I'm sick of octopus skimmers..

[reefergeorge]

I came home today to a silent tank. Apparently I lost power for a couple hours while at work. The tank is fine, but the skimmer pump failed to restart. The pump was very hot, and wont start back up. Even blowing into the air line.

The skimmer is a dnw-150 or rps-2000. depending where you buy it. This is the second pump I have bought. So it's time for a new skimmer.

What do you recommend for a heavily stocked 90. 130 total volume? It has to be ready out of the box, reliable on restart, and under 500. External is a plus since I don't have an ato.

Plus side is nothing flooded. :)
Thanks in advance.

[rbnice1]

External and under 500 is going to eliminate a lot of new style skimmers.

Super Reef Octopus XP-2000 Cone Skimmer - External are $560. It is a octo but has a new type of pump.

There are a lot of old skimmers that are external but if your going to shell out the cash for a new skimmer I would think you want something "new".

Now if you get a ATO and keep your sump at a static lvl there are tomes of different skimmers in your price range.

Vertex Internal250 $320
Eshopps S150 $390
Super Reef Octopus XP-2000 $400
SWC XTREME Mini S $350


If you bump your cost up to 650 you can pick from a ATB 840 or a Alpha 170.

There are many other skimmers out there as well. This was just a quick search on my part.

[IluvGod'sreefs]

First, go to autotopoff.com and get one for about $40.00. Then get a Vertex internal skimmer for $200.00-$290.00. Problem solved, and you won't be sorry!

[burton14e7]

das ex-2 would work also.

[danrobberg]

ive never had a problem with my asm g2. rated for up to 200 gallons. id get the ato and the skimmer is only about 280 bucks

[tkeracer619]

This has an OTP pump? When was the last time it was cleaned and did you have it mesh modded? Is it dirty on the inside?

[jjk_reef00]

I'd pm this guy about etss 800. You might be able to get a good deal on it.

[ardo_ski]

Have you looked at the Bubble Magus? I just ordered the 260 model.

http://www.nuocean.com/

[sedor]

I really like my AquaC Ev-120. Personally with the AquaC Ev's I don't think you have to follow the double the water volume to the tee theory so you could probably get away with a 120, or you could also go with the 180 and have some upgrading room. Not only is it a powerful skimmer, I like the fact that I don't have to deal with venturi pumps etc. Its a spray injection. The only downside is how finicky they are. For instance, one little nudge of the air valve makes a ton of difference so it takes a little while to get dialed in, but once you get it right its a great skimmer.

Of course everyone is going to be partial to what they use...In your price range I don't think you can go wrong with pretty much any skimmer out there. Oh and did I mention the AquaC can be in-sump or external :D

[moondoggy4]

das ex-2 would work also.

+2

[reefergeorge]

This has an OTP pump? When was the last time it was cleaned and did you have it mesh modded? Is it dirty on the inside?

Yes, a year ago, no, and yes.

Problem fixed for the time being. I took it apart, cleaned it up really good, cursed at it a few times, and it started back up.

Tomorrow when I get some time. I'm going to look into all these skimmers. I'll probably go internal, and put some baffles in my sump. Then go with an ato system ran off a 5 gallon bucket. The thought of a flood scares me :eek1:. My system can handle another 5 gallons if it has to.

Thanks everyone for the help.

[burton14e7]

+2

Some of the nasty my ex-2 pulled when I had a 120g with out a skimmer for 5 weeks.
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w119/burton14e7/101_0420.jpg