Skimmer Suggestions

[AUSXMD]

I would recommend Octopus or Tunze. I like the INT skimmers by Octopus. The Tunze skimmers are highly undervalued, and the service from Roger is legendary. I once had him get me a replacement pump for a 15 year old skimmer. I would consider the 9430. It is at the top of your budget, but having used it I can tell you it is one nice skimmer.

https://www.marineandreef.com/Tunze_DOC_Skimmer_9430_DC_p/rtz85000.htm

I looked at that very one and am seriously considering it. Thanks!

 

[AUSXMD]

I used to have a huge Bashsea custom on my system years ago. I got a bashsea 8-24 for my current tank (way over kill) and will be moving it to my 180g build that will eventually be around 400 total with in a year( this should be good maybe a little over kill). These are rated fairly accurately maybe a little on the conservative side actually. These can be used internally or externally. They do require a separate pump to operate Bashsea recommends Sicce but anything in the correct gph with good head pressure will work also. There is no fiddling around with different setting or depths they just work. Reef octopus is also a good quality skimmer have used many of them as well. Below is the first day of operation.

Ive never heard of them. Ill look into them. Appreciate you taking the time! Looks like a nice skimmer.

 

[areefer01]

Not going to recommend a brand but I will suggest allocating a larger budget for a skimmer as it is something that you typically do not upgrade. The technology just doesn't change and if purchased properly will last you the duration of your display and possibly future upgrades. You can even buy larger than what is necessary, run alternate days, or use a DC pump and run lower power. Lots of options out there.

I'm suggesting looking at long term rather than today. I'm using the same skimmer I purchased in 2001 for example.

Hope your day is well.

 

[AUSXMD]

Not going to recommend a brand but I will suggest allocating a larger budget for a skimmer as it is something that you typically do not upgrade. The technology just doesn't change and if purchased properly will last you the duration of your display and possibly future upgrades. You can even buy larger than what is necessary, run alternate days, or use a DC pump and run lower power. Lots of options out there.

I'm suggesting looking at long term rather than today. I'm using the same skimmer I purchased in 2001 for example.

Hope your day is well.

That's a very good point. I can spend more. I haven't seen a lot of skimmers over 1300 bucks but I know some go up to 2k+ for my size tank. As I look I will keep your advice in mind. I really appreciate it. Have a nice rest of the week!

 

[jhadaway]

Love my reef octopus classic. Ill be running 2 classic 150s on my 235 gal. 3 years on my 100.3 and going strong.

 

[areefer01]

That's a very good point. I can spend more. I haven't seen a lot of skimmers over 1300 bucks but I know some go up to 2k+ for my size tank. As I look I will keep your advice in mind. I really appreciate it. Have a nice rest of the week!

BTW cost does not equal greatness. You are doing the right thing by asking around which gives you time to read up and see what you think. I'm sure you know this so I apologize for stating the obvious :D.

 

[AUSXMD]

BTW cost does not equal greatness. You are doing the right thing by asking around which gives you time to read up and see what you think. I'm sure you know this so I apologize for stating the obvious :D.

No worries. Ive spent a fortune on this aquarium already so a few hundred more won't come as a surprise. :)

 

[EliMelly]

Surprised nobody has mentioned Ultra Reef yet.

 

[AUSXMD]

Surprised nobody has mentioned Ultra Reef yet.

I think someone did. Im going to have a look at those today. I really like what I see and read about the Tunze.

 

[Freenow54]

how long are we talking?
I got 8 years out of an AC Sicce pump on my last skimmer which is usual to even a bit over expiration. A DC pump is generally less than that.

Not quit as long about 5 we will see. However a Sicce is just a pump. My eshopps HOB skimmer not my first choice seems to be a design problem with the vortex action ie introducing air. Now I don't try to turn it down to clean the cup seems better. I am rebuilding one with a sicce pump as eshopps redesigned the motor and impeller, and it wont physically fit the old one. I I had of known about the HOB Octo 1000 I would have bought it instead. There you go belong to this forum but did not ask. So I am asking who made the skimmer ? You did not say

 

[landlubber]

Not quit as long about 5 we will see. However a Sicce is just a pump. My eshopps HOB skimmer not my first choice seems to be a design problem with the vortex action ie introducing air. Now I don't try to turn it down to clean the cup seems better. I am rebuilding one with a sicce pump as eshopps redesigned the motor and impeller, and it wont physically fit the old one. I I had of known about the HOB Octo 1000 I would have bought it instead. There you go belong to this forum but did not ask. So I am asking who made the skimmer ? You did not say

Are you asking which company made the skimmer that contained the Sicce pump?
I'll just assume that, It was an AquaMaxx skimmer rated for a 180g, I believe it was also called a "Curve" but am not 100% certain on that.
It worked well and at 8 years old I knew the AC pump was likely to give up soon. Unfortunately the pump was a discontinued proprietary and due to that the one replacement pump i did find was listed at $400 so I just moved on.

 

[Freenow54]

Are you asking which company made the skimmer that contained the Sicce pump?
I'll just assume that, It was an AquaMaxx skimmer rated for a 180g, I believe it was also called a "Curve" but am not 100% certain on that.
It worked well and at 8 years old I knew the AC pump was likely to give up soon. Unfortunately the pump was a discontinued proprietary and due to that the one replacement pump i did find was listed at $400 so I just moved on.

Funny how that works Thanks

 

[dkline]

I just got a LifeReef skimmer. They are Vortex and Not needle wheel. Everyone that has them says they run forever, need very little maintenance and are basically set and forget.

 

[Freenow54]

I just got a LifeReef skimmer. They are Vortex and Not needle wheel. Everyone that has them says they run forever, need very little maintenance and are basically set and forget.

I know what Vortex means which is the action from the nipples on the impeller that makes the bubbles that entraps the filth and lets it drop out of the solution. So can you please elaborate?

 

[dkline]

I should have said Venturi not Vortex. Here is a link to the site info. These are all Handmade by Jeff TURCHECK. He makes sumps as well. Again users of his products say they are bulletproof proof. https://www.lifereef.com/venturi.html.

 

[dkline]

Just bulletproof. Bulletproof proof would indicate they are not bulletproof.

 

[SteveMM62Reef]

LifeReef, I’ve had so many Skimmers over the years, I couldn’t guess all the different brands. My First was a Lee’s with the Basswood Airstones, which it ate up. LifeReef is by far the best. You can use any brand pumps, as long as it meets the flow. I use a Simplicity 1000. It takes me less than five minutes to clean the Cup, and that’s all that’s needed for cleaning. Has a gate valve for adjustment. Is super quiet, and by design shuts off, rather than overflowing.

 

[Freenow54]

I should have said Venturi not Vortex. Here is a link to the site info. These are all Handmade by Jeff TURCHECK. He makes sumps as well. Again users of his products say they are bulletproof proof. https://www.lifereef.com/venturi.html.

I am going to investigate because to me and thanks for the correction. The vortex is the downstream side where the water volume is large the venturi is the orifice you will that raises the velocity, and creates the suction. These are physical reactions not hardware so I will look totally interested

 

[twentyleagues]

I am going to investigate because to me and thanks for the correction. The vortex is the downstream side where the water volume is large the venturi is the orifice you will that raises the velocity, and creates the suction. These are physical reactions not hardware so I will look totally interested

My Bashsea is the same type of set up as the life reef in that it is a venturi skimmer. The tube on the right contains the venturi at the top, you can see where air is drawn in in that same chamber from the water rushing past. Bashsea adds a turbulent area below that to continue mixing to get the best foam possible. You can see how fine the bubbles are in the body of the skimmer.

 

[Freenow54]

LifeReef, I’ve had so many Skimmers over the years, I couldn’t guess all the different brands. My First was a Lee’s with the Basswood Airstones, which it ate up. LifeReef is by far the best. You can use any brand pumps, as long as it meets the flow. I use a Simplicity 1000. It takes me less than five minutes to clean the Cup, and that’s all that’s needed for cleaning. Has a gate valve for adjustment. Is super quiet, and by design shuts off, rather than overflowing.

Investigate ha ha Its a Globe vale not Gate They are made and designed for one purpose and that is to control flow. Like the shut off feature That is a huge worry

My Bashsea is the same type of set up as the life reef in that it is a venturi skimmer. The tube on the right contains the venturi at the top, you can see where air is drawn in in that same chamber from the water rushing past. Bashsea adds a turbulent area below that to continue mixing to get the best foam possible. You can see how fine the bubbles are in the body of the skimmer.

They are all based on the Venturi theory. My eshopps HOB is as well it adjusts the air input with a valve that is adjustable . \apples and Oranges