Skimmer recommendation- ATI BM 200? BM NAC 7? BM 150Pro?

[GPhiAce]

I am looking to get a more efficient skimmer for my heavy bioload 120g + 40g sump setup. I am estimating that I have ~120g of circulating water. The problem is that I have a empty sump section of 8.5"x 16". I am looking at the ATI BM 200. Do anyone know if the footprint they claim (8.5" x 12.6 )? Will this skimmer really handle more than what I need? Will it fit in my empty section? Any input would be great. I am also looking at the BM 150Pro and BM NAC7?

[solitude127]

Might want to consider a SWC cone skimmer. Extremely small footprint but very powerful

[GPhiAce]

Thanks for the recommendation. I am looking into getting a new sump. The selection of skimmers is rather small.

[spleen93]

I agree ... A SWC 160 or 180 cone would fit and would work well.

[GPhiAce]

I want something to handle a little more than the 160 does. The 180 is an option. Any opinions on the SWC Xtreme 160???? I am not sold on the cone skimmers yet. Not convinced that they are no more than a gimmick, although I am considering them. No offense to anyone/brand. Thanks

[d-man]

i have the NAC7 on my 60 cube. It is great but does it push enough to handle a 120gal?

[stanlalee]

If you dont want the SWC 160 cone you dont want the NA7 either as they are pretty much simular in size, use the same pump and the SWC pulls more air. Same goes for the 150 pro which is basically a NA6 with a aquabee and shouldn't be considered for anything you wouldn't put a NA6/NA7 on. all those are adequate if you small or moderate bioload. If you have a high load I cant see why anybody would buy a $600 ATI BM200 when the octopus/swc extreme 200 exist (your looking at like performance for half the price with perhaps a cheap wheel/volute upgrade). the extreme 200 is only $20 more than the extreme 160 as well. unless you can only fit the extreme 160 there's no reason to get it over the 200. Bubble Magus makes a simular sized SICCE 2500 skimmer too (BM200P) but I have no idea what it cost. the 180 cone is yet another SICCE 2500 option (but with its volume and neck size I dont see it comparable to the ATI and extreme 200 in tank capacity handling). I'd probably considered the Octopus SRO-2000 (both cone and none cone) as well.

[GPhiAce]

If you dont want the SWC 160 cone you dont want the NA7 either as they are pretty much simular in size, use the same pump and the SWC pulls more air. Same goes for the 150 pro which is basically a NA6 with a aquabee and shouldn't be considered for anything you wouldn't put a NA6/NA7 on. all those are adequate if you small or moderate bioload. If you have a high load I cant see why anybody would buy a $600 ATI BM200 when the octopus/swc extreme 200 exist (your looking at like performance for half the price with perhaps a cheap wheel/volute upgrade). the extreme 200 is only $20 more than the extreme 160 as well. unless you can only fit the extreme 160 there's no reason to get it over the 200. Bubble Magus makes a simular sized SICCE 2500 skimmer too (BM200P) but I have no idea what it cost. the 180 cone is yet another SICCE 2500 option (but with its volume and neck size I dont see it comparable to the ATI and extreme 200 in tank capacity handling). I'd probably considered the Octopus SRO-2000 (both cone and none cone) as well.

I like your recommendations, and have been looking at the xtreme 200. I would love to get the sro 2000 xp or sss, but I can't fit it in my current sump. My limiting demension is 8.5". I am looking to getting/ making a new sump, so I may be starting a general "rec me a skimmer" thread. Thanks a lot for this input

[Dyraxe]

I just bought a BM 180CS for my 120g from premium aquatics. It uses the aqubee 2000/1 pump. My second pick would be the SWC 180 cone and my third would be the SRO 2000 or XP 2000. The SRO and XP will perform the best but are likely louder too. I say likely louder because not all bubble blasters are loud. I assume it is a quality control issue due to it being manufactured in china.

[GPhiAce]

Dyraxe- thanks for that information. However the only skimmer that you mentioned that would fit in my sump is the 180 cone. I think I just need to get another sump

[eums]

I vote larger sump for increased skimmer area.
I ordered an acrylic sump that was too big, resulting in the need to route off 3" of the skimmer end (long story, they built it wrong), however in doing so i found that acrylic was quite easy to work with and that the joints are all in the prep work (keep it smooth and square). Perhaps give a DIY sump a try and build one to your needs rather than compromising and wanting to change it later.

I have an atb 840 v2 on my 90 and could not be happier with it.

[GPhiAce]

Thanks for that bit of advice. I am looking into getting a 40b (Petco has the $1/g sale till sat if I can find a 40b) or just removing one of the bubble trap walls. Removing an acrylic wallwill give me a 10.5x16 skimmer section.

[Dyraxe]

get the 40b and use it for a sump, i did the same thing on my 120g

[sirjohn]

I also would recommend SWC. I have a 160 and it is incredibly impressive in terms of build quality, performance and quietness. A 180 would be perfect for your size tank.

[Dyraxe]

NAC7 is really good too BUT the SWC has better adjustment using a gate vavle and air intake valve to fine tune the skimmer. I like the design better so I rated the SWC 160 over the NAC7. This is just my opinion.

[GPhiAce]

I have been looking into either the swc 160 or 180. Can anyone comment to the 160 being better and able to handle more than the 180 do to the pump????? I know that the 180 is rated to handle more, but i have no experience or knowledge about skimmer pumps. However I am learning, so I will definitely use the pump of the skimmer to make my final pick.

[tibob32]

I have been looking into either the swc 160 or 180. Can anyone comment to the 160 being better and able to handle more than the 180 do to the pump????? I know that the 180 is rated to handle more, but i have no experience or knowledge about skimmer pumps. However I am learning, so I will definitely use the pump of the skimmer to make my final pick.

I've just upgraded to a 120g and I'm still using the swc 160 cone until I can afford something better. It's a great skimmer, but not good enough for a 120g in my opinion. I'd go with something stronger. Maybe the SWC mini S. Depending on budget you can look at the octopus super space savers line of cone skimmers

[stanlalee]

I have been looking into either the swc 160 or 180. Can anyone comment to the 160 being better and able to handle more than the 180 do to the pump????? I know that the 180 is rated to handle more, but i have no experience or knowledge about skimmer pumps. However I am learning, so I will definitely use the pump of the skimmer to make my final pick.

the 180 doesn't just have a pump capable of much more air, the skimmer is also a bit bigger. I personally feel the 160 actual rating is nowhere near its advertised rating. To me its a 40-100g skimmer though I know many may disagree (I have the 160 on my 30g/10g sump sps and it works well, MUCH better than supposedly more appropriately sized 4" body octopus NW it replaced). I would definately get the 180 if I could find one. I'd even take a regular extreme 160 (non cone with sicce pump) you were considering earlier over the 160 cone for a 120g. thats not to say its better but it can handle a bigger tank for sure.

[Dyraxe]

I would agree the SWC 180 cone is > then the 160 cone. If you can't find a 180, I think I would buy the 160 cone even still for a 120g tank. Many people use this skimmer on larger systems even Luke the main seller uses a 160 cone on a 130g tank. It has plenty cowbell to handle it IMO.

[GPhiAce]

Thank you for all the input. I like the SRO 2000sss and the SWC 180. I think I may end up with one of those, unless convinced otherwise.

[Burr Ridge Fish]

I have had the BM 200 since they came out, it will handle your tank size no problem. And its very quiet. Bought it after receiving pricing to replace 2 pumps on the deltec it replaced, and have not looked at another skimmer since. Makes dark nasty brown nog no maintaince besides replacing the mesh every once in a while.

[hottuna]

Bm200p if you get a larger sump area..My friend has one & it kills !!
I have the bm150 pro & love it also...