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View Full Version : Skimmers for small aquaculture systems


jake levi
03/16/2011, 06:06 AM
I am putting together several small systems of small tanks, from 150 to 200 gallons ea , a bit more counting the sumps. and looking for a concensus of skimmers effective for those size systems. Skimmers will be on the sumps after refugia, bio filters, and deep gravel filters. Some will also have UV .

So looking at up to 4 skimmers, to handle 150-200 gals each system. Going through my catalogs there are quite a number available, which ones are better and which ones dont do the job?

reeftivo
03/16/2011, 03:19 PM
Many options! Ask Mojo on the Skimmer Q&A thread. Whats your budget per skimmer?

goofball310
03/16/2011, 05:13 PM
for a system from 150-250ish i'd look for a used Reeflo Orca 200 w/ Pro cup. They pop up in the used forum from time to time for $400-$500. for the price i don't think you will find a better skimmer for that size system. if you're willing to spend more and don't have the room for an external skimmer there are many choices that you can look at...

Octorpus SRO-3000
Octopus XP-3000
BK Supermarin 200
Vertex Alpha 200
ATB 840
BK Cone 200

They all do their job, just not as well as we would like them to:

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2010/1/aafeature#section-3

jake levi
03/17/2011, 09:35 AM
Thanks, each system will have prefilter pads,refugia w/chaeto then the sump with the skimmer in or beside it. Like to keep it down to plus or minus $300 ea.

The only one that I have looked at so far is the Turboflotor 1000 multi. ~ $320.

goofball310
03/17/2011, 09:46 AM
If you're looking for a good sub $300 skimmer then you should look for a used Euro-Reef skimmer. You can usually find them for $150-250.

jake levi
03/17/2011, 09:51 AM
Reading the article linked above the Bubble King mini 160 seems to have the best numbers but is twice the cost of the Octopus.

Much to think about, will be pricing the Octopus line.

goofball310
03/17/2011, 09:53 AM
You can also look at ASM skimmers if you want to save some money. They are poorly made version of the Euro-Reef, but they get the job done.

jake levi
03/17/2011, 02:50 PM
Thanks I will, these might be overkill as I am planning an AST also for each.