I need some expert skimmer advice

[bcavalli]

I could use some of the experts opinions on upgrading to a larger skimmer.

My stats / needs
200 net gallons
Skimmer in sump area is 14.5 x. 13 max (no limit on hight)
Heavy bio load
I wont be upgrading in the future, if anything Ill take a 30 gallon frag tank off of the system

I am currently running a SCA-302.

Money is always an issue so the upgrade needs to be reasonable and I have no problem with proven copies or used like the Jaebo line up. I really appreciate your opinions.

 

[ghbrewer]

$300 or lower budget, I'd check out the RO NWB200:

 

[ghbrewer]

NM, looked over your footprint area. That is a tight area. Probably going to have to look for a space saver/internal pump skimmer.

 

[bcavalli]

Thanks for the reply Grant! By the way the Bi - Color Frogspawn is amazing! Thankyou!

Thats about the max price range Im at. But, its footprint is just a little outside my space available without modifying my sump. Would I be better off with the internal needle wheel pump design?

ghbrewer;976919 wrote: $300 or lower budget, I'd check out the RO NWB200:

 

[ghbrewer]

Yeah

 

[ghbrewer]

I am no expert by any means, but I have been diving through the forums and asking a lot of people about skimmers recently. It seems the reef octopus skimmers are by far the most popular and effective budget friendly skimmers.

 

[tonymission]

I have a RO SS skimmer I'm not using that would be perfect for you, but it would probably be a bit over $300

 

[bcavalli]

Hi Tony which version is it?

Thanks,

Brett

tonymission;976932 wrote: I have a RO SS skimmer I'm not using that would be perfect for you, but it would probably be a bit over $300

 

[tonymission]

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SSS 3000 int

 

[ringo®]

Came across a good deal on a bubble magus the other week.....

 

[ghbrewer]

Eshopps makes great skimmers too, this one looks like it might meet your needs as well:

 

[porpoiseaquatics]

I've read some good reviews on the Bubble Magus. The SCA you have was built as a copy to that design. The deal Grant found above is a great deal IMO even though I'm a RO guy and love their skimmers....even I'd be tempted.

 

[ghbrewer]

Yeah, I have heard from multiple people that the Eshopps skimmers are extremely effective. I ran one for a while and the build quality, quietness, and design was amazing. The only issue I ran into with mine at the time was I had something in my water that made it go crazy. Pure Reef runs and sells these skimmers, and they just rave about the amount of gunk that they pull.

 

[bcavalli]

Thanks for all the advice! I really appreciate it! I've got some research to do!

 

[oldedb]

Brett - I run eshopps skimmers and they have always done great by me. I ran an s-150 on my 60G and it would pull some nasty stuff. With my new set up I run an S-300. It is huge but I like it so far.

 

[ghbrewer]

oldedb;977093 wrote: Brett - I run eshopps skimmers and they have always done great by me. I ran an s-150 on my 60G and it would pull some nasty stuff. With my new set up I run an S-300. It is huge but I like it so far.

What's your TWV on your new setup?
Water height in sump?

 

[oldedb]

Around 190 gallons and I run the water height at 9"

 

[ghbrewer]

oldedb;977096 wrote: Around 190 gallons and I run the water height at 9"

Thx

 

[bcavalli]

oldedb;977096 wrote: Around 190 gallons and I run the water height at 9"

My total net water volume is 200 gallons. And I have my current skimmer pn a riser at a water depth if 7".

 

[bcavalli]

ghbrewer;977094 wrote: What's your TWV on your new setup?
Water height in sump?

My total net water volume is 200 gallons. And I have my current skimmer pn a riser at a water depth if 7".