Skimmer Q&A Thread

mojo · Oct 17, 2011

The air should be wide open. The air is just to fine tune bubble size if you want.but note that I'd you close down the air it will raise the water level. So it takes some playing around with until you get a feel for it.

jelly · Oct 17, 2011

thank you

nyfireman3097 · Oct 18, 2011

Hey mojo I am undecided so far for my 60g cube. Heavy fish load I have a kz s revolution but afraid it's too much skimmer or can get a reef octopus Xp-1000sss or the Extreme xs 160. What cha think ???

mojo · Oct 18, 2011

nyfireman3097 said:
Hey mojo I am undecided so far for my 60g cube. Heavy fish load I have a kz s revolution but afraid it's too much skimmer or can get a reef octopus Xp-1000sss or the Extreme xs 160. What cha think ???

Both are going to do well. The 160 has a little more capacity than the xp 1000 so if youare going to upgrade keep that in mind

nyfireman3097 · Oct 18, 2011

I don't see a upgrade due to space I just downgraded from a 180g. Had the kz on a 120 gave to a buddy he never used it but it's a great skimmer just I think will be too big rated up to 300g

nyfireman3097 · Oct 18, 2011

K just ordered the 160 have to sell my new tunze 9006 now lol

Bandomo · Oct 20, 2011

Okay, here's one for you Mojo. What would be the best skimmer for my 50 breeder that is under 20" tall. Currently i'm running an SWC 160 cone and would like to try something new.

mojo · Oct 20, 2011

Bandomo said:
Okay, here's one for you Mojo. What would be the best skimmer for my 50 breeder that is under 20" tall. Currently i'm running an SWC 160 cone and would like to try something new.

The vertex in 100 gen 3, the Sea side aquatics CS1, and the sro 1000 are all great for that setup.

cubsare1 · Oct 27, 2011

First off thanks for all the help with my previous skimmer questions for my 40br.
Now I'm setting up a 300dd with a basement sump so size is not a problem. I have a ATB 840 v1.5 currently (from my 125) and I had planned on using this until I can get something bigger. I just came across a mrc-3 for sale $150 w/o pump. But I've read the injectors new alot of cleaning and adding a pump increases electrical use. Would this be a good purchase or save up for a sro 5000 or is there something better yet? Thinking atb 1050 would be to much $$

Troylee · Oct 27, 2011

I would save up for the sro or what ever you want... Injectors are cool ad they worked great for there time... With the pumps nowadays using very little to no energy, I would shy away from a injection system.... They use big power hog pumps... Hope that helps....

cubsare1 · Oct 27, 2011

yeah the power hog pump is one thing that worried me

Troylee · Oct 27, 2011

Hoestly that's the only down fall with those skimmers..... Sometimes heat is a issue also depends on what pump you run...

mojo · Oct 27, 2011

I agree with Lee, I would save up as well. The 5000 is a really nice skimmer and you will be pleased.

SDguy · Nov 4, 2011

Looking for a skimmer for an upgrade 240-300g FOWLR; heavily stocked. I'm thinking either SWC 300 or the SRO XP5000. Any thoughts? I read about possible pump restart issues for both types of skimmers (smaller models), but I'm not sure if it's a problem with the Askoll on the SWC, or the larger BB on the SRO. Also heard you can't take apart the SRO skimmer body for full cleaning... is this even an issue?

mojo · Nov 4, 2011

SDguy said:
Looking for a skimmer for an upgrade 240-300g FOWLR; heavily stocked. I'm thinking either SWC 300 or the SRO XP5000. Any thoughts? I read about possible pump restart issues for both types of skimmers (smaller models), but I'm not sure if it's a problem with the Askoll on the SWC, or the larger BB on the SRO. Also heard you can't take apart the SRO skimmer body for full cleaning... is this even an issue?

Both would be great. I assume you are talking about the swc cone. here
SWC 300 Cone

They are both pulling well over 2000 lph. The askol rated at a little more air. To me its not a big deal to take apart a skimmer. But I never keep one that long.... It is a nice feature though. If it was my money.... i would be going back and forth too. The 5000 int is $500 and the swc is a little more. If the price difference doesnt matter I vote SWC 300. Get a hold of Luke here. He will be able to take care of you.

Just thought I would post this. Its a air conversion chart for lph/scfh/and lpm. So when comparing skimmer pumps you can take a quick glance... enjoy

Marine Solutions' Online Store - Pages

SDguy · Nov 4, 2011

Thanks for the reply. Happy to read I didn't miss any glaring issues.

jwnorris · Nov 4, 2011

Currently I have a 75 gallon display tank and a 40B for a sump, medium stocked. I currently have an aquaC ev 120 running. I'm wondering if this skimmer is underpowered for this system. What do you think? This is the first saltwater tank that I've had, it's been set up for about 1.5 years. The skimmer seems to be working fine but I don't have anything to compare it to, it's the only one I've had. I'm getting quite a bit of hair algae; I know it is from a variety of factors including probably overfeeding but was wondering if the problem would be helped some by a bigger skimmer. I am also considering adding a 20-30 gallon frag tank into the system. What skimmer(s) would you recommend for this system, total water volume 130-140 gallons?

mojo · Nov 4, 2011

jwnorris said:
Currently I have a 75 gallon display tank and a 40B for a sump, medium stocked. I currently have an aquaC ev 120 running. I'm wondering if this skimmer is underpowered for this system. What do you think? This is the first saltwater tank that I've had, it's been set up for about 1.5 years. The skimmer seems to be working fine but I don't have anything to compare it to, it's the only one I've had. I'm getting quite a bit of hair algae; I know it is from a variety of factors including probably overfeeding but was wondering if the problem would be helped some by a bigger skimmer. I am also considering adding a 20-30 gallon frag tank into the system. What skimmer(s) would you recommend for this system, total water volume 130-140 gallons?

your skimmer is fine, What pump are you using to run it ? Dont spend money if you dont have too. I suggest a mag 7.

jwnorris · Nov 5, 2011

mojo said:
your skimmer is fine, What pump are you using to run it ? Dont spend money if you dont have too. I suggest a mag 7.

I currently have a mag 5 running it. Maybe I'll upgrade the pump if I add the frag tank.

H20cooled · Nov 7, 2011

Hello All! Got a skimmer question. I have around 120g total volume, mixed but more sps, will end up a medium to heavy stock tank. Looking for a good in sump skimmer in the $300 to $400 range. I am leaning toward the:

SWC Xtreme 180 cone
Seaside Aquatics CS2
Skimz SK201

It seems like the better pumps are in the CS2 and SWC and the price is better, I prefer a cone skimmer I had a ATB medium years ago and it was the best skimmer i have seen. The SWC is only a little more $ and pulls more air so it seems like a better setup. Any recommendations?

Rich