Protien Skimmer guidance (and rant)

2

20nascar

The past month I have put quite a bit of money and time into my tank. I am not going to list everything but it was needed and/or wanted. Before I started all of this I saw that my Bullet 3 was leaking at the base. I noticed today that there are a lot of micro bubbles in my display. I think they are a result of my return pump being larger and the refugium flow being faster than it was before and the skimmer leak is now larger allowing micro bubbles out which are going straight through the fuge and being they are so smal the bubble traps are not catching them very well. I have decided that I will most likely replace the skimmer but need the smallest footprint I can get because the way my stand is built. (Not much forethought on getting stuff in and out of there...bigger not always better. :?

Any suggestions for a skimmer for a 200G with 100G sump? (best guess 200-225 gallons of water in the system.
 
@derek4real wrote:
I use a [url=http://www.bermudaaquatics.com/3C.htm]Bermuda Skimmer BPS-3C[/url] It does have a small footprint. I would suggest the [url=http://www.bermudaaquatics.com/5C.htm]Bermuda Skimmer BPS-5C[/url]. I should also let you know it does not include the pump. said:
I use the Berm. BPS-3C as well. Great skimmer. Rated to 300g.
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octopus extreme 250 or 300 depending on bioload you have.
 
i would also look at DAS they are a poormans deltec...they pretty much copy deltecs design.
 
@20nascar wrote:
Thanx y'all. I will look at those and see what's out there. THe space getting it into my sump is the trick. said:
What dimensions are available??? There are a few smaller footprint larger capacity ones I would recommend and more importantly what is your budget on this?
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Okay so I think I am just about set on a Octopus Extreme 300. Does anyone know where I can find an actual dimensions of the skimmer. Particularly the collection cup. (I told you it was tight) :)
 
@20nascar wrote:
Okay so I think I am just about set on a Octopus Extreme 300. Does anyone know where I can find an actual dimensions of the skimmer. Particularly the collection cup. (I told you it was tight) :) said:
Footprint is 13 x 17"... Body is 12" so the cup is 12" diameter. Total height is 25" so you'll want about 30" clearance over all. Don't forget that you'll need about 8" or 9" of water under that pump... so factor that into your spacing decision.

I'd actually recommend the 250 over the 300 to you, the 300 is rated up to 365G heavy bioload. The 250 is 315 and is cheaper its footprint is 12.5 by 14 so you get some additional wiggle room.

http://www.marinesolutionsinc.com/catalog/Protein-Skimmers-MSX-Skimmers/c22_48/p133/MSX250/product_info.html
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Okay DaveJ, It looks like the MSX and Octopus are the same designs with a better price for the MSX. Is there a plus to going with the Octopus over the MSX and vice versa?

You also suggested the 250 over the 300. If these are in fact the same design then the ratings are a little different. MSX being rated higher. I know some manufacturers inflate the ratings and I would rather be in the middle to the max rather than the upper end of the max rating. I have a high bioload and want to make sure I don't skimp here.

Also the MSX has an extended Collection cup available. Do you happen to know the over height of the extend cup itself? I like the idea of the height increase. I have plenty ov height inside my stand. The problem is getting it in there and I have resolved that I will have to pull my fuge out a little to drop it in anyway. (thought you may have one since you suggested this skimmer)

All of your input is greatly appreciated!
 
@20nascar wrote:
Okay DaveJ said:
They are almost identical... the MSX is the original, the other the 'copy'. I think they are even made by the same chinese manufacturer. The differences are slight and don't quote me on these, but I am fairly sure the following is accurate.

MSX - Mesh standard/Pinwheel Option
Octo - Pinwheel standard/Mesh Option

Mesh is more efficient skimming, more will be pulled thus the higher rating. I think Octo changed the volute too.

I have no clue about the extended collection cup option, thats new since last I looked but it appears to offer you more options with the skimmate, wetter/drier etc and a longer reaction time so you get more gunk out. If you have the room and don't mind paying for it, that might be a good option.

I do own the MSX160 on my 92 LPS tank. I like it a lot. I will say that you will want to replace the venturi hose to vinyl or a heavier duty latex because the one that come with it is really flimsy. Thats like .50 to do so its no big deal, takes 3 mins. The other thing on the mesh is you may need to trim it up some when you get it. I had to trim mine to get it to restart without a problem. Took 10-15 minutes and hasn't had a problem since. The other thing is that the drain on the cup does not come with a hose line so you'll need to add that on too. Took 30 secs and about 5 inch of vynil plus I put one the RO/DI gate valves on it.

Mesh vs Pinwheel... Mesh creates more bubbles so it skims better, but has to be cleaned/replaced occasionally. Its easy, just get the mesh material and use zipties to secure it and trim down, but it is something you do have to do. Pinwheel is less efficient but maint. free unless it breaks.

About the only thing I don't like about the skimmer and this wouldn't stop me from buying another, is the slip in cup. I would prefer a screw or twist/lock type connection but I have seen far worse like the big screw down Euroreef used to have and the ATI bubble master that just sits on top and leaks a little.
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@20nascar wrote:
You sir (DaveJ) are a gentleman and a scholar. Thank you for all of you help. MSX it is. :D said:
Cool.. hope you like it... and don't NOT buy the bigger one. If you have room for it, nothing wrong with a slightly larger skimmer. Its not like you are putting it on a 100G tank. But you said size was a big factor.... if you can fit the other one in with enough room to operate around it and such and you feel comfy dropping the extra $ on it, then there is nothing wrong with that option either.

Let us know how it works out for you with photos please :)
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one difference is that octopus has a longer warranty than msx

the extended cup runs about 3 1/2 inches higher than the original cup. I run it on my octopus 250
 
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