which protien skimmer to go with

[itsamyheff]

I am setting up a 150 fish only tank. It will have minimum live rock in the display. I have 2 to choose from now. I have a octopus 150 that is rated for a 180 gallons. It is on the reef tank now, so if I use it, it would need to be replaced. The other that I am able to get is a euro reef rc 80 that is rated for a 200 gallon. Which would you go with or other suggestions?

 

[snowmansnow]

I've had both and IMO the RC is just a better skimmer.

Some will disagree probably, but I think the build quality is better, and IME the skimming power has just been better.

Also RC has REAL estimates for their skimmers... If it were me Id go with the RC... but its JMHO

B

 

[mufret]

Is the Octo 150 the recirculating version or the in sump version? I agree, the ER RC-80 would have a better build quality and a little better pump and, since it's a recirculating skimmer, would be more efficient than a comparably sized in sump skimmer. Personally, I'd put the ER on the reef tank and use the Octo on the FOWLR.

 

[thanh386]

The oct 150 might be a tad small for you.

 

[itsamyheff]

Thats what I am leaning to Mufret. Thanh, why you think to small? The model number on the ro is PS-OCT-DNWB-150. The euro reef's model # is PS-ER-RS180.

 

[thanh386]

Daniel has the same skimmer on his 58 reef and it seems to be the perfect size for that size tank. I use to own one for my 90 reef, it was filling up rather quickly and was having a hard time keeping up and prompt water change often.

When I think of fish only tanks, I think of Angels, triggers, big tangs, etc. which are IMO horribly messy eaters and produce a huge amount of waste. In my 250, I am using the octopus 5000, rated for 400. I wish I had a bigger one.

I have never had problems with octopus skimmers, and would buy from them again if I were to redo it. They just over shoot the rcommended tank size a little lol. I am not sure about the other model cause I have enever used it, but I would want something that's rated for 300 gallon.

 

[itsamyheff]

anybody else have any suggestions?

 

[atcaw94]

itsamyheff;702630 wrote: anybody else have any suggestions?

I bought an Aquamaxx 200 for my 135, skimmed like mad right out of the box. I read it's basically a Warner Marine design? It has a real small footprint for that big a skimmer. Their customer service rocks also. My dog chewed up one of the plastic screws the day I was putting it together and they mailed me one the next day. I researched till I couldn't stand to read another skimmer article and am extremely pleased with my purchase.

 

[reefkeeper]

I presently own both skimmers types. I have a Octo recirculating skimmer on my frag tank and it does a good job. But like Mr. Ufret stated. The ER pulls more air and performs great.