need help choosing a skimmer for 120gal

[Fishdude1984]

I'm thinking about setting up a 120 gallon tank, but i cant decide on the skimmer, i was thinking about a Euro-Reef RS180 but sense they are about $440 and i don't have a lot of money, i was wondering if i could get away with a Euro-Reef RS135? what other skimmers should i look into that don't cost a fortune? are should i just suck it up and buy the RS180 now?

[Yangtze Reef]

It's better to get a better skimmer when you first start. You can even delay setting up new tank until you have made enough saving to start. Otherwise you will end up upgrading soon, which will cost even more. Myself went through Redsea Prizm, MRC2, Deltec 600APF, and now H&S A200-2x1260...

Ying

[klam114]

Y - ouch!

YR is completely right. Don't skimp on a skimmer, get on that is rated correctly for your setup or bigger. How much bigger, one has to be familiar with the skimmer line and have use enough different models within that skimmer line. Probably the RS180 is the correct size for your setup, RS135 is cutting it too close. So, I would recommend sucking it up and pull the trigger on the RS180.

Of course, there are other brands that may work just as well.

[Yinger]

RS135's reaction chamber is bigger than the deltec apf600 which is rated at 270 gallons and about the same as a h&s 150, which is rated over 200+ gallons, so why would it be cutting it close? I asked a similiar question a while ago and you can't really judge a skimmer by what the ratings are. Look at an H&S 200-1260 which is rated for a 300 gallon tank and a ER RS180 which euroreef only rates for 180 gallons... both are the same size exact size, however the ER actually draws more air...

[Fishdude1984]

what would those other brands be?

[kodyboy]

I would get a DAS ex2, $400 before shipping, but a great skimmer at a great price protein-skimmer.com

[sjm817]

Mfgrs "ratings" are pretty worthless IMO. Many of them tend to be very optimistic.

[RichConley]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10262905#post10262905 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Yinger
RS135's reaction chamber is bigger than the deltec apf600 which is rated at 270 gallons and about the same as a h&s 150, which is rated over 200+ gallons, so why would it be cutting it close? I asked a similiar question a while ago and you can't really judge a skimmer by what the ratings are. Look at an H&S 200-1260 which is rated for a 300 gallon tank and a ER RS180 which euroreef only rates for 180 gallons... both are the same size exact size, however the ER actually draws more air...


The Deltec APF600 being rated for 270g has absolutely nothing to do with anything. The AP600 is rated for like 200, and IMO, it can't handle a 75g tank. Manufacturer ratings are a joke.

" Look at an H&S 200-1260 which is rated for a 300 gallon tank and a ER RS180 which euroreef only rates for 180 gallons... both are the same size exact size, however the ER actually draws more air..."

Thats a perfect example. Two skimmers that are the same size, and draw similar air will be able to handle similar tank sizes. The manufacturers are just rating them differently.

[Yinger]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10264524#post10264524 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by RichConley
The Deltec APF600 being rated for 270g has absolutely nothing to do with anything. The AP600 is rated for like 200, and IMO, it can't handle a 75g tank. Manufacturer ratings are a joke.

" Look at an H&S 200-1260 which is rated for a 300 gallon tank and a ER RS180 which euroreef only rates for 180 gallons... both are the same size exact size, however the ER actually draws more air..."

Thats a perfect example. Two skimmers that are the same size, and draw similar air will be able to handle similar tank sizes. The manufacturers are just rating them differently.

My point was that even though its a smaller skimmer than the ER 135, deltec rates it for 135 gallons more... I personally wouldn't put the apf600 on my 120. Like sjm817 said, ratings are worthless...

[Reef Sponger]

For the price vs performance on the RS180, I don't think you can go wrong.

There's quite a number of ATi owners that like the BM200 that would fit your setup. Only thing, it's more money, $549 compared to $440 on the RS180. I say, go with the RS180, don't think you'll be disappointed.

[Jim_S]

If you're looking to go external, the das-ex2 is a good option for the price. (There are better external skimmers out there, but not for that price).

If you're looking to go internal, the ER RS 180 is a sure bet. You could get by with an RS135. I know it would pull out a ton of skimmate, and you'll be cleaning the cup often :lol:

I used to run an RS135 (at the time RS6-2+) on my 125. I opted for the external 180 as an upgrade and I have been very happy with it.

Jim