Small footprint but big power in-sump skimmer

[gawf4fun]

I'm grossly limited on footprint in both my stand and my sump, due to my tank being a 180 gallon Pentagon. I currently run a Deltec 1250 skimmer in my sump which seems to be doing a fine job, however there are a bunch of new space saver type internal skimmers on the market now, and like many reefer addicts, I'm always looking for something better. :dance:

So, I 'd like to know if anybody is aware of a small footprint skimmer that would kick butt in my sump, such that I don't have to modify my system dramatically. Here's the dimensions I am limited to:

Sump: 7.75" x 14"

My tank is a mixed reef with a good amount of leathers, LPS and several larger SPS colonies. My fish include a couple of 4-5" tangs, a 4" blue jaw trigger, 2 larger wrasses, a flame angel and several anthias. I don't know specifically, but I'd call it a medium bioload.

If you have familiarity with a strong skimmer that would fit these conditions as well as my size limitations please post them here. My budget is finite, but I don't mind spending a fair chunk of change for increased skimmer quality.

Thanks in advance for your help.

mark

[dancewithethan]

Yeah, that's quite a small footprint for a 180 Gs sump. Bubbble King Mini 180 would be my best option if you can get it in there. Base plate : 8.25" x 8.25" else, its smaller BK mini 160 (Base plate : 7.1" x 7.1") for sure will fit, however it rated 135 Gs max.

Other option would be custom made your new sump?
http://www.lifereef.com/custom.html

Good luck

[gawf4fun]

Thanks, Dancewithethan.

It is a small footprint that's true, but that's just the one section. The sump has a baffle area where I run a pellet reactor, and a return section in which I have my chiller feed pump (600 gph) and bulkhead for the return pump.

I'm going to send some specs to the Lifereef folks whose link you provided and see what they can do with my limited space available. I realize that a custom sump will allow for a healthier size skimmer section, I was just hoping to get feedback on the best in-sump skimmer that would fit my existing set-up. Tunze have the DOC 9020 that is rated for 528 gallons. But not too many folks seem to run it. I wonder why??

mark

[clittrell]

Have you looked at the octopus extreme 160? I have the old model but the new model has less plumbing. You may be able to make it fit. I love the skimmer! Here is the link...

http://www.aquacave.com/reef-octopus-extremebr-sx-160-protein-skimmer-brby-coralvue-3146.html

I know it says 8" but that may be a bit bigger than it really is. I can measure next time I have it out.

[Porcupinepuffer]

What about a sump buddy? http://www.superskimmer.com/SumpBuddy60.htm

If your water line stays constant, this should be awesome.

[t4zalews]

http://www.aquacave.com/bullet-2-protein-skimmerbr-by-precision-marine-501.html

If I had to deal with those dimensions I would look at these...I've read good reviews on them

[t4zalews]

my bad..i believe that is an exterior skimmer..not in sump

Look at the tunze skimmers...they look to have a small footprint

[gawf4fun]

Hey Porcupine, that ETSS sump buddy looks pretty good. I'll do some more investigations on the 60 model which would absolutely fit my sump and at a 400 gallon rating ought to skim my 180 pretty darn well. Thanks.

Any others guys???