Thinking about upgrading Return Pump and Protein skimmer

[OceanJack]

So my birthday

is coming up soon and I am going to use that as an excuse as normal folks would call it to upgrade or replace certain things on their reef tanks.

I purchased a 60 gallon cube with a 10 gallon sump about 8 months ago, so far everything is working along good. It came with a Mag 7 return pump and ASM Mini-G skimmer.

So far I've got about 5 fish and it's medium stocked I would say. But the Mag 7 was having some issues restarting and sounds like it could use a new impeller.

My needs are something reliable, cost friendly under $300,700-800 gph flow and wants but not necessary-controllable.

for the Skimmer, it is skimming along good so far. Pulling dark skimmate and I have no complaints with it, emptying every 4-5 days.

Should I even bother upgrading the skimmer? If I do, I need something with a smallish footprint for the sump. I know it's rated for 75 gallons but it does not specify whether light/medium or heavily stocked which I would doubt..


I just would like a cost effective and easy to tune skimmer that would handle my 8 fish bioload, I am a heavy feeder as well. would like cost to be under $300 as well.

Any recommendations?

I did see the Jebao return pumps but I am very skeptical on the reliability of those....

 

[gcarroll]

My choice for best skimmer for a 60g cube and get a sump upgrade tossed in! I just don't see any skimmer in it's category for the price. Reliable Sicce skimmer pump as well. This is a huge upgrade over the ASM Mini-G.
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/60-filtration-system-somatic.html

Also consider an AC return pump from Tunze. The 1073.040 would be a great quality, silent and reliable return pump. $150
https://www.marinedepot.com/Tunze_R...uarium_Powerheads-Tunze-TZ1739-FIPHFF-vi.html

For $50 more, you can get the DC version from Tunze. $200
https://www.marinedepot.com/Tunze_R...uarium_Powerheads-Tunze-TZ1741-FIPHAD-vi.html