skimmer selection

[demifelix]

If I want to upgrade my skimmer for a 180 gallon system with medium-to-heavy bio load, what should I get that is reasonably priced? I don't want to spend $800 but I don't want to get something that can't handle the load either. I'm using a RO recir 110 right now.

 

[pufferchris]

I'm useing the reef octopus 3000 int on mine skims like crazy looks like black coffee it's rated for 300 gallons and you can't beat the price

 

[glxtrix]

SRO5000. There is an external, internal, and an internal space saver (pump is inside body) I have this one. Amazing skimmer!

 

[weaglereefer]

Bubble Magus 180CS. Rated for 180-240, cone skimmer, good pump.

I'm running a NAC-7 (a step down both size and pump-wise) and have been pleased.

 

[tgriffin]

check the SWC skimmers. I did a lot of research on mine and everyone that had them seems to really like them. I got the 160 Cone for my tank. You would obviously need more than that but here is the link

 

[bruce 1]

I have this skimmer and it produces many bubbles.

 

[lilrobb]

I got the SWC 160 Mini S Extreme, one heck of a skimmer - will be running on my 60 cube, overkill - I know...

 

[demifelix]

thanks guys, get the idea now. Another question related to this topic is if I add a second skimmer to my existing system, would that be as efficient as running 1 big skimmer? I'm using a Reef Octopus DNWB 110 right now, and let's say that if I add a SWC 160 skimmer, would that be able to handle 180 gallon? Or should I get rid of my current RO and just go with 1 bigger skimmer?

 

[lilrobb]

Two skimmers in one system are usually less efficient than one large one. Basically one skimmer would "starve" another skimmer

 

[demifelix]

Looks like I have only 1 option that is to sell my existing and buying another one then. BTW, all of you have posted here, are your skimmers pretty much rated correctly by the manufacturer? Any of these like the seaclone or berlin that are overrated by 300%+?

 

[rbredding]

I've got an MR2 from My Reef Creations and it's great... (let me know if you want to come by and have a looksee...)

 

[atmercure]

i was using the RO 110 also on my 65 and upgraded to a 150 gallon this month. did alot of research and looking around and finally went with the ASM G3. Super simple and skims like crazy. got it from aqua cave and if you google aqua cave coupon youll find one for 5% off. paid an extra 8 bucks and got it in 3 days. good luck

 

[freezerrat]

LilRobb;592918 wrote: Two skimmers in one system are usually less efficient than one large one. Basically one skimmer would "starve" another skimmer

Forgive my ignorance. I'm still new enough in the hobby to be confused about skimmers. But I would think if one skimmer starves the other then that would indicate it is already a sufficiently performing skimmer. No?
Still, I can't see the benefit of using two skimmers. Except maye in the short term until a larger one was obtained.

 

[jaustin]

I've got an SRO XP2000 External on my stocked 120g. A SRO 5000 would kick butt on your system. Or an SRO XP3000 external.

The external models are real nice, you can adjust the flow through them and the pump can focus on just making bubbles.

 

[lilrobb]

freezerrat;593157 wrote: Forgive my ignorance. I'm still new enough in the hobby to be confused about skimmers. But I would think if one skimmer starves the other then that would indicate it is already a sufficiently performing skimmer. No?
Still, I can't see the benefit of using two skimmers. Except maye in the short term until a larger one was obtained.

Well, a skimmer needs a certain degree of "dirty" to get the foam head going - so if one skimmer does 75% of the work it would perform quite well, but the remaining 25% might not be enough for the second skimmer to get started...

 

[freezerrat]

OK. Got it. I'm pretty good on the basics of skimmers and how they work. Now I know more. Thanks.

 

[snowmansnow]

someone help me this.. whilst we're talking skimmers.

We always say our skimmers are doing a great job because they fill up with skimmate. Why is that? I mean, if they were that great wouldn't they reach a clean system status at some point and stop filling up ... until they had something to skim again?

Not bashing anyone's skimmer.. my BKM does the same thing.

 

[rbredding]

I think the bottom line is that there isn't really any way to take ALL the protein out of the water column.. assuming you are continuously feeding your fish..

 

[markl]

For $300.00 or less you can pick up the swc/octopus/msw 300 .Im running it my system and couldn't imagine why I would need anything more.mine is a 240 gallon system going to be very heavy bio.

alt="" />

alt="" />


Foot Print in inches (L x W x H): 18 x 14.25 x 23.5


SWC Xtreme 300 Protein Skimmer Tank ratings


Light Bioload 690 gallon fish tank


Medium Bioload 475 gallon fish tank


Heavy Bioload 365 gallon fish tank

The best part is they will fit in a 40 breeder.