Skimmer Q&A Thread

[Reef Rover]

Thank you for the info Matt. I'll back-up and re-think what I have planned out.

Rover

 

[Connie]

Thanks Matt! You are always a great help.

 

[mcarroll]

Always glad to help when I can! :)

-Matt

 

[mcarroll]

Double post....stupid Javascript. :)

 

[mojo]

I run a Cskim 1800 on my 40 breeder with a quiet one 600gph pump that is choked down. Is this overkill? I run a real dry skim


Twisteds 40 breeder

If it works I would stick with it. To be honest its not one of my top picks be they are not bad by any means. There are so many ways to get things done in this hobby.

 

[twisted]

If it works I would stick with it. To be honest its not one of my top picks be they are not bad by any means. There are so many ways to get things done in this hobby.

What would you recommend for a 40 breeder/ 30 sump, no fuge mix reef with 2 percs a melanarus wrasse and cardinal? 5 gal wc's weekly.


Twisteds 40 breeder

 

[oigimsar]

I can not get my CS2 dialed in because of the depth of the water in my sump (11"). I have no more clearance to raise the skimmer so I have been searching for a solution.

I have found the bubble magus Curve 5. It says it is rated up to 140g and can work in 11" water but it is also shorter so I can raise it if I need to. Do you know anything about these skimmers?

I have a heavily stocked 75g, mixed reef.

 

[ruppertb]

I have been thinking about getting a new skimmer. Looking at the reef octopus - sro 5000, but cant find any info regarding if the xp-5000 is really any better or any ones opinions on the 2. Is the xp5000 really worth the extra 150$. Also are the space saver models a pain to clean the pump and all since it is inside the skimmer?

 

[specvjeff]

I have one that is much smaller. I have the SRO xp1000sss. The pump is very easy to get to. The bottom of the skimmer isn't inclosed so the pump comes out very easily. I highly recommend the SRO line of skimmers. Both have the bubble blaster pump which is what sold me on this skimmer. Don't think you can go wrong either way.

 

[Connie]

Due to the fact that there's a limited amount of good any skimmer is going to be able to do (physics...link) there's good reason to economize, but I would caution against cheaping out as well. You will get what you pay for, within the price-range of reason.

The smart way to economize is to key in on the fact that skimmers don't really wear out: Buy Used! (Of course classifieds and other resources are also available.) There are many good possibilities that you might see come up for sale if you give it a bit of time. A short, but necessarily incomplete, hotlist that I would suggest...focusing on high performance, and likelihood of being offered for sale: AquaC EV150 through EV240, Euro Reef (many models possible), Tunze 9011 (or larger), Tunze 9410. (There are a range of Euro Reef knock-offs that would also be serviceable, including Reef Octopus. Cone skimmers are also Euro Reef clones with a smaller skimmer body - if you are deciding between skimmers don't pay more for this shape.) ETSS has a range of possible options if the price were attractive

Thanks for the input. I went with and have installed a Aqua C EV 240 with a Mag 18 pump. I have to say it is a sweet machine. I bought new; didn't think about buying used which I probably should have done. I am pleasantly surprised at how well it is made and the amount of skim product it produces. Couldn't be happier!

 

[mfinn]

I'm looking at a Bubble Magus Curve 5 for a 50 gallon tank with a 25 gallon sump that is my branching lps and encrusting monti sps tank.
The fish load is very light.
The size is perfect for the limited size sump I have. A local store has them for $180 right now.
Anyone have a opinion?

 

[Lt Nos]

Ok, going to run a 40 breeder with a 40 breeder underneath. Looking for he best skimmer money can buy for around 300. 30 min on this thread via Mojo's wisdom leads me towards needle wheel venturi types. Looking for some data. Thanks ahead!

Top of the heap right now is the Reef Octo 150 or the Vertex IN 100

 

[Cjscott]

I have a Reef Octopus Ext 200 onmy 62g with 40g sump. My tank is heavily stocked and I feed heavily but I still don't get a ton of skimmate. Is this because my skimmer is rated for a much larger system?

 

[Nht]

Hey guys. Looking for a new skimmer that will take care of a medium load 50g cadlights cube tank. It's going to have to be able to fit inside my limited sump area of 7x14 inches and water level is at 9.5 inches. I don't want to have to spend over $275 so pretty much looking for bang for the buck. Thanks all in advance for your help.

 

[jelly]

what do you think of the hydor performer skimmer 1005 and the 2005?

 

[RollinReefer]

just got a 100 gal tank.. looking for a skimmer and came upona reef octopus xp 3000... Do you think it would be over kill for this size tanks.. probably have a 40 gal sump to add as well

 

[leathergod]

mojo- im next tank will be a 150 cube... do you think a vertex alpha cone 250 is a good fit? I would be getting it for a great deal...

 

[Curtie44]

One of the Sicce PSK-2500 pumps on my SWC 250 Xtreme skimmer has worn thru the rubber end on the impeller shaft. I've been running this skimmer for a while now and frankly I'm sick of these turd pumps. Sometimes they start, sometimes they don't. Sometimes it skims like crazy, other times not. Does anybody know of any other pumps I can use in place of these junk PSK-2500's? Maybe it's time for a new skimmer all together. Any recommendations?

 

[mfinn]

I've read where people have replaced the 2500 pumps with the new 1000 pumps.
I almost bought a askol pump to replace the 2 sicce pumps on my Bubble Master 250, but heard conflicting reports on whether it was a good match for the body.

 

[mfinn]

and frankly I'm sick of these turd pumps.

Yeah me too.



A lfs to me is making skimmers that are air stone skimmers.
Got to get one of them.