Skimmer Q&A Thread

[Troylee]

Luke did a great a demo with both... I think it boils down to how much you wanna spend..

What is your opinion of the SWC Xtreme 160 Cone Protein Skimmer versus SWC Xtreme 160 Protein Skimmer?
The cone seems to have lower scfh and is listed with a smaller capacity then the regular other then that it looks to be a great price on a true cone.

Still looking to upgrade that skimmer on my 90G dt (had to wait for cash - tight budget) and these seemed to be cheaper alternative then the Reef Octo Extreme 160 or Vertex 180.

Any input is appreciated or if anyone has a suggestion for another skimmer to look at.

 

[Troylee]

hey was wondering what your opinion on the vertex IN-80 skimmer is im running it on my 75g display with a 20g sump atm. my total water quantity is about 65-70g i think. ive had a weird time getting it tuned in right, but im also new to in sump skimmers. so is it my newness to them or the skimmer? thanks also suggestions for different skimmers would be awesome im running a sps dominated system so i want my water skimmed heavily

does the water level stay steady in your sump or does it evaporate in the chamber where the skimmer is placed???

 

[Antonias1391]

it stays constant. one of the first things i made shure would happen.

 

[Poeticlydead]

Luke did a great a demo with both... I think it boils down to how much you wanna spend..

Where can I find that demo Troylee -- nice to see you still around - how's the new tank?

 

[Troylee]

It's in the reef filtration forum... I have always been around well at least here lol.... I got the boot from that site if that's what you mean..:(

 

[Reefer831]

Mojo thank you for this outstanding thread, I am sure it has helped a lot of people on r2r. So I am currently building a custom 140 and would like to know if you had to choose between any skimmer what one would you go with. I don't mind spending the money on a good one but also would not like to overspend on a skimmer when i can buy one for cheaper that does the same thing. I noticed that alot of people go with ATB so that was on the top of my list, the Bk is another. The skimmer is such an important part of the tank I just want to get it right the first time, and in the past when I tryed to save money it always cost me more. Also if you could help and let me know where to find a good deal on one that would be great.

 

[Antonias1391]

hey i never got a answer to my question!! lol thanks

 

[mojo]

do u use a ATO, or does it have a constant water level in the skimmer section? That will make difference. It should work pretty well for your tank.

 

[doug864]

Mojo thank you for this outstanding thread, I am sure it has helped a lot of people on r2r. So I am currently building a custom 140 and would like to know if you had to choose between any skimmer what one would you go with. I don't mind spending the money on a good one but also would not like to overspend on a skimmer when i can buy one for cheaper that does the same thing. I noticed that alot of people go with ATB so that was on the top of my list, the Bk is another. The skimmer is such an important part of the tank I just want to get it right the first time, and in the past when I tryed to save money it always cost me more. Also if you could help and let me know where to find a good deal on one that would be great.

Did you ever get an answer to your question?
Regards,
Doug

 

[mojo]

can I help you with something doug ?

 

[Antonias1391]

i have a skimmer section

 

[doug864]

Hi Mojo,
I was interested in an anwer to the question asked by reefer831.
Thanks,
Doug

 

[mojo]

Sorry I actually sent him a private PM.

 

[mojo]

i have a skimmer section

Sorry had to read back a bit. can u tell me how deep the skimmer is running or take a picture ? the wedgepipe is touchy. A tiny bit can make a big difference. once set you shouldnt have to mess with it.

 

[Antonias1391]

ahhh ok thanks very much for the help i think ik whats up now :] as well i was asking opinions on the optimum skimmer for my system.

 

[DML08]

Mojo thank you for this outstanding thread, I am sure it has helped a lot of people on r2r. So I am currently building a custom 140 and would like to know if you had to choose between any skimmer what one would you go with. I don't mind spending the money on a good one but also would not like to overspend on a skimmer when i can buy one for cheaper that does the same thing. I noticed that alot of people go with ATB so that was on the top of my list, the Bk is another. The skimmer is such an important part of the tank I just want to get it right the first time, and in the past when I tryed to save money it always cost me more. Also if you could help and let me know where to find a good deal on one that would be great.

Kinda the same question, I have narrowed my choice do to a handful, ATB is one of them, my upgrade tank is gonna have a total volume of 150G, just looking for suggestion.. WWMojoD??..

 

[solitude127]

Mojo, do you have an opinion on the sicce syncra based skimmer pump used on the ATB 840 V2? Are the better than the PSK 2500? Does the syncra have the backwards rotation issue like the PSK? Thanks

 

[mojo]

I am a big fan of the bk mini's. I lke how the collection cup comes off. How they are built, and how they perform. Great skimmer all the way around. The ATB skimmer just simply works very well. Best service you could ask for and built well. if you buy one or the other you will be pleased.

 

[toejam]

I have a question on a skimmer purchase I am about to make. I have a new setup 180 with a 100g Rubbermaid sump and I am looking at a used asm g-4x with the mods for 200.00 My question is would this compete with the newer models or should I spend the extra 150.00 and get a super reef octopus 2000? I am trying to make a budget build but I dont want to skimp on something like this.

Thanks for any input.

-Travis

 

[mojo]

I would go on saltycritter's website and pick up the warner marine s200 for $175. its a nicer build than the asm and is $25 less !! might be under the used section but its like new. too. Just my two cents if you are on a budget that is what I would do.