Skimmer Suggestions Please!

[Orly20]

Hello,

I'm sorry if I double posted.

I'm going to upgrade soon and I'm looking at 150 gallons between dt and sump. The tank will be mostly sps and I know there are a bunch of new skimmers and designs out there now.

I would love to know what are the best options for a budget of $700-$800 to work with?

Thanks

 

[msderganc]

I'd look at a Vertex, ATB, or an AquaMaxx. Reef Octopus is another option.

 

[Orly20]

I'd look at a Vertex, ATB, or an AquaMaxx. Reef Octopus is another option.

Thanks for the reply

I am familiar with the manufacturers, what I want to know is the model I should look into from the different manufacturers. I know they are all rated differently and I've read you shouldn't go with to big of a skimmer or it will sit idle. If going with 150 gallons total water volume then what should be a good cutoff point with what the skimmers are rated for? 200-250? I am definitely looking to have a large bio load with this system.

Thanks again

 

[msderganc]

Thanks for the reply

I am familiar with the manufacturers, what I want to know is the model I should look into from the different manufacturers. I know they are all rated differently and I've read you shouldn't go with to big of a skimmer or it will sit idle. If going with 150 gallons total water volume then what should be a good cutoff point with what the skimmers are rated for? 200-250? I am definitely looking to have a large bio load with this system.

Thanks again

Vertex Alpha 200
ATB 1050a
AquaMaxx Cone S3

These might be a bit on the larger side, but they should be good, especially if you're planning on carbon dosing.

To your other point about sizing, it's really hard to tell because every company does it differently. I'd say you want an 8 or 10 in neck and 1000-1500 lph air intake. Sitting idle isn't a bad thing.

 

[Orly20]

I am going to be try out bio pellets after reading up on them for the last 3 years. I'm looking to get the recirculating reactor from reef dynamics and I'll have the effluent by the skimmer intake. The Vertex Alpha looks awesome!

 

[msderganc]

I am going to be try out bio pellets after reading up on them for the last 3 years. I'm looking to get the recirculating reactor from reef dynamics and I'll have the effluent by the skimmer intake. The Vertex Alpha looks awesome!

Yeah, the Vertex is built really well and very quiet.

Good luck with biopellets, I've found that vinegar and vodka dosing have worked better for me. Easier to size to the bioload, and no delay in effect.

 

[Orly20]

anyone else?

 

[tigerdragon]

Skimmer should go at least +1. Go at least one size bigger than req. if planning on a heavy bio load could even go 2 sizes up.

 

[tigerdragon]

Which skimmer you should look at all depends on the room you have in you cab and sump. We could all make suggestions but they all might not fit in your area.

 

[gregr]

MTC- (Marine Technical Concepts) has a new model out- I got one last week. It's built to last- truly. Internal or external, takes a Danner Mag12 and goes for $500, pump is extra but it still falls well within your budget. It's so new they don't have it on their site yet but give them a call.

 

[Mester320]

I have the Skimz SM201 and I love it. It is rated for 500G+ and I run it on a 120G It is priced great and the pipe less design is so easy to tune. Also the DC pump makes it even easy to get dialed in. Also has a feed/maintenance mode but I don't use it because I have an Apex so I can't speak to how it works. It is an all around great skimmer an I think I have had it for around 2 years now.

 

[Mester320]

Skimz Monzter SM201 Internal Protein Skimmer - Bulk Reef Supply