- Joined
- Mar 31, 2020
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Hi and thanks for looking,
I am starting a 75g with a 20g sump. I guestimate to have ~65g of water actually in the system (what with substrate, rock, water level, etc.). I ave seen where several people are using the Reef Octo 150 int on similar systems. I am not new to the hobby, but I am new to saltwater. I know myself well enough to know that I will, inevitably, have a, ahem... highly... stocked aquarium. I also tend to feed heavily ( 2 light automated and one heavier feeding in the evening). I know that this skimmer will, most likely, be a good fit when the tank is well stocked. From what I have seen, I am left with the impression that the skimmer might have issues until then. Particularly, that it either won't skim, or will skim inconsistently (or, more accurately, the former and then the latter as stocking/feeding increases). This leads me to believe that I would be much better off going with the Reef Octo 110 int, as it should start skimming sooner and more consistently. The problem is that I am worried about it not being able to handle the large load that will eventually occur. Of course, I don't want to have to buy more equipment than necessary. Is this the likely scenario? What will I (probably) be better off with? Should I just go with a DC skimmer (Simplicity 240DC, I'm looking at you)? Is there another skimmer that would fit the bill better?
Also looking at:
Bubble Magus Curve 5 Elite
SCA-302
Maybe a used Red Sea RSK-300 or Icecap k2-160
I should mention that I do have my eyes pretty firmly set of the Reef Octos. I do like the Idea of the 240DC and the fact that the owner is on the forums here. Also, I'm good with the re-branded Jebao pump, if I heard correctly on that one. I like the looks, pump and reviews of the Curve 5 Elite. I just don't know if it will handle my system adequately in the future (otherwise this would probably be my #1 choice). The SCA-302 seems to be a great value and has great reviews, but I don't like how the price has skyrocketed since it came out. The last two are out of my price range. I like what I have seen, but they would have to be used.
TLDR:
1. With a ~65g system should I go with a smaller skimmer at first to avoid any potential quality of skimming issues while in the first year, i.e. RO 110 int?
2. Or go with the larger RO 150 int that my system will ultimately utilize well, despite possible skimming issues for the first year or so?
3. Will there even be any skimming issues from the larger skimmer going in right after cycling?
4. Should I go with a different skimmer on my list?
I am starting a 75g with a 20g sump. I guestimate to have ~65g of water actually in the system (what with substrate, rock, water level, etc.). I ave seen where several people are using the Reef Octo 150 int on similar systems. I am not new to the hobby, but I am new to saltwater. I know myself well enough to know that I will, inevitably, have a, ahem... highly... stocked aquarium. I also tend to feed heavily ( 2 light automated and one heavier feeding in the evening). I know that this skimmer will, most likely, be a good fit when the tank is well stocked. From what I have seen, I am left with the impression that the skimmer might have issues until then. Particularly, that it either won't skim, or will skim inconsistently (or, more accurately, the former and then the latter as stocking/feeding increases). This leads me to believe that I would be much better off going with the Reef Octo 110 int, as it should start skimming sooner and more consistently. The problem is that I am worried about it not being able to handle the large load that will eventually occur. Of course, I don't want to have to buy more equipment than necessary. Is this the likely scenario? What will I (probably) be better off with? Should I just go with a DC skimmer (Simplicity 240DC, I'm looking at you)? Is there another skimmer that would fit the bill better?
Also looking at:
Bubble Magus Curve 5 Elite
SCA-302
Maybe a used Red Sea RSK-300 or Icecap k2-160
I should mention that I do have my eyes pretty firmly set of the Reef Octos. I do like the Idea of the 240DC and the fact that the owner is on the forums here. Also, I'm good with the re-branded Jebao pump, if I heard correctly on that one. I like the looks, pump and reviews of the Curve 5 Elite. I just don't know if it will handle my system adequately in the future (otherwise this would probably be my #1 choice). The SCA-302 seems to be a great value and has great reviews, but I don't like how the price has skyrocketed since it came out. The last two are out of my price range. I like what I have seen, but they would have to be used.
TLDR:
1. With a ~65g system should I go with a smaller skimmer at first to avoid any potential quality of skimming issues while in the first year, i.e. RO 110 int?
2. Or go with the larger RO 150 int that my system will ultimately utilize well, despite possible skimming issues for the first year or so?
3. Will there even be any skimming issues from the larger skimmer going in right after cycling?
4. Should I go with a different skimmer on my list?