What skimmer to get for a 150 gallon mixed reef?

JIsBusyReefing · Feb 23, 2021

Let's say, hypothetically, you decide to setup a 150 gallon mixed reef tank. You have everything, minus the skimmer. You intend to have a lot of fish and corals. You intend to run biopellets in the future. Your budget for a skimmer is a max of $400. Which skimmer would you get with these things in mind?

desagon · Feb 23, 2021

Im in the same boat as Im currently in the process of getting my 150 set up. Have you looked at Life Reef skimmers? That may be the route Im going to go down. Theyre a little more than $400 for the smaller model (which is rated for like 250 gallons), but theyre supposed to last a very long time with minimal maintenance. You can also use any pump you want with them as well. So, if the pump ever does go out on you, you dont have to contact the manufacturer and try and get something from them.

JIsBusyReefing · Feb 23, 2021

desagon said:
Im in the same boat as Im currently in the process of getting my 150 set up. Have you looked at Life Reef skimmers? That may be the route Im going to go down. Theyre a little more than $400 for the smaller model (which is rated for like 250 gallons), but theyre supposed to last a very long time with minimal maintenance. You can also use any pump you want with them as well. So, if the pump ever does go out on you, you dont have to contact the manufacturer and try and get something from them.

I haven't, no. I was looking at the Reef Octopus Classic 200INT. It's only $330. But I wanted to see what everyone recommends before I make the plunge. That's nifty though that it can take any pump.

Potatohead · Feb 23, 2021

RO 200 int, or 202S, depending on how much space I had.

schuby · Feb 23, 2021

For my 150gal mixed reef, I use the Simplicity 240 DC Protein Skimmer. It's been running for 2+ years now (the life of my current tank). I feel it has worked very well for me. I chose it for its size-factor (needed to fit in my Triton-style sump) and its reviews. I would recommend it.

JIsBusyReefing · Feb 23, 2021

Potatohead said:
RO 200 int, or 202S, depending on how much space I had.

Yah I was considering the 200INT as well. The space would be 14" x 15" with 8.5" deep water.

JIsBusyReefing · Feb 23, 2021

schuby said:
For my 150gal mixed reef, I use the Simplicity 240 DC Protein Skimmer. It's been running for 2+ years now (the life of my current tank). I feel it has worked very well for me. I chose it for its size-factor (needed to fit in my Triton-style sump) and its reviews. I would recommend it.

Oh that's a nice one!

AcanthurusRex · Feb 23, 2021

I have not owned all the different skimmers. I have used A RO, Skimz and a Deltec. I do have a RedSea Berlin from the '90s but I don't think it is relevant.
I prefer the Deltec; easy to adjust, easy to clean and has never misbehaved. They are not as "sexy" as some of the others; simple no frills design.

schuby · Feb 23, 2021

FWIW, my sump is a Trigger Systems Triton 44 v1.

Softhammer · Feb 23, 2021

Tunze anything and toss the biopellets in the trash.

JIsBusyReefing · Feb 23, 2021

schuby said:
FWIW, my sump is a Trigger Systems Triton 44 v1.

Mine is a Pro Clear Aquatics sump. I have no idea on the model because it doesn't seem to exist on their site but it has x3 filter socks, a 14" x 15" compartment, and a compartment for the return. Basic.

JIsBusyReefing · Feb 23, 2021

Softhammer said:
Tunze anything and toss the biopellets in the trash.

Tunze has some mixed reviews. I'm hesitant on that. Biopellets largely are praised by all the big names. You just gotta oversize the skimmer to get the byproduct out of the water column. Otherwise, it does nothing. Except kill coral.

Arabyps · Feb 23, 2021

I use this one - you definitely want a DC powered unit.

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Oldreefer44 · Feb 23, 2021

Having been in the hobby for over 40 years and owned a lot of different brands of skimmers including those that would be considered "premium" brands, I finally settled on Life Reef. Would rate it as the second best reef equipment purchase I have ever made.

Softhammer · Feb 24, 2021

I have 8 Tunze skimmers and they all work phenomenally well cant come up with any big names using bio pellets- Ive been at this longer than most big names. All they do is cause Cyanobacteria blooms and if a tank is properly run, there is zero need for them.

EuphylliaAddict · Feb 24, 2021

This one is $400 and huge

piranhaman00 · Feb 24, 2021

All these needle wheels are useless, go with a venturi if you can find one, otherwise lifereef.

Peace River · Feb 24, 2021

There are many opinions on this topic and there are several good brands. Personally, I have used Reef Octopus skimmers for over 10 years and am currently using 3 different Reef Octopus skimmers on different systems. Additionally, in an informal R2R poll Reef Octopus was selected as the best skimmer brand:

QUESTION OF THE DAY - BEST SKIMMER BRAND: Who get's your vote?

Let's talk protein skimmers today and put it to a vote! 1. What brand skimmer are you running on your saltwater reef aquarium? 2. Are you happy with your current skimmer? 3. If you could choose any skimmer what brand would you choose? VOTE on your favorite brand and if I forgot a good one...

www.reef2reef.com

Good luck with whatever you choose!

#reefoctopus

JIsBusyReefing · Feb 24, 2021

Peace River said:
There are many opinions on this topic and there are several good brands. Personally, I have used Reef Octopus skimmers for over 10 years and am currently using 3 different Reef Octopus skimmers on different systems. Additionally, in an informal R2R poll Reef Octopus was selected as the best skimmer brand:

QUESTION OF THE DAY - BEST SKIMMER BRAND: Who get's your vote?

Let's talk protein skimmers today and put it to a vote! 1. What brand skimmer are you running on your saltwater reef aquarium? 2. Are you happy with your current skimmer? 3. If you could choose any skimmer what brand would you choose? VOTE on your favorite brand and if I forgot a good one...

www.reef2reef.com

Good luck with whatever you choose!

#reefoctopus

Personlly, I like reef octopus as well. And I'm leaning towards the Classic 200INT. I have the Classic 150INT currently in my 150 gallon but I feel like it's too small for the tank. My nitrate is sky high at 40ppm and I just added a biopellet reactor to address that but I feel like I need to upgrade the skimmer to accommodate the reactor. What are your thoughts? Think the Classic 200INT is the way to go or should I look at a different model?