Skimmer for 180

[wtildens]

Ok, i know there are hundreds of post on this subject. Ive tried to search and there is so much!!

anyway, i'm setting up a 180, might end up with a heavy bio load, atleast i want a skimmer that can handle it, just in case.

500$ give or take,

suggestions?

[ReachTheSky]

Reef Octopus SRO 3000

[wtildens]

i do like RO, but what about noise? How are the Diablo's? is the SRO better?

[ReachTheSky]

The Diablo series are good skimmers but their Sicce pumps are not nearly as quiet or efficient as the SRO series Bubble Blaster.

[jschultzbass]

I also use an SRO-3000INT and really like it. Best bang for your buck.

[wtildens]

ok, quick google and it looks like 500$ anyplace have a better deal on them?

[downbeach]

I just purchased a Bubble Magus CS-180(HERO) a few month's ago, and am very impressed with it. It has a Sicce PSK1000 pump, and is very quiet. For $300 I don't see how you could go wrong. I have a mixed reef 180 w/40 gal sump, and run bio-pellets, so my load is on the high side.

[wtildens]

BM or RO, 300 or 500? are there any benefits with the RO, i mean does it work better?

[juice79]

I use an SRO 3000INT on my 175 and have had great success. I have a heavy bio load and feed alot as well. The Non XP model can be found for right around $500 new online

[jschultzbass]

The bubble blaster pump is a better pump then the Sicce. Most of the price difference of a skimmer in this price range is in the pump.

[gewehermeister]

I run a skimz on my 150 (200total) and it is awsome. I believe it is a 161 e series. After switching from an etss800 it stripped every bit of alge and has kept it that way for a year now under 2 400w halides. I have 8 3-4in anthias 2 same size clowns 2 6in zebra bar gobies 1bluefin angle 2 mandarins and a 2.5in sixline fed all day multiple times probably avg of 4-6 times per day as well as phyto etc. I would definitely recommend. Also in your price range.

[downbeach]

BM or RO, 300 or 500? are there any benefits with the RO, i mean does it work better?

I think the BB pumps are a bit better than the Sicce, but the Sicce is a good pump, and RO must have some faith in them since the use them on their "Diablo" series of skimmers. If I was going to spend the $500 on a skimmer, and had enough head room in my cabinet for it, I probably would have purchased one of the new RO Open Volute skimmers (http://coralvue.com/pro-openvolute-protein-skimmer/). I don't think you can go wrong with either skimmer, it's just a matter of economics.

[wildman926]

The RO Open Volute skimmers are good, for a fish only tank IMHO.

But if you are going to run a biopellet reactor, or inject ozone, there is no way to directly inject the effluent of the biopellet reactor or ozone into the skimmer. That is a major flaw with that skimmer since it pulls water from the bottom of the base.

I would go with a SRO 3000, or the new Aquamaxx EM200. The Aquamxx is rated to 240g, and has a small footprint.

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s86/wildman926/Aquariums/New%20Aquamax%20Skimmers/AquaMaxxEcoMaxxEM200_zps9ce8638f.jpg

[wtildens]

Thanks for the input everyone. I think i'm going with the SRC3000.