Coralife 220g super skimmer any good?

[xenon]

My buddy told me they work well haning on the back but not so good in the sump.

I have 60g tank and 30g sump and said to get the 220g version since they are over rated.

He recomends an octopus skimmer instead.

Is this good advice?

Thanks

[sir_dudeguy]

imo it would be the other way around...at least thats how my css 65 was...same thing just smaller as far as i know...worked better in sump. CSS's are overrated yes, but so are all other skimmers...never max out a skimmer by putting it on a tank that is say 75 gallons when the skimmer is only rated to 75 gallons...you know what i mean?

[xenon]

Yes I do. :)

I wanted to buy the 125g version skimmer but he said I NEED the 220g and since its only a small price jump its worth it.

[xenon]

Are there better skimmers for the same money as the 220g Coralife super skimmer?

Are there any studies on what skimmers are best? I am not looking for opinions, just facts.

[bkbailes07]

i dont know of any studies but i know that Deltec makes the best hang on skimmers out there but are quite expensive. from what i know the CSS220 is a pretty good skimmer for the price.

[xenon]

I am looking for the best sump based skimmer that is the same price as the 220g Coralife SS.

But there is no scientific data to prove one is better than the other. I was hoping ppl on this forum that have owned a SS before could chime-in.

[sir_dudeguy]

i got the 65...i dont like it. It is way too tricky to adjust and get the water to the right level inside the riser tube. I've only tried one other skimmer besides that tho (aqua c remora) so i cant really suggest any larger ones, srry.

[xenon]

I apreciate the feedback dudeguy.

Anybody else ever use a SS?

[mdisalvo55]

Yea, I had the 125, it worked decently well for the price. The main drawback was that it was almost impossible to adjust it right and get the bubbles to a constant level in the skimmer. If the water raised or lowered the slightest bit it could go crazy and wetskim or just stop skimming. I wouldn't recommend it.

[cristhiam]

I have the CSS 125 for 4 weeks, I have it set up hang on, for the money it's pretty good the first couple of weeks pulled about 1/2 a gallon of nasty stuff, the water level/bubbles can be adjusted/controlled better by putting an air valve.

I know it's not a lot of time yet but I have not had to adjust it for 7 days since I installed the air valve. Also an automatic top off system should be in place to deal with evaporation/water level issues.

Here is a whole thread about it, split numerous times. IMO I would get the 220 if you have space for it.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=694835

[cmgarcia]

I have been using a CSS 220 in my sump for about 6 weeks. I am very happy with the unit and it has produced very well after a short break-in period. I don't have any issues setting the water level. The unit natuarally reacts to different water conditions but I have not experienced it going from dry foam to wet oveflow as others have described. Also, since I have it in the sump I discarded the "bubble diffuser" - one less sponge to clean. I would recommend the unit based on my experience to date.

Carlos

[xenon]

Damn I hate getting mixed reviews. :)

[sjm817]

If you have a sump, there are other/better choices. For the price of a CSS220, you could get a Euro-Reef RS-80 or Octopus NW150.

[xenon]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8778648#post8778648 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by sjm817
If you have a sump, there are other/better choices. For the price of a CSS220, you could get a Euro-Reef RS-80 or Octopus NW150.

Is this your opinion? Do you have experience with the CSS and the others you reccomended?

I just can't understand why skimmer A is better than skimmer B.

[xenon]

Also the Euro-Reef RS80 is 50$ more then the CSS and its only rated at 80gallons.

The CSS is rated at 220g.

[sjm817]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8778833#post8778833 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by xenon
Also the Euro-Reef RS80 is 50$ more then the CSS and its only rated at 80gallons.

The CSS is rated at 220g.
Throw ratings out the window. No way could a CSS220 even come close to skimming a 220G tank. Most skimmer "ratings" are total bunk. You can get an RS-80 for $180 which I think is what a CSS220 goes for (USA prices)

[xenon]

I hear ya on ratings. ****es me off.

I still can't see why brand A is bettet than Brand B.

There is absoluitely no specs to compare.

[sjm817]

Specs are not always listed. Body diameter and height, air draw are a couple of important ones.

[xenon]

Right.

I just find it funny that ppl say there are better choices for the money but they can't tell me why.

[sjm817]

The CSS has a reputation for being finicky (hard to dial in), and overflowing. It also has a weaker pump than the others.

[triggerman888]

I just got a a octopus nw150 for my 55 and so far it is amazing and has had no problems adjusting it.

[newreefbishop]

Personally one the CSS is broken it you shouldnt have problems...even when skimming dry within one week it gets a ridiculous amount of dark skimmate out of the water....