More Predator questions...

[AquariumMan]

Hey Everyone!

Now that I've got my Fish list down, I need to find out what skimmer I should use.
I found one so far I think might work: http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+4392+19279&pcatid=19279
(the one rated for 700 gallons)

And also, Do you think I can finish the whole DIY tank, sump, etc... With $3,000, Because by the time summer comes for the build
thats approximatly the minimum I will have to spend on the tank (I'm relying on the minimum just in case I don't go for more than what I will have by summer)

[reefergeorge]

What size tank are you setting up?

[AquariumMan]

What size tank are you setting up?

A 400 Gallon

[AquariumMan]

still looking for answers :)

[AquariumMan]

bump

[luckyk0505]

I will not use that skimmer...

[brookers]

I will not use that skimmer...

+1 maybe ask in the filtration section.

[Recty]

I've never seen anything good posted about Hydor skimmers... but I have no personal experience with them.

Check out Bubble King skimmers, specifically the cone skimmers. Here is a link to one.

http://www.aquasythe.com/Products/Royal-Exclusiv-Alpha-300-br-Cone-Protein-Skimmer__PS-BK-A300.aspx

Yes, they are spendy, but if you plan on having a predator tank with lots of fish and a heavy bioload because of lots of feeding, you need a GOOD skimmer, not just a mediocre one.

If I was setting a tank back up in the 400-600 gallon range, that's the skimmer I'd use right now. They are VERY efficient especially when compared to the MRC line of skimmers, we were pricing them out the other day for a guy here in my town and over the course of a year he was saving about $120 in electricity. Go through 5 years of that and you've saved $600, basically paying for the extra cost of the skimmer but you've got a great skimmer to show for it, not a $400 piece of junk that died in 2 years and never skimmed good anyway ;)

[VoodooMach]

ATB also makes some nice cone style skimmers.

[AquariumMan]

Do you know how tall that skimmer is?
It doesn't say in the description

[LisaD]

If you put the skimmer under a standard stand, you will have problems fitting it. I have a Bubble Master 250 (a cheaper version of the BK) and it was a TIGHT fit under my 210 gallon AGA stock stand. A BK250 is okay for a 210, but not enough for a 400. Maybe consider an external skimmer?

A better place to look for a serious skimmer is on marinedepot.com.

[AquariumMan]

The stand is going to be 3 feet tall, So I think I could fit most skimmers in it actually.
I know for sure it'l be wide enough though

[AquariumMan]

Would this work?:http://www.marinedepot.com/Precision_Marine_Bullet_XL_Model_One_Protein_Skimmer_In_Sump_Beckett_Foam_Jet_Protein_Skimmers-Precision_Marine-YPM1141-FIPSISBF-vi.html

[LisaD]

I haven't used this one, but think it's a decent one. You should post about that skimmer and ask for opinions so you can select the best value high quality skimmer.

Even though your thread is about skimmers, the title doesn't indicate that...

[AquariumMan]

So I should make a new thread, Or keep this one?

[LisaD]

I'd make a new thread titled something like "What is the best skimmer for the money - for heavily stocked 400 gallon?" or if you are less wordy than I am, "400 gallon tank - best skimmer?"

Post in either:

Here
Equipment forum
Large reef tanks

[Coral Hind]

I recommend you talk to Dan at Grey Sea Aquatics as he makes some great skimmers with awesome tech support. He can custom build any size skimmer you want.

http://www.greyseasaquatics.com/