Low-Down on Protein Skimmers

[cwugigi]

I am currently in the process of getting my first tank up and running. I have a 90 gallon tank w/ a 20 gallon sump underneath. I have 80 lbs of live rock, 80 lbs of live sand, and I'm debating on what protein skimmer to use. I would like to have a good sized bioload on the tank, with quite a few corals, and fish. I have researched skimmers online, and actually pu<span style="font-size: 12px;">rchased one from a less than reputable company, and luckily for me that fell through. It was a </span><span style="font-size: 12px;">Coralife Super Skimmer Needle Wheel Protein Skimmer 125. I would like something that will set in the sump, and handle the load from the tank. Any suggestions?? (if any "administrators" tell me to use the search tool- I have) Thanks for the advice!!
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[maddog]

How much are you looking to spend?

 

[blind1993]

those octopus needlewheels or the MRC.

 

[johnr2604]

There are a bunch of good skimmers out there MRC, euro-reef, octopus ETC.
You will find differing oppinions. The coralifes work OK for the $ but are over rated on size and the 125 would probably be to small on the 90. Look through some 90 or 125 build threads in members aquariums and see what they are using.

 

[jeep9783]

How much room do you have under your stand?

 

[sparksfly]

I have had good performance out of the Octopus skimmers. If you could swing it I personally would buy a das ex-1.

 

[cwugigi]

I have about 24" of height, and 46" of width under the aquarium. The sump will take up about 23" of the width.

The coralife that I had originally purchased was $165, but I'd like to stay under $200 if it's possible.

 

[skriz]

the MRC

 

[cwugigi]

It looks like there's a hefty tariff that goes along with that das ex-1. Is there anything in the 2-300 range?

 

[cwugigi]

Great info dawg! Would the asm g1 be sufficient, or would I need to get the 1x or even 2 for the 150 gallon, or 200 gallon.

 

[derek_s]

Also check out the MSX skimmers. I cant find the link, but someone has it....

But def check out the build threads. See what other people are using and what they plan on keeping in the tank.

NOTE: I am using an ASM G2 on a 140 gal. Works great. But I'd put the biggest one you can fit in your sump...

 

[basscyn]

Cwugigi;202857 wrote: Great info dawg! Would the asm g1 be sufficient, or would I need to get the 1x or even 2 for the 150 gallon, or 200 gallon.

Dawg is wise.
I have an ASM G-3 on for my 75 with a 40 breeder sump. She's a beast! I dont even run it 7 days a week.

But when I am ready to upgrade, I wont have to buy a new skimmer. Most likely keep the sump too.
I recall the same problem when I bought mine and I dont remember the G-3 being THAT much more.

May cost a few extra bucks now...but it may save you a few bucks later.

Enjoy!

 

[jessezm]

Measure the area available in your sump to place a skimmer. This is somewhat limiting as far as skimmers go--especially those with a large pump like the ASM. When you're looking a skimmers, make sure you know the total footprint you need with the pump included. The area in you sump that should house the skimmer may force you to go external... (remember that you want to place the skimmer behind a set of baffles both to help reduce micro bubbles escaping to your main tank and to ensure stable water levels, which will affect skimmer consistency/performance)

I find that a lot of sumps are just too small for a good quality skimmer, unless you go with something like the mini bubble king or I think those MSX skimmers have the pumps incorporated into the body and have a small footprint. Anyhow, just make sure you measure twice and buy once...