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View Full Version : What skimmer for about 1000$

Pete_the_Puma
02/20/2016, 08:20 PM
Hi all,


I'm in the early stages of planning a bigger tank. So far I have decided on about 310G tank with roughly 100G in the sump for a total water volume of about 400g.

I'm shopping around for skimmers and cannot quite make up my mind. I do not think there are HUGE differences in performance at this price point but I could be wrong.

So if you had about 1000$ to spend on a skimmer for a 300+100 Gal SPS system which would you buy?


So far I'm debating between:

- Splurging for a BubbleKing 250 Double cone (slightly over 1000 I know)
- Deltec SC2061
- Something cheaper like SKIMZ Monster SM253


What would you guys go for?
Drae
02/20/2016, 08:31 PM
Jns sk5 for $700. Or the aquamaxx cones co5 the aquamaxx comes with an askoll block pump now. Beast!
USC-fan
02/20/2016, 08:36 PM
Jns sk5 for $700. Or the aquamaxx cones co5

Yeah those are nice skimmers with a proven pump.
Drae
02/20/2016, 08:41 PM
Yeah those are nice skimmers with a proven pump.

They come with the askoll pumps now. Just found this out. A buddy has one with the sicce shark 5 but they just got better imo.
USC-fan
02/20/2016, 08:44 PM
They come with the askoll pumps now. Just found this out. A buddy has one with the sicce shark 5 but they just got better imo.

Yep that is what i meant. askoll block is what the BK and atb have used for years. Anything not DC from them is askoll from i believe.
Pete_the_Puma
02/20/2016, 08:52 PM
Have to say the Aquamaax ConeS Co5 looks like a beast, reading reviews.
fishkid6692
02/20/2016, 09:01 PM
I've had the bubble king mini 180 and seen a buddy's BK 250 in action. These are the best skimmers on the market IMHO. You won't be disappointed.
bayoupr
02/20/2016, 09:06 PM
If I had a $1000 to spend on a skimmer, Lifereef 60" or a MTC 60" Venturi. Nice and tall, lots of contact. But, that's me.
ca1ore
02/20/2016, 09:16 PM
If I had a $1000 to spend on a skimmer, Lifereef 60" or a MTC 60" Venturi. Nice and tall, lots of contact. But, that's me.

..... me as well ......
Pete_the_Puma
02/21/2016, 03:03 PM
Don't think I have the vertical real estate for a 60 inch tall skimmer
SinCityReefer
02/21/2016, 03:14 PM
+ 1 to a big Lifereef!
mikeatjac
02/21/2016, 03:25 PM
The DC 250s that I have seen are a beast. Now that they are a sponsor and Scott gives his input on setting up you will have a great skimmer.
biecacka
02/21/2016, 03:45 PM
I love my DC200....

Corey
Drae
02/21/2016, 04:00 PM
I can't argue about the taller venturi skimmer or the bk's if you have the room and the funds. All of the above are monsters! The skimmers I suggested will more than get the job done and you'll save space and money and at the end of the day it's a quality unit with a proven Italian pump. Just food for thought.
biecacka
02/21/2016, 04:25 PM
How heavy is your bioload? Feeding? That will play a large role as will sizing the skimmer for you display size only. Not worrying about The sump size. Depending on bioload and feedings, DC200 could be a stretch but might do it. I run it on my 240 with 30 fish and it keeps up so easy. I dropped it into lower water to help me get more consistency out of it. If you don't have 40-50 fish and feed 4-7 cubes a day then the 200 might work....just a thought

Corey
tallreefguy
02/21/2016, 07:13 PM
I've been running an MRC Orca Pro skimmer on my 180g. Great build quality, great service from both Reeflo & MRC, and also a beast! No issues at all. None.
My Buddy runs a BK Supermarin and it's amazing. Very quiet & also reliable.
If I had to do it again, and internal, I'd go Bubble King.
Also, I used to have a Deltec TC 2060 I think it was, and it was okay until I had issues with it after a year. Would not buy again.
Reel North
02/21/2016, 09:03 PM
Lifereef. End of discussion.
tallreefguy
02/22/2016, 09:57 AM
I wonder what Klaus would say to LifeReef's sales pitch on their website:
http://www.lifereef.com/venturi.html
Drae
02/22/2016, 10:16 AM
I wonder what Klaus would say to LifeReef's sales pitch on their website:
http://www.lifereef.com/venturi.html

That's exactly what those statements are... a sales pitch. Not saying the lifereef skimmers aren't great I'm just saying there's some statements in there I don't agree with. He also mentions bio balls so how long ago was that written? Needle wheel skimmers have come a long way in the past 7-8 years. More emphasis to balance. I've had and seen needle wheel skimmers perform every bit as well and consistent as any other method. I've even seen huge atb skimmers skimming public aquariums where they had the room for tall down draft or venturi skimmers. Just saying.
Cabo2008
02/22/2016, 11:48 AM
I'd say Lifereef. You could get a 36" tall skimmer that would handle your tank nicely I think.
USC-fan
02/22/2016, 12:05 PM
I wonder what Klaus would say to LifeReef's sales pitch on their website:
http://www.lifereef.com/venturi.html

Its a joke. Look at the tank of the month how many years do you have to go back to find one not running a nw skimmer? Its not even a debate nw skimmer work great.
Reefermatt3
02/22/2016, 12:26 PM
Take a look at this.
http://www.atb-usa.com/product-p/atb1050.htm
AZRippster
02/22/2016, 12:32 PM
If I had a $1000 to spend on a skimmer, Lifereef 60" or a MTC 60" Venturi. Nice and tall, lots of contact. But, that's me.

Yep, that's the ticket.
Klaus Jansen
02/22/2016, 12:48 PM
I wonder what Klaus would say to LifeReef's sales pitch on their website:
http://www.lifereef.com/venturi.html


I would say that I have rarely seen so funny commercial advertising :beer:

best regards ... Klaus
Harry_Y
02/22/2016, 01:19 PM
I went Lifereef and have been very pleased with it
bayoupr
02/22/2016, 01:28 PM
Its a joke. Look at the tank of the month how many years do you have to go back to find one not running a nw skimmer? Its not even a debate nw skimmer work great.

Have you ever run a Lifereef or equal like a MTC venturi skimmer. If not, then don't judge them or laugh at them, you will be surprise as to how effective these skimmers are.
biecacka
02/22/2016, 02:00 PM
I would say that I have rarely seen so funny commercial advertising :beer:

best regards ... Klaus

Thats what he would say!!!:lolspin::lolspin::eek1:


corey
ca1ore
02/22/2016, 03:18 PM
I've done some research and found that the vast majority of tanks that don't win TotM use needle wheel skimmers. Wowza .......
JaySchulz
02/22/2016, 03:44 PM
Im in the same boat right now. Im pretty set on getting a recirculating protein skimmer and placing it in the sump. Ive been looking at the
- Reef Octopus 12" Regal 300 EXT Recirculating
- Skimz Monster SM302 EXT
- My Reef Creations MR-3R
I'd love an external Bubble King but I can't see paying double the price for one.
gcarroll
02/22/2016, 04:40 PM
i've done some research and found that the vast majority of tanks that don't win totm use needle wheel skimmers. Wowza .......lol!!!
tallreefguy
02/22/2016, 08:44 PM
Have you ever run a Lifereef or equal like a MTC venturi skimmer. If not, then don't judge them or laugh at them, you will be surprise as to how effective these skimmers are.

I don't think anyone, anyone, is laughing at them. They seem to come highly recommended. I just find their sales pitch on the website biased.
tallreefguy
02/22/2016, 09:48 PM
Im in the same boat right now. Im pretty set on getting a recirculating protein skimmer and placing it in the sump. Ive been looking at the
- Reef Octopus 12" Regal 300 EXT Recirculating
- Skimz Monster SM302 EXT
- My Reef Creations MR-3R
I'd love an external Bubble King but I can't see paying double the price for one.


So, from doing some research on DC pumps, I would not get the Regal 300 - my lfs has said almost every DC pump he has installed has failed within 2 years. Some googling led me to the same conclusion.
Not sure what pump the Skimz uses, but if it's a Sicce, then it's worthwhile.
MRC always makes good stuff.

But yes, Bubble King is pricey, but it's all German-made quality that lasts, and Royal Exclusiv does a lot of research on skimmers. So you're paying for efficiency, low power, german quality, and a proven piece of equipment.
Drae
02/22/2016, 11:03 PM
Bubble king is my personal favorite but they're so pricey. The price of the aquamaxx cone co5 is pretty decent. Now they're coming with the askoll pump as well. You really should consider this skimmer. You can get a full apex controller and the co5 for the price of the Bubble king... it just makes sense to me. Jmo
azjohnny
02/23/2016, 09:32 AM
I am sold on venturi driven skimmers ( Life Reef and MTC), i have used various skimmers in the past including Beckett and Pin Wheel

3 things I like about them is they are a simple design, are very stable and a specialized pump is not needed

IMO my price limit for a skimmer is $750. No matter how expensive a skimmer is it only removes about 30% of dissolved organics.

For the OP I would go with a moderately priced skimmer and an Algae Turf Scrubber
Drae
02/23/2016, 11:12 AM
I am sold on venturi driven skimmers ( Life Reef and MTC), i have used various skimmers in the past including Beckett and Pin Wheel

3 things I like about them is they are a simple design, are very stable and a specialized pump is not needed

IMO my price limit for a skimmer is $750. No matter how expensive a skimmer is it only removes about 30% of dissolved organics.

For the OP I would go with a moderately priced skimmer and an Algae Turf Scrubber

This is excellent advice.^^^^
Harry_Y
02/23/2016, 01:14 PM
I would suggest Lifereef as well, They are built quite well and pretty much set and forget.
tom obrecht
02/23/2016, 04:58 PM
Personally I like ATB. Solidly built much like BK and silent running.
solitude127
02/23/2016, 05:08 PM
For $1000, I would get an ATB. If your budget were a little higher, I'd get a BK. I personally like my ATB. Very solid skimmer.
In the end, every one will defend their brand skimmer, that their brand skims better, that their brand is silent, that there brand is etc etc.. Kind of like what I'm doing. :) But in the end it's a $1000 decision
Is there any chance you have reefers in your area to help you decide amongst the ones mentioned here?