Skimmer Upgrade Help

[VahanM]

I have a 50 gallon mixed reef that has been running for a few years now and I'm considering upgrading the skimmer. This is the skimmer I currently have in my 15g sump and I know it's not a very good one so I want to upgrade.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=4400

I've looked at a lot of skimmers but can't decide on the right upgrade so I wanted to get some opinions. My budget is about $200.

So in your opinion what's the best skimmer under $200 for a 50g tank?

[vhuang168]

Judging from the skimmer you have, you don't have a sump. I would look at Aquamaxx HOB or the Reef Octopus BH90

Vincent

[VahanM]

I actually do have a sump. The skimmer in the link is a HOB but the tube has been removed and it has been converted to an in-sump skimmer. I inherited the skimmer from a friend this way. It's in my sump.

[skimjim]

A skimmer is all about moving as many bubbles up the cone. Fish poop and unwanted nasties ride on the bubble surface and eventually make it into the collection cup.

The skimmer you listed is a very small 3.5 in diameter cone. With a tank your size you need a skimmer AT LEAST 6in diameter. Preferably 8in.

Brand new those sizes start in the $400 and go up.

You need, my friend, to shop for a well kept used one thru Craig's list. People are always getting OUT of the hobby. A good rule of thumb is a usedbpiece of reef equipment is worth about 30-60% of what was paid brand new.

Stick with a major brand and shoot for one that is 8in thick and is an INTERNAL sump skimmer, where it sits in the sump.

Again 8in diameter is going to give you a ton of bubbles travelling upwards.

When you buy thru Craig's list make sure:
1) the pump is working by turning it on underwater before you buy.

2) the main cone is not cracked and leaking in any way.

3) all the tubes and plumbing are there. Download the owners manual that shows a list of ALL parts.

[VahanM]

I looked at some skimmers on Marine Depot and the ones that have a 6-8" diameter cone are rated for 200 to 300 gallon aquariums. The description says it can be used for a 100g if there's a heavy demand for filtration. I'm sorry but I think that's overkill for a 50g aquarium.

Something that large won't even fit in my sump.

[tekjunkie28]

How about aquamaxx? I was looking at either the HOB or there other skimmers. And they are cheap too. The one I was looking at do me was only $140ish

[davocean]

Aquamaxx seems to be the it skimmer right now.
I just bought a C0-1 that upon receiving it decided it was too small for my 120g, but I will say it was decent quality in build, probably about right size for your tank, and they are on sale on marine depot right now.
You will probably see those and other previous Aquamaxx skimmers on sale right now on a lot of sites as they make room for the new Q series(Which is what I just exchanged that C0-1 for)
Reefoctopus also a great choice, many used out there.
I don't think an 8" diameter skimmer is needed for your size tank, the C0-1 at 6" should be plenty of skimmer for you.

[klondike4001]

Another option that is not overly expensive but very effective is the Eshopps S-120, it also has a rather small footprint and should help you out. Hope that helps.

[Xxero]

SCA-301 65 Gallon Protein Skimmer. $95 bucks and I Love it!

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=10020&pictureid=69937

http://www.scaquariums.com/product-p/sca-301.htm

[zpak]

Look into the Skimz line of skimmers, like the Skimz sn123 or look at the SCA-301 or 303 skimmer. Lots of good reviews on the SCA skimmer if you do a quick search. They are essentially bubble magus nac skimmer clones. I ran one on my 37 gallon with great results. My next purchase will be the skimz sn143 for my 75 gallon reef.

[zpak]

SCA-301 65 Gallon Protein Skimmer. $95 bucks and I Love it!

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=10020&pictureid=69937

http://www.scaquariums.com/product-p/sca-301.htm

Beat me to it!

[Xxero]

Beat me to it!

:jester:

I like the SCA skimmer a lot. It has a very compact footprint ( 4.25"L x 7"W x 17"H ) and by day 2 of set-up, it was pulling out dark green funk! It's stupid easy to dial in, and just as quiet as can be. $95 bucks and it was on my porch in 2 days. :bounce3:

[VahanM]

Thanks guys. Appreciate all the help.

[Spartanman22]

I would not go with an 8" skimmer on a 55. I'd stick with 4-6". Like others have mentioned the skimz sn123 and 143 seem to be good options. I have a 50 gallon SPS system and use the SCA. It is a good skimmer but I am currently looking to upgrade. I've been considering the aquamaxx, RLSS-6i, and BK double cone 180. Granted all those are oversized but I'll be jumping to a 100 gallon system in the next 6 months

[davocean]

I've seen a number of people around here ditching their sca's for one reason or another, they may be alright, but I think there are better choices for about the same or not much more money.

[codyreed29]

Buy a eshopps psk 100 or 150 they both are good enough.

They are 4 to 5 inch skimmers and will work for you no regrets.

I'm going to run my scale 301 on my 56 column till I can save some for an eshopps.

[vhuang168]

How big is your sump? I have a 50+g (total system volume) AIO and due to size restriction I picked the Cadlights PLS100 Elite. Nice build but I can already see dialing it in may become and issue. If I had the room, I would have gone with the Skimz SN123 or the Aquamaxx ConeS series.

[VahanM]

My tank is 50g and my sump is about 15g.

I think I'm gonna go with the Skimz SN123.