Vertex is appealing too, but I'm not sure it's worth the extra money. See how I end up with extra skimmers :squigglemouth:

Suggestions?

Well I ssume you want something built well.
The 840 1.5 is nice but you could move up to the 1050A. That would be the way to go. That is what I will most likely run on my next tank.


Great skimmers. both that you have work very well. the mini airstar is an upgrade over the 1250 you have on your small.

The alpha vertex is ok. just not the best design in my opinion. Great build quality. But just not quite there in performance compared to others in its price range. But again it is built nice and looks pretty.

The vertex in 280 on the other hand is cheaper and will work like a champ.
Or you may even check out the new deltecs. They have a couple really nice units out as well.

 

[mojo]

Ive looked into buying a Vertex IN 100 but I think the footprint would be a little too large to put in my sump/fuge and still have room for liverock and such.My total water volume will be about 55 gallons. Does anyone think it would fit in my tank pictured below? If so, how would i divide the baffles given the footprint of 13"X11" and the other chambers? Dont forget the I also need a return pump to the tank in the skimmer chamber. The tank pictured is the sump as you can see in the 2nd picture.

pm replied

 

[three fish]

Great thread mojo! I tried to read most of it but I may have missed a few pages. What do you know about the mazzei venturies? I used to have the VS3-48 from Lifereef. Just wondering how it would measure up to the ones you talk about here. I ran a MAK4 to it. Thanks.

 

[rarelyseriousb]

I would like a skimmer recommendation. I need a new skimmer. I just set up a tank that is 150 to 200 total gallons. It will be a mixed reef and as of now I plan on feeding heavy to help growth. I also do not plan on many fish. I would like a good skimmer but dont want to break the bank. I just dont want junk. thanks.

 

[mojo]

I would like a skimmer recommendation. I need a new skimmer. I just set up a tank that is 150 to 200 total gallons. It will be a mixed reef and as of now I plan on feeding heavy to help growth. I also do not plan on many fish. I would like a good skimmer but dont want to break the bank. I just dont want junk. thanks.

Well I would look at the askol powerd family if you can afford that. The ATB 1050 A, the MSX 250A or a hurricone CAt 1. All really good for the $$$
The SRO's with the bubble blaster are another option.

 

[143gadgets]

I'm setting up a 57g with a 20g sump. I was wondering what your rec would be. I was looking at reef octopus and vertex. Any thoughts?

 

[mojo]

I would suggest the vertex in 100, the Bubble Magus NAC 6 or NAC 7. I am running hte NAC7 on my 57 gallon until my new tank shows up at least.

Those three would work really well. You could also get away with a octo nw 150 but I think the others are a little better than that.

Good luck and show us some pics gadget man.

Mojo~

 

[mojo]

The 9002 would be a great fit for your setup

 

[Hammmerhead]

I would suggest the vertex in 100, the Bubble Magus NAC 6 or NAC 7. I am running hte NAC7 on my 57 gallon until my new tank shows up at least.

Those three would work really well. You could also get away with a octo nw 150 but I think the others are a little better than that.

Good luck and show us some pics gadget man.

Mojo~

A NAC 7 over a new SWC 160 cone? Why? The NAC7 is roughly $20 more money, has a rushed design nog cup where the neck of it just slips into the neck of the body with no smooth transition. They didnt even put a tapered ring there. It has a toyish bubble plate and pulls less air. The SWC is better designed IMO.