skimmer for 120 gal tank

[pugmommie]

What skimmers would you recommend for a 120 gal tank with sump? The skimmer will be going into the sump. The sump is going to be at least 40 gal. Thanks :rolleyes:

[chodaboy]

I'm going to get same size tank and sump as you, after some research I'm gonna get a ATI BM 200. You can read about it a few threads down.

It was either that or an H&S.

[stony_corals]

I'd go with either a mid-sized ETSS or a recirculating Beckett. You may be waiting a while for the ATI BMs, and there have been some concerns about quality.

[UCanDoIt]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9057900#post9057900 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by chodaboy
I'm going to get same size tank and sump as you, after some research I'm gonna get a ATI BM 200. You can read about it a few threads down.

It was either that or an H&S. Exactly what I would have recommended. Depending on your budget... but if you want a great performer right out of the box with no fuss mods or constant adjustments...
H&S A150
ATi BM200

[kodyboy]

Octopus NW200/D&D marine Terminator 2

[piscivorous]

Good lord those things are pricey......

[jag1979]

it all depends on your budget, do you want to spend 200, 1500, or somewhere in the middle?

[piscivorous]

I usually opt for something in the middle, both in terms of quality and price.....i.e I just spent $178 for my Euroreef skimmer for my 55.....middle to upper end company....middle to upper end price. It just amazes me how quickly the prices jump....seems exponential for the added volume in the tank. Not sure if I was looking at the right prices, but $875 for a H&S A150 seems high for a skimmer for a 120 gallon tank....perhaps I am just unexperienced (I am...I know I am.....)

[UCanDoIt]

Prices added. These are 2 of the high end needlewheel/threadwheel skimmers. Consistent performance. Base on my dealer's experience, when his customers purchases a good high end skimmer that is rated correctly, they never need to upgrade... which actually saves a lot of money in the long run... instead of getting frustrated that a certain skimmer isn't really cutting it and you have to spend another few hundred $$$ again and upgrade or switch.<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9060180#post9060180 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by UCanDoIt
Exactly what I would have recommended. Depending on your budget... but if you want a great performer right out of the box with no fuss mods or constant adjustments...
H&S A150 $650
ATi BM200 $529

[sjm817]

For a 120, a Euro-Reef RS135 for $340 would work well.

[piscivorous]

Perhaps...but is that RS135 rated for 135 gallons? (I haven't looked into them, just guessing)....most people are likely to have more than a 15 gallon sump on their 120....figure you want something that is probably rated for 180 gallons or there abouts for the average 120 owner (that would be my guess)

[cstires]

I'm using a EV-180 on my 120, I can't say anything bad about it!

[sjm817]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9072751#post9072751 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by piscivorous
Perhaps...but is that RS135 rated for 135 gallons? (I haven't looked into them, just guessing)....most people are likely to have more than a 15 gallon sump on their 120....figure you want something that is probably rated for 180 gallons or there abouts for the average 120 owner (that would be my guess)
Yes, but it is a realistic rating as opposed to many mfgrs that can have very inflated ratings. It may be borderline depending on all the usual variables. If you wanted to use an in sump ER, the RS180 for $100 more is the next model up.

[officerricv]

lifereef