Good skimmer for around $350?

[Nick A]

I'm in the market for another skimmer since I don't want to replace the pump on my last one and would rather get a larger skimmer.

So far I've been looking into the Octo DNW-200. I could go for a MSX200, but I'd mainly prefer an external skimmer since I hate working in my sump. This will be going on my 240g SPS reef. I already have a T1000 running and will be kept on with the new skimmer. Suggestions could be downdraft, recirc, etc. just as long as it fits under or around $350.

[Nick A]

Bump?

[luke33]

WOW, a 240g for under 350 bux. Thats a tough one man! I think that's going to be pushing the limit on a msx 200 and thats going to be the best skimmer for that price as there s nothing close to it that pulls 1400lph air.

[Nick A]

I would increase my budget to around $500, but then I'd have to find other things to sell. I know with a budget of $500 I'd be have more options. Not many people have the DNW-200, so its hard to find out what they think it could handle. The MSX could be a good option, but its just a matter of fixing my sump so that things are more easily accessible.

[seattownreefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11788911#post11788911 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Nick A
I would increase my budget to around $500, but then I'd have to find other things to sell. I know with a budget of $500 I'd be have more options. Not many people have the DNW-200, so its hard to find out what they think it could handle. The MSX could be a good option, but its just a matter of fixing my sump so that things are more easily accessible.
here's a forum going on for the extreme octos.
http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=32045
i have the new octo ext-ps150 recirc and is pulling alot of foam without any mods. for the money, octopusess are well worth it.

[luke33]

That forum sux as there's alot of misinformation about the build quality and what not.

Nick, i have a recirc'd nw200 and a msx200. My 200 is pulling 32scfh and the msx is or was pulling 40. It was slightly outskimming the recirc. I sent in my pump to get machined today so once i get it back i plan on having it pull 50scfh and i'll compare the two again. I think the 200 recirc can handle a 200g if you are pulling around 32scfh and the msx can handle around 225g. If your running the t1000 either with it will work fine. Is that 240g total including your sump, if so you'll be good imo.

[jman77]

Luke,

What type of machining are you having done to the pump ?

[luke33]

jman, marine solutions is just machining out the middle to make it start up every time no problem. The first generation had that prob. But you send them in, they fix them and ship them back, problem solved. All the new generations are all fixed now.

[Nick A]

With my sump its around 300, but only half of my sump is filled at the most which means 270g.

[saltysupply]

I would say Octopus or maybe an AquaC with a bigger pump

[DarthSimon]

I just got a new skimmer for my 120 gallon reef, it's called D.A.S... It's a small company that my LFS says comes out of texas. They told me that this maker makes a bigger name skimmer, that's much more expensive, but this is like there house brand... Sold for 325... It's a killer skimmer!!!

[luke33]

For that size of tank he would need the das ex3 at 700bux, thats why i didn't suggest it, but yes the das skimmers are very nice and very efficient as well.

[akabilly]

What about this one...CLICK HERE (http://www.oceansaquariums.com/product_info.php?products_id=206&osCsid=33ea25navqb2k25lg7llk11aj5)

My smaller 135 works great.

[luke33]

The AE's work ok, besides the pump, but the neck diameter limit's them to much as there not capable of handling much air. Your better off with an octo than a AE.

[printedpaper]

Who sells the DAS skimmers?