Skimmer recommendation for ~100-120 gallon system

[Martini5788]

I have made some pretty awful equipment choices for the past 6 months so I am trying to set this up corrwctly. I need to find a skimmer that will be able to handle a medium-high bioload with a total system volume of 100-120 gallons. I also need for it to be able to fit in a 20l aquarium sump. Any help is appreciated. I really need to limit my budget for this to around $200, which makes it a lot more difficult

[Martini5788]

I am trying to decide between eschopps s-200, bubble magus curve 7, and aqua maxx come s-1

[rEeFnWrX]

If you can, I'd recommend waiting and saving up for a better skimmer... Don't cut corners...

[Tyler.L]

Octopus Classic 150 Int

[Martini5788]

If you can, I'd recommend waiting and saving up for a better skimmer... Don't cut corners...


My absolute Max is $300. I have already spent way more than I intended to and this really is my budget. Also, I say that it is a medium to heavy bioload, but what the system needs to be able to handle is 2 chromis, valentini puffer, starry blenny, tail spot blenny, pair of percula clowns, royal gramma, golden dwarf moray, a future flame angel or coral beauty, and a mantis shrimp.

[Martini5788]

Octopus Classic 150 Int


I don't think it will fit in the 20 long based on the footprint I found online

[Martini5788]

Also thinking about a coral box dc 500

[zooman72]

I am trying to decide between eschopps s-200, bubble magus curve 7, and aqua maxx come s-1



All acceptable skimmers - I run an Eshopps S-120 and three BM Curve 5's, and the Eshopps might have a tiny bit of an advantage over the Curves. I have not personally used an AquaMaxx, but they seem to get very good reviews...

[mitch91175]

If you can, I'd recommend waiting and saving up for a better skimmer... Don't cut corners...

Please listen to this advice. So many hobbyist leave because they cannot seem to get a system to function the way they envision. There are certain parts of a salt water system that you can get away with cutting corners and the skimmer is one in my opinion that you shouldn't.

You will likely end up spending the $300 that you budgeted and not get the results you need and end up spending another $500 on a better skimmer. Just my $0.02.

I went with a Vertex Aplha 250 for my setup and could not be happier. Besides an additional $150 should not be too much to add to your $300 to get you a better skimmer. Here is a link to BRS for skimmers rated in you tank size: http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/protein-skimmers/internal-protein-skimmers.html?cat=287&skmr_tank_rating=554

[Martini5788]

I am not going to be getting sps or anything like that. While I understand that a lot of people on here can spend $500 or so on a skimmer but I can't. I have been running my 69 gallon display with a Aqua c remora for 6 months and have done fine with that. Everyone's budget is different, and that doesn't mean that it is wrong. Currently I only have fish, and while I might add a few softies down the line when I get better lighting, I might not because my husband is in the navy and we will probably be moving in a year and a half. Which is also the reason that I don't want to spend a ton of money on this stuff, because not everything will survive the moves.

[saltwatersmac]

My choice is the aquamaxx em200. Compact footprint and can be picked up for under $300 if you catch a sale. This skimmer is perfect for my 120
Forgot to add it is very quiet...makes less noise than my eheim 1260 return pump

[Martini5788]

I really like that aqua maxx em200. I found one at affordable aquatic, but I have never heard of that website. Has anyone used them before?

[mypepper]

I've been using my Aqua-C EV180 for years on my 90 gallon reef. It's older technology, but skims like there is no tomorrow.

When I clean the collect cup with the nasty skim-mate, my wife will say, "get the bathroom spray". It does smell that bad. Even my two golden retrievers will walk into the kitchen and wonder what that gross smell is.

There are so many excellent skimmers out in that market today, it's very difficult to decide on which one is the best.

With the newer cone version skimmers out in the market today, the foot print area is much more doable to place directly in the sump.

Good luck and I'm sure you'll make the right decision,
Randy

[bayoupr]

I really like that aqua maxx em200. I found one at affordable aquatic, but I have never heard of that website. Has anyone used them before?

Don't buy from them. I bought a reactor from them about 8 months ago and never heard from them after that. I disputed the charge and was refunded from Amex even though they couldn't get in contact with these people.

[Martini5788]

Ok will not order from them. I will put that on the ban list:). Thanks for letting me know!

[Martini5788]

What are the thoughts on the RO 160 int space saver?

[GoldeneyeRet]

Are you looking at used skimmers? IMO shopping for used is the best way to save money in this hobby and you can still have the quality you need.

Best of luck.

[azjohnny]

Aquamaxx Cone would be good for your application
http://www.marinedepot.com/AquaMaxx_ConeS_In_Sump_Protein_Skimmer_In_Sump_Venturi_Needle_Wheel_Protein_Skimmers-AquaMaxx-UJ00154-FIPSISNW-vi.html

[Martini5788]

Are you looking at used skimmers? IMO shopping for used is the best way to save money in this hobby and you can still have the quality you need.



Best of luck.


I am looking at used as well as new. I have a question about used though, is there a used for time limit on what I should purchase? Like used for more than 6 months then pass on it, etc. also does buying it used void any warranty? Because that would be discouraging for me

[azjohnny]

With a used skimmer I would be most concerned with the pump, I have bought Euro Reef skimmers in the past which were over 5 yrs old and got good results, depends on the brand

You will get no warranty if you buy a used skimmer

[Martini5788]

With a used skimmer I would be most concerned with the pump, I have bought Euro Reef skimmers in the past which were over 5 yrs old and got good results, depends on the brand

You will get no warranty if you buy a used skimmer


Yeah that's what I thought. Just wanted to make sure. Which makes me think even more about buying new

[Spectral_Ranger]

Aquamaxx Cone would be good for your application
http://www.marinedepot.com/AquaMaxx_ConeS_In_Sump_Protein_Skimmer_In_Sump_Venturi_Needle_Wheel_Protein_Skimmers-AquaMaxx-UJ00154-FIPSISNW-vi.html

If interested in AquaMaxx, I'd recommend going with JNS skimmers. My understanding is that JNS is the actual manufacturer, and AquaMaxx slaps their brand on it when they import it (and tack on some extra cost). You can get JMS skimmers from Big Al's, and it's the EXACT same thing (sans logo). Just got my JNS CO-1 cone skimmer from Big Al's and couldn't be happier.

[Martini5788]

They sure look identical. I am looking at the aquamaxx em200 and it looks similar to this one http://www.bigalspets.com/u-series-in-sump-protein-skimmer-u-2.html

Are they the same thing?

[Martini5788]

If interested in AquaMaxx, I'd recommend going with JNS skimmers. My understanding is that JNS is the actual manufacturer, and AquaMaxx slaps their brand on it when they import it (and tack on some extra cost). You can get JMS skimmers from Big Al's, and it's the EXACT same thing (sans logo). Just got my JNS CO-1 cone skimmer from Big Al's and couldn't be happier.

What size tank and bioload are you using the cone -1 on? I really like those also because the pump is not inside the skimmer and that seems like it would be a lot easier to maintain

[saltwatersmac]

The jns u2 and the aquamaxx em200 are the same thing.

[Martini5788]

Went with the Jps u-2. Thanks everyone!!

[saltwatersmac]

You will be happy...it's not too bad to remove the pump for maintenance

[Martini5788]

I'm just glad I finally made
A good choice on equipment. I hope. Fingers crossed

[Martini5788]

Wow I just put together my new jns skimmer. And it is awesome. I am going to have to check and make sure it is running. It is completely silent. Breaking it in on my qt tank right now, have to get the other system set up for it, which should be next week. Very very happy so far, hopefully tha continues!!

[Scubaken]

The JNS equipment is very well made, it's solid and has a great manufacturer support system, I have the u4 and its a monster too.
I also bought the omega bio wheel last year and dropped it out of the box, I tried to glue, weld and a whole other list of things but couldn't get it to seal, I spoke to JNS on line who just sent me a new collar at zero cost, postage or handling. I have never had free from any other company before, always comes with "you pay the shipping"

[sra_chipmunk]

Can you post a pic of your new setup? I'm in the same boat as you were and looking for a skimmer as well.

[Martini5788]

Currently I have the skimmer breaking in on my qt, but
I can take a picture of it for you. It is going in once I combine both of my tanks and I am getting the rest of the plumbing in for it on Tuesday, so it isn't in the regular setup yet. But it will fit perfectly in the 20 long that will be my sump

[Martini5788]

I can say that I was worried before I got it about taking it apart to clean, but not anymore. Very well made, sturdy, quiet, and pretty much foolproof

[Martini5788]

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/04/11/8a76aa419d335d72a0e099021b01ab8d.jpghttp://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/04/11/d0b8b96747df537f5f49e3b86247a11e.jpg

[wildman926]

You will be very happy you purchased this skimmer. Here is mine on my 90g -

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s86/wildman926/Aquariums/New%2090G/F9393780-6455-4D83-999B-A1752BFEEA2B_zpsl99exrtm.jpg