what skimmer for 60 gallon tank?

[kvosstra]

Hi all,

I have a 40G with about 20 gallons of sump/ refugium. I want to change out my skimmer as its just junk.

I have a small space - about 12" x 7" x by 24" high in the sump that I want to use for the skimmer.

I will not be upgrading the tank anytime soon - so no need to "oversize" for any upgrade.

Tank is heavily stocked with SPS and has a medium load of fish - although I would like to add one more fish in the near future.

So, if you had a choice, what skimmer would you get? I would prefer a needle wheel or mesh mod - not a Recirculating skimmer -basically just to keep the plumbing simple.

ATI, ATB, BK, Euro-reef, etc. - whatever else is out there...

Any thoughts are welcomed.

-Kyle

[kvosstra]

no opinions on this? Come on folks...in your opinion, what is the best small skimmer out there?

[bdare]

I have the same setup as you. I'm running an Ocotpus EXT-PS-120. I LOVE IT! I'm 90% sure it would fit in the space you have.

[kvosstra]

is that the external version? I am seriously looking into the octopus as they are budget friendly and seem to be a good skimmer. Any other thoughts.

[Shawn D]

the new ATB hang on would be awesome for your system but its not out yet. the good thing about the octo is that you can mod them to make them better

[kvosstra]

So is the octopus 110, 120 - I think that fit my space better than the ATI 150 or the BK mini?

I currently have a coral life super skimmer - that works becuase I have such a low load of fish (pair of clowns and a 6-line wrasse), but still seems to work pretty well. Maybe I should just mod this skimmer and see If I can get more production.

[jerome736]

What skimmer were you previously using?

[kvosstra]

I'm using the coral life needle wheel skimmer...the small version.

On previous large tanks I have used a life-reef vs2-24 and before that a Berlin turbo skimmer.

[hk855]

Im running an int-ps-120 octopus and it works great. Its the newest in sump design they have Im pretty sure(new in 08), I got it new in the box off e-bay and I think it was about $150 shipped. Foot print is about 6x9 and 21" tall and it says Its good to a 500l/120g tank but a heavily stocked 40-80 is more realistic when you compare its size, air and water flow to an aqua c. A bit over the top but low priced so I got it. I think they bought them whole sale so check ebay out and see if they are still there.

[Snarlax]

If you're short on space you could try a tunze skimmer. For a tank of only 40 gallons a tunze 9010 should be great.

[kvosstra]

ill take a look at both. thanks for the info everyone.