Best Protein Skimmer for my situation?

JeffersonReef · #1 11/26/2007, 07:40 PM

Hey all. I have a 200g system (150g tank and approx 60g sump/fuge). The protein skimmer I am using now just isnt cutting it. I am in the market for a new one. I want a skimmer that is highly efficient (ie doesnt require a mag 18 lol) and that can handle a heavy bio-load. I have NO plans of upgrading my tank.... ever... so I dont need one that will be good for a larger system.

What would you reccommend? I want the most bang for my buck. I have been looking at Euro-Reerf and Octopus.... they are on the cheaper side, but still great skimmers. Any ideas? Thanks for the advice!

-Tony

Rwinfrey · #2 11/26/2007, 07:59 PM

do you want a recirc or an in sump rs 250 would be a nice choice or a DAS ex 2

CruzinKim · #3 11/26/2007, 08:49 PM

if looking a in sump, the ATi Bubblemaster 200 would skim like a beast and more than what you need for your setup, so feed as heavy as you want.

if looking for recirc, take a look at H&S, but then they are really pricey.

McCrary · #4 11/26/2007, 08:57 PM

I really like H&S skimmers, but they can be on the pricey side and I'm slightly biased as I own one, lol.

bhdmc · #5 11/27/2007, 06:11 PM

Check out the ReefFlo 250 skimmer.

mg426 · #6 11/27/2007, 06:16 PM

Octopus is releasing a new line of Extreme skimmers shortly, might take a look at them.

kdblove_99 · #7 11/27/2007, 07:14 PM

Agree with those Extrreme octos and also think the Reeflo 200 would be good.

JeffersonReef · #8 11/27/2007, 08:07 PM

What kind of $$$ are we talking about? I would LOVE to spend something like $300 (used or new)... OR LESS.... I dont know if that is realistic or not... but it would be nice. :P

JeffersonReef · #9 11/27/2007, 08:10 PM

Something like this would be IDEAL:
http://www.marinesolutionsinc.com/ca...products_id=73
(Octopus Recirc Needlewheel 150)

Any ideas about this skimmer?

JeffersonReef · #10 12/06/2007, 01:48 PM

^^

luke33 · #11 12/06/2007, 01:59 PM

Its not going to be large enough for a 200g. I'd suggest getting the octo 200 and modding it. You could turn it into a recirc pulling 35-40scfh air for around 200bux. Would be plenty for your 200g.

JeffersonReef · #12 12/06/2007, 02:01 PM

yeah... I def wanna do a recirc mod. any reccomendationd on a recirc pump? Iwas considering a genx with a mesh mod... a model comparable to a sedra 3500 I guess. How would that work?

gcarroll · #13 12/06/2007, 02:04 PM

what is wrong with the skimmer you have now. BTW, what skimmer do you have now.

JeffersonReef · #14 12/06/2007, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by gcarroll
what is wrong with the skimmer you have now. BTW, what skimmer do you have now.

I have a "Jeff's Exotic 6-1" skimmer... a Euroreef knock off... rated up to 125-150g. I am using a stock sedra 5k. I have a 150g tank and a 60g sump/fuge.... this skimmer just doesnt seem to be keeping up. I considered using a smaller feed pump, and doing a mesh and recirc mod.... but I dont know if it is even worth it.

luke33 · #15 12/06/2007, 02:21 PM

What's your skimmer's diameters?

JeffersonReef · #16 12/06/2007, 02:22 PM

i am not at home now.... but if i had to guess I would say its footprint is approx 8"x8" and about 20" tall..... I think it is the same as the old Euroreef 6-1 exactly in design and specs.

gcarroll · #17 12/06/2007, 02:23 PM

My recomendation is that if you decide to get a better skimmer, plan to upgrade to one that is more than enough, not just enough. You don't want to be doing another thread like this next year. If you are going sps, all the more reason to go bigger than what is normally needed. Most skimmers are rated for a mixed reef, not a sps tank.

JeffersonReef · #18 12/06/2007, 02:27 PM

originally I was going sps.... but ive decided to scale back... sps requires more of a committment ($$$ and time) than I think I want to make long term... so im going mixed reef. but I dont want to skimp on the skimmer... I dont plan to upgrade my tank any time in the future... and I will keep doing monthly 60g+ water changes.....

gcarroll · #19 12/06/2007, 02:37 PM

Well, since you are limiting yourself to $300, Octopus gives you the best bang for the buck. The new Octopus Extremes seem like they may be a good value but I have not heard prices. I'm sure the Sicce pump is a tad more expensive than the Sedra on their other models.

luke33 · #20 12/06/2007, 04:43 PM

The extreme octo's are 275, 325 and 475. www.marinesolutionsinc.com The octo200extreme for 325 is what i would recomend for that tank.

Ewan · #21 12/06/2007, 08:00 PM

What's the deal with the pic for the extreme 200?
Does it come with an outflow assembly? a pump? they could find these items for picture day?

I hope these skimmers perform well! The price is great.