View Full Version : Skimmer Recommendations
jbird0420
10/08/2008, 05:49 PM
I currently have a Euroreef CS-6 for my 225g, that is way to small for that size tank. I was looking at the Octopus Extreme MSX 200, but from what I have been reading, it's to small for my setup as well. With the sump I have, I'd say it's about 20g sump with a 11"x12" footprint, so total water would be in the 240-250g range. I like the Reef Octopus skimmers, but I really would like one that is more tall than short and fat!! Can anyone recommend a great skimmer for a tank that has a heavy bioload?
Eventually, that 20g drilled sump will be swapped for my 55g AG that I built a few months back. SO I would like a skimmer to handle the upgrade which would be a total of about 275g's.
Thanks guys!
jbird0420
10/08/2008, 07:04 PM
I'm also checking out the OCTOPUS 8" RECIRCULATING PROTEIN SKIMMER 300G and the Octopus Extreme Skimmer Model 300. Other than the Octopus 8" is a taller/slimmer skimmer. Is there a difference in performance?
Saulsa
10/08/2008, 10:46 PM
different pump.. i think the extreme internal uses the Sicce pump (2 of them) and the recirc external has a single Askoll SkimRite1500..
how good? couldnt say.
id recommend an ATB Medium, understandably theres a massive price difference but i think the performance is much much more consistent and better...
Airwolf75
10/08/2008, 11:15 PM
Maybe look at an ATI Bubblemaster 250. If you have 750 burning a hole in your pocket.
nikon187
10/09/2008, 12:50 AM
ATI bubblemaster 250 then Octopus pro 300? there close in price
i would probably spend the extra $70 on the ATI
jbird0420
10/09/2008, 05:11 AM
Thanks for your suggestions guys. Helps me out a lot. I've been doing a lot of research the past couple of days. I think the one I'm gonna narrow it down to is the Coral Vue Octopus OCT-DNW-200 Protein Skimmer. Can someone give me some feedback on this one? I'm looking for a foaming workhorse, and one that's quite!
Saulsa
10/10/2008, 11:23 PM
i had the DNW 150 on my 90g and it worked great.
i think the tank ratings are WAY off.. pretty much cut the ratings in half..
for the 100 bux difference, get the 300 extreme, im positive you'll be happier with it on your 225.
nikon187
10/11/2008, 12:34 AM
yeah i would go bigger than the DNW 200 as well on a 225
jbird0420
10/11/2008, 07:11 AM
Think so? What would you recommend?
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13525349#post13525349 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by nikon187
yeah i would go bigger than the DNW 200 as well on a 225
jbird0420
10/11/2008, 07:14 AM
If I get a recirculating skimmer, that I can install outside the sump. I was thinking about setting it up next to my display.
I was gonna run the outlet diameter 5 ft to my sump (pipe would run horizontal of course). With that being said there will be a 90 and a 45 fitted into the plumbing. Will that reduce the production of the skimmer at all with those fittings?
lancepender
10/11/2008, 09:42 AM
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/121687IMGA04532.jpg
Thats what I did with my HSA 1000. I made a 24x24x20 tall Pine box. Went to LOWES and got the already cut 2- 24x24x1/4 pine for two sides, 3- 1x2 for the frame, and 1- 24x24x 3/4 for the top.
Took me about two hours to build. Came out pretty good... for a someone that doesn't know s**t about woodworking..haha
jbird0420
10/11/2008, 09:49 AM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13526502#post13526502 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by lancepender
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/121687IMGA04532.jpg
Thats what I did with my HSA 1000. I made a 24x24x20 tall Pine box. Went to LOWES and got the already cut 2- 24x24x1/4 pine for two sides, 3- 1x2 for the frame, and 1- 24x24x 3/4 for the top.
Took me about two hours to build. Came out pretty good... for a someone that doesn't know s**t about woodworking..haha
Looking at you pic really made up my mind! That's what I'm gonna try to do or install it on the side of the wall in the garage. Good build, yet effective...Is ur skimmer a foaming workhorse??:smokin:
lancepender
10/11/2008, 01:12 PM
I've had this skimmer for maybe 8 months or so. I got it for free from a guy that didn't know how to use it. He wanted a plug and play type skimmer. So, I traded him a old Red Sea Berlin for this skimmer..
Just to say I jumped on this deal!!!
But, it just sat next to my tank since then. Finally, I decided to put it on line.
I got an old Iwaki 30 rlt out of storage and made the box and did the plumbing. Turned it on and then within 5 min. The Impeller broke. GREAT... I was pretty well pi**ed off.
I have a Reeflo Wahoo getting shipped to me as we type. It'll be here on Mon. Then we'll see what this thing can do...
jbird0420
10/11/2008, 01:57 PM
Is that gonna be your return pump?
I just bought the Octopus OCT-DNW-200 Protein Skimmer NEW off the BAY for $300 w/ shipping included. Not to shabby, seeing that the lowest for this skimmer is 325 plus shipping.
lancepender
10/11/2008, 05:05 PM
Return Pump, no.
That's just running the skimmer.
The HSA Beckett's are rated for 1000gph per beckett. This skimmer has only one, and the pump will be able to do 1760 gph wide open. I forgot to mention that next month. I'm adding a three foot extension onto the middle of the skimmer also, so if I do need the extra gph to run the taller skimmer. I have the pump to do it.
jbird0420
10/12/2008, 05:34 AM
Post some pics after you finish modding ur skimmer. I'm interested in seeing what your talking about.! :O)
areze
10/12/2008, 05:49 AM
ebay does amazing things. Ive seen customized MR6(sans pump) for 350$, I got a euroreef RC500 for 650$. you can get crazy deals on large skimmers because most just dont want a skimmer that big(or that expensive)
jbird0420
10/12/2008, 05:56 AM
Yes in deed! I love the BAY!!!! I heard this from someone on this forum or another but "In this hobby, if you count how much you spend, it ain't no fun!"
areze..Ur profile sez "240g under construction" you have any pics or a thread going???
areze
10/12/2008, 06:11 AM
the construction is pretty much finished. got the rest of the lighting in the mail and a replacement pump to feed the new euroreef skimmer
http://www.rasecreations.com/hostimages/fishtank1.jpg
lancepender
10/12/2008, 07:44 AM
jbird0420 Post some pics after you finish modding ur skimmer. I'm interested in seeing what your talking about.! :O)
I sure will, If this thread is still going, I'll post a pick or two. If not, I try to track you down and send you some picks.
Lance
spongebobby
10/12/2008, 08:19 AM
jbird....just a FYI....I had that same skimmer on my 120RR. It was heavily stocked with SPS/Fish. I thought the skimmer would be more than enough to keep up with the 120. IT WASN'T. Over the course of about 1 1/2 years the trates would consitently climb every month. My skimmer was mesh modded and had every mod out there done to it and it was not enough. It was pulling around 28scfh on it's best days.Also it's really loud. I learned the hard way also.:)
My opinion about this skimmer.....I would not run a DNW-200 on any tank larger than a 90 gal reef.
You need something alot more powerful for a 225 gal.
jbird0420
10/12/2008, 09:09 AM
Well, I bought the thing. I will try it out. If it does not work, I can always sell it.
I'm surprised to hear that you had no luck with it. I've read nothing but good reviews about the Octopus OCT-DNW-200 Protein Skimmer...
Thanks for the info though..
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