Recommendations for PROTEIN SKIMMER

[loco4fish5434]

In the process of setting up my 300 Gallon FOWLR. Looking for suggestions on Protein Skimmers. I've been looking at COral Life, Tunze, Reef Octopus just to name a few. Had some no name skimmers in the past but with this system I want the best. Open to any advice and recommendations

 

[gmpolan]

Check out MRC, Great product and they are local...

 

[loco4fish5434]

Thanks will do

 

[cr500_af]

I won't stick my neck out and try to name a "best", but I wouldn't even call Coralife skimmers average. Lots of companies make very good skimmers (MRC, Bubble King, Vertex, Super Reef Octopus) but which one you choose will be based on preference. For example, BK skimmers are great if you have deep pockets. MRCs work VERY well, but have to have the injectors cleaned regularly and do their best work with powerful external pumps. I don't consider that a negative, but rather what it takes to have the performance. In some peoples' opinion (whom I respect very much) NOTHING skims as well a Beckett injection skimmer like the MRC. The downside? Not quiet with the proper pump, and you clean the Becketts from time to time (which is not hard).

 

[jcampbell]

I just got a Octopus! I really like it! I have only had it on for about 24 hours and it is producing some nasty stuff, and my water is more clear also!

 

[sharkbait]

beccamc10;659686 wrote: I love my asm skimmer

:thumbs:

 

[texhorns98]

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[jmaneyapanda]

texhorns98;659700 wrote:

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Sorry to break the news, but RK2 skimmers aren't worth it. They are the definition of poor performance, IMO.

 

[texhorns98]

jmaneyapanda;659701 wrote: Sorry to break the news, but RK2 skimmers aren't worth it. They are the definition of poor performance, IMO.

It was kind of a joke since that skimmer is probably 20ft tall! I don't know anything about them, but they can't be that bad if the GAI uses them.

 

[jennm]

Knock the Coralife off your list. Waste of money, IMO.

 

[lilrobb]

There is still that Vertex250 for sale....

 

[jhutto]

Vertex Alpha Cones rock. I have the 200 for my 210 and it does well. Solid construction! the 250 would probably be good for your tank.

 

[jmaneyapanda]

texhorns98;659703 wrote: It was kind of a joke since that skimmer is probably 20ft tall! I don't know anything about them, but they can't be that bad if the GAI uses them.

Yeah, I realize it was a joke. But the second part of your statement is the crux of my point. They aren't worth the material theyre made of, IMO. Public aquariums had little choice in skimmer purchases until the past few years. I think you'll see many public aquariums starting to carry a competitive brand that is far superior in the upcoming years.

 

[lilrobb]

texhorns98;659703 wrote: It was kind of a joke since that skimmer is probably 20ft tall! I don't know anything about them, but they can't be that bad if the GAI uses them.

[sarcasm]
Following this logic:

Eat more cow poo - more than a gazillion flies a day do it too, it can't be that bad...
[/sarcasm]

 

[skriz]

LilRobb;659753 wrote: [sarcasm]
Following this logic:

Eat more cow poo - more than a gazillion flies a day do it too, it can't be that bad...
[/sarcasm]

I laffed

 

[myvwrock]

Seaclone? Anyone?......no, but really MRC is the top of the line skimmer. And I have one in the shop that would probably work for you perfect. Pm me your info and I will get back with you.
chris c

 

[loco4fish5434]

Thank you all for your advice

 

[snowmansnow]

Doesn't someone have a BK skimmer for that size tank? (thought I recently saw the thread) If its a decent price get it! I can say they r great

 

[jeffmuse]

I am a big fan of the Octopus line... I have been running a needlewheel 150 for the past 2 years and it has been great. Set it and forget it.

 

[serpent]

I love my Octo Extreme 160, after I changed the pump to a Bubble Blaster 2000. That Sicce just didn't cut it. Mine was a few years old and didn't want to purchase a new replacement that was so-so.