whats your favorite skimmer under $400

[kevensquint]

Hello, I am not satissfied with my present skimmer and would like to know what is your favorite skimmer for smaller tanks and maybe a few points on why you like it. Thanks

[reefernutz]

First, I would look at a used skimmer......you can get a better quality skimmer for a substantial discount. Deltec, H&S and Reef Dynamics (formerly Euro-Reef) all make a great skimmer that has stood the test of time. I think cone skimmers are a fad - I haven't seen anything that shows they skim any better than cylinder skimmers. Downdraft skimmers have been proven to skim the best, but these take a lot of time to recover after feedings/solvents in the tank. A lot of these newer skimmers like Reef Octopus have recently changed designs so, while they work well now, you don't know how they are going to perform 3 years from now.

So, to make a long story longer - I would stick with proven quality like a Deltec AP600 or a Reef Dynamics recirc skimmer.

One last note - You will get a lot of opinions on here because everyone likes what they actually have. Read through Mojo's thread......he's done a lot of testing and can point you in the right direction.

[sneaton]

what skimmer do you have now? what size tank will it be on? i have a swc 160 cone and its been running 18 months with no isuues,and its silent....pulls so much gunk i have to clean every day or 2....i cant see anything pulling more

[tmc1313]

I'd have to go with Reef Octopus or SWC. I personally have been using a Reef Octopus SRO-3000int since last April and haven't had any issues.

[96slowbra]

watch the youtube videos of reefdynamics. i just got mine and i am sold

[jim.crunk]

By far the best skimmer I've had is my super reef octopus 2000int. I am quite sure that several other skimmers are just as good, but never had a skimmer in this class.

Good luck

[kevensquint]

Good input. I have had the hang-on deltec and found it was'nt worth the price so I'm seeing what the feedback is for non-luxury brand name skimmers. 50-180 gallon size

[rtparty]

http://www.elite-aquatics.net/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=24

I think he said it will be right around $390. He is a local guy and his stuff is awesome! He is building me a sump right now and I can't wait to get it hooked up to my tank.

[reefernutz]

Good input. I have had the hang-on deltec and found it was'nt worth the price so I'm seeing what the feedback is for non-luxury brand name skimmers. 50-180 gallon size

Which Deltec hang on did you have? I had the MCE600 and it kicked butt. Just curious.

[jim.crunk]

I'm guessing that is using his 8x4x12"H cone. It looks good, but I dont think you need to spend that much money for really good skimmers.

This looks good:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Super-Reef-Octopus-2000-Sump-Protein-Skimmer-/280804933742?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item416147406e#ht_1966wt_905

[solitude127]

I'm a big fan of seaside aquatics skimmer
http://www.saltysupply.com/Sea-Side-Aquatics-CS1-Skimmer-p/ssa1111.htm

[pardalis]

My vote is for the SWC 160. So far its the best iv'e used and way out performed my reef octopus.

[austin93]

Ive been pretty happy with my cadlights. Comes apart completely for easy skimming and silent. It pulls a lot of crud too. So far, 2 months, its been pretty consistent.

[E.intheC]

What size tank?
I'm surprised people are recommending SWC still, especially with the dirtbag owner/distributor... Not to mention most run atman pumps.

My favorite skimmer (and I've used a bunch) is the i-Tech 100. Second is my current skimmer- warner marine K2

[austin93]

What size tank?
I'm surprised people are recommending SWC still, especially with the dirtbag owner/distributor... Not to mention most run atman pumps.

My favorite skimmer (and I've used a bunch) is the i-Tech 100. Second is my current skimmer- warner marine K2

+1 We as a group cannot support those that choose to act as criminals. If you have it (swc product) then fine. I would not buy it new and I would not feel comfortable recommending their products. :thumbdown I will step down from my very high horse now.

[blackmarlin]

By far the best skimmer I've had is my super reef octopus 2000int. I am quite sure that several other skimmers are just as good, but never had a skimmer in this class.

Good luck

i agree reef octopus xp-2000

[docstomper]

Vertex in-180... No complaints! I love it and it does perfect on my 180! Built like a tank!

[James77]

Any of the octopus skimmers. I have a SRO and have been more than impressed with it.

[dustinc]

My favorite I've used is the Skimz line. Also really liked my Reef Octopus and my Deltec was pretty nice too. After that I'm not too impressed with anything else I've used.

[jbannick18]

My vote goes for the swc160 as well. It's a great skimmer and yea it does use an atman but if it breaks its only a $50 pump

[Saltwatercoral2]

I would go with the SRO line. if the pump is defective/ has a problem, there is a 3 year warranty on the pump, Cant beat that.

[moondoggy4]

I have not seen which size tank he has and what he wants to keep. Why spend 400 bucks on a skimmer when a 200 dollar might be a better match.

[ja4207]

SRO all the way.... Never met a unsatisfied Octo owner.

[sneaton]

dustin what do you think of the sk121 for a 60 frag tank

[JC VT]

Tunze 9410?

It's the one I've been eyeing as I plan my tank.

[ThaBeast]

I have used many different skimmers, current one is a Deltec ap702. My next skimmer will be reef dynamics for customer service reasons.

[Bababooy]

Tunze 9410?

It's the one I've been eyeing as I plan my tank.

Tunze 9410 is nice. The hydrofoamer pump is not very quiet though. Mine skims like a monster and I love the self cleaning design on the antifoam chamber outside the neck. But it ain't quiet! I've ran two different pumps on it too with the same audible results. I have mine shelved for now and I'm currently running a warner mf 121. Nice skimmer too and super quiet!

[regent2010]

skimz 180 cone is one of the best choice.

[markster33139]

Super Reef Octopus for me as well. I have a SRO-3000 INT on one tank, and a SRO-1000 INT on another. I am extremely pleased with the performance on both skimmers, especially after a feeding, and the speed of replies from Jeremy at CoralVue can't be beat.

[jhoff]

http://www.pacificeastaquaculture.com/Warner-Marine-MF-Kone-181-Skimmer-Prodview.html

[3Watt]

I'm going to catch a lot of guff for this but my favorite is Eshopps. And here's why.

When I got into the hobby 5 years ago I began with a RO 1000H. I never liked it so I replaced it with an Eshopps PSK-100H with the gen 2 pump.
Since then I've had other builds and have used Aqua C and RS Berlins but always go back to Eshopps.
The PSK is still going strong today. The Aqua C EV-180 sits in my storage room with a busted injector along side the RS Berlin which I found to hard to fine tune.
When I set up my 75 I went with an Eshopps S-120 cone instead of repairing the EV180.

[Alex T.]

I would look for a great used skimmer around $400 than a cheap, new skimmer around $400 any day. I would look for a proven design with a little wear than trying to find how much new skimmer I could get for that price. Most of your best skimmers are over that price, and there's always great deals in the sale and trade forum.

I'm not going to list brand names, because everyone has their favorites.

[aleonn]

I'd get an SRO. Always hear great things about their skimmer and customer service.

[reeftivo]

50-180 tank, i'd do a seaside aquatics CS1