View Full Version : Skimmer opinion
Vorog
02/09/2016, 09:06 AM
I am upgrading tanks (75 gallon, I'll have a small bioload at first. But I'm sure in the future I'll get more fish) and looking at a few skimmer options. I have a bubble magus now and it does well. I was thinking about getting a bigger one but I'm not too far off from getting something of better quality. Just seeing what you guys think? And if you have one of these why you like it. Thanks
Vertex omega 150
Reef life support R6i
Skimz sm161, or sm 143
Eshopps s-150
Swc-160
Or a reef octopus 152-s
If you like the bubble magus look at sea side aquatics cs1 or cs6. Same as bubble magus but they come with sicce pumps. The rlss comes with a Chinese DC pump so I'd personally pass bit they are balanced skimmers that work well. Vertex omega skimmers aren't that great, built well but they are finicky. No experience with skimz. Personally I'd look at aquamaxx but there's other options that work. Eshopps are little work horses but they're built pretty cheap. I stay away from reef oc because of the Chinese made pumps. They're just not as good as sicce Italian made pumps. Jmo
Pablos RSM 450
02/09/2016, 09:21 AM
I am upgrading tanks (75 gallon, I'll have a small bioload at first. But I'm sure in the future I'll get more fish) and looking at a few skimmer options. I have a bubble magus now and it does well. I was thinking about getting a bigger one but I'm not too far off from getting something of better quality. Just seeing what you guys think? And if you have one of these why you like it. Thanks
Vertex omega 150
Reef life support R6i
Skimz sm161, or sm 143
Eshopps s-150
Swc-160
Or a reef octopus 152-s
RLSS R6i all the way!!!!
Here are vids of Vertex, Reef Octopus, RLSS, and Life Reef.
Reef Octopus
https://youtu.be/hhUmR4veLmM
Vertex
https://youtu.be/lfJJAxug3xo
RLSS
https://youtu.be/AGQoKCjil5U
Lifereef
https://youtu.be/lWgti-6HUIc
Vorog
02/09/2016, 11:10 AM
The bubble magus is a good skimmer, I thought about getting another one or the sea side (same thing). But I figure for the money might as well get something of quality that will last. And have consistent skimming. My BM I have to adjust a lot
Jeff4777
02/09/2016, 11:19 AM
You mention the Classic 152-S Protein Skimmer, I have the 202-S which is the same design just larger.
http://s22.postimg.org/z2r55xue9/20160208_222357.jpg (http://postimage.org/)
This skimmer has only been running for about 2 weeks in a fishless 230g system with only a bunch of inverts and corals. Seems to be pulling out a lot of junk already.
The bubble magus is a good skimmer, I thought about getting another one or the sea side (same thing). But I figure for the money might as well get something of quality that will last. And have consistent skimming. My BM I have to adjust a lot
Most skimmers in the $300 +/- range are going to be similar in quality... SIMILAR. The vertex is probably the best built in this range but if you constantly have to adjust it it's not worth it imo. The rlss is a great skimmer I just prefer the sicce pumps by far over the Chinese DC pumps. If it was me I'd get the aquamaxx q2 or co-2. Well built and the sicce shark is just about the best quality out there behind askoll blocks and anything bubble King makes. For the price and consistency they're my preference. Then atb, then bubble king.
d2mini
02/09/2016, 11:29 AM
24" Life Reef is a good one to add to your list.
Life Reef makes a very consistent skimmer with just a single adjustment. Set it once and you are good. It's hard to beat a good venturi skimmer.
Vorog
02/09/2016, 11:59 AM
Most skimmers in the $300 +/- range are going to be similar in quality... SIMILAR. The vertex is probably the best built in this range but if you constantly have to adjust it it's not worth it imo. The rlss is a great skimmer I just prefer the sicce pumps by far over the Chinese DC pumps. If it was me I'd get the aquamaxx q2 or co-2. Well built and the sicce shark is just about the best quality out there behind askoll blocks and anything bubble King makes. For the price and consistency they're my preference. Then atb, then bubble king.
I like the aquamaxx q2, I don't know if it's too much for a 75 gallon though. The co-2 looks kinda small
Pablos RSM 450
02/09/2016, 12:13 PM
I like the aquamaxx q2, I don't know if it's too much for a 75 gallon though. The co-2 looks kinda small
As stated before stay away from Vertex. The 150 would be way to big for your aquarium. Stay with a skimmer that is recommended for your aquarium size, it is suggested to go 1 size bigger. There is such a thing as to big. An over sized skimmer will constantly overflow.
raybyrne67
02/09/2016, 01:05 PM
I'm running a vertex 130 on a 75 mixed reef and have to say that it is hard to dial in. I had to add a restrictor from a cobalt power head into the air inlet to restrict the airflow. Even though it works great now I cannot recommend this skimmer. I personally would go with the aquamaxx rated for your tank.
24" Life Reef is a good one to add to your list.
Life Reef makes a very consistent skimmer with just a single adjustment. Set it once and you are good. It's hard to beat a good venturi skimmer.
I'd have to agree with this just on the fact that you can use any brand pump you want and EVERYONE who uses these swear by them. I've contemplated pairing one of these with a fluval sp or sicce pump myself. We shall see on my next build. ;)
NyReefNoob
02/09/2016, 05:15 PM
it is suggested to go 1 size bigger. There is such a thing as to big. An over sized skimmer will constantly overflow.
and oversized skimmer will not constantl yoverflow, an over sized skimmer will produce sporactically and not run consistant. personally if you have it to spend a atb 840 would be my choice
these will all do the job as well and be around right size also pending how you stock the tank
Vertex Omega 130 Protein Skimmer
Bubble Magus Curve 5 Protein Skimmer
SKIMZ SK 181 Kone E-Series In-Sump
SKIMZ SM 161 Monzter E-Series
garwood
02/09/2016, 05:21 PM
sro 1000 with bb pump would be good fit
Pablos RSM 450
02/09/2016, 07:56 PM
and oversized skimmer will not constantl yoverflow, an over sized skimmer will produce sporactically and not run consistant. personally if you have it to spend a atb 840 would be my choice
these will all do the job as well and be around right size also pending how you stock the tank
Vertex Omega 130 Protein Skimmer
Bubble Magus Curve 5 Protein Skimmer
SKIMZ SK 181 Kone E-Series In-Sump
SKIMZ SM 161 Monzter E-Series
I speak of the oversized skimmer overflowing from personal experience as you stated it will skim sporatically and not constant so when it would start skimming it would overflow.
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