Skimmer Options

S

Steven

Right now I have a AquaC EV-180 Skimmer driven with a Eheim 1262 pump. This takes up a lot of space in my sump and is always a pain to get the pump out to clean. Last week I dosed chemiclean and during the 24 hours I had the eheim off my tank was about 1 to 2 degrees cooler. I never get a lot of skimmate from this skimmer so either I don't have it tuned properly or it is oversized for my bioload.

Wondering what are my options to possibly go with a different skimmer that may have a smaller pump to reduce heat and make maintenance easier. Something that has the pump built in so the plumbing is efficient would be ideal.

Anyone have some suggestions?

Is this a good protein skimmer or too small.

My tank is 140 gallon with sump. I have multiple BTA's, mushroom polyps, gorgonians, 2 derasa clams, 1 maxima clam and 10 fish.

Thanks
 
I assume the "1400 gallon" is a typo and your tank is really a 140 gallon? :) If not, then your skimmer is woefully undersized. :)

There are plenty of options out there, but I specifically went with an Octopus Extreme skimmer because of its tiny footprint. I have the Octopus Extreme 160 on my 90g. The pump is below the skimmer body which saves quite a bit of space. The only problem is that it is taller (because the pump is underneath), so you need to make sure your sump and stand will accommodate it.

Unfortunately, I don't have any experience with the Marineland skimmer that you attached. Hopefully someone will chime in.
 
I was just reading up on the Marineland skimmer, and I'm starting to think it's a mediocre skimmer for the money. The skimmer body looks really narrow, and a wider body means more water, more bubbles, and better efficiency. The Reef Octopus (Extreme and non-Extreme models) have huge bodies. It also says that the Marineland skimmer comes with a Maxijet pump. The Reef Octopus Extremes come with Sicce pumps, which are awesome, albeit sometimes temperamental on restart.

I notice you're in The Colony. If you want to see the Extreme in action, feel free to stop by. I'm in Frisco off Lebanon Rd. Just let me know!
 
I think I will take your offer to check out the skimmer. I should have plenty of height since my aqua c is also 22" tall but I have it elevated about 4" in the sump. The water level in my skimmer area is 11" deep. I think I read somewhere the octopus works best in 6 to 10" of water so I may need to raise it some.

I PM you my contact info.
 
you might also look at the SWC xtreme cone 160. i have the 120 runing on my 72bowfront and its working like a dream. no sound and plenty of pull on it.
 
If I'm not mistaken, the SWC and Octopus skimmers are actually the same skimmers, made by the same manufacturer. But yes, both work very well, and are relatively inexpensive.
 
Joel,

Thanks for letting me see your setup and explaining everything about the skimmer. I'm on the hunt now for the best deal on the Octopus EX 160. So far That Pet Place is offering $25 off until May 2. I signed up for email promotions hoping they will throw something better my way.

I'll be selling my Aqua C 180 w/ Eheim 1262 when I get the new skimmer so watch out for that if you were thinking about getting an Aqua C.

Joel has a very nice setup. He has three different colors of Monti Cap all scrolling together for a very cool look.
 
Hi,

Put the I-Tech 200 at the top of your list, excellent skimmer and excellent customer service. Check the reviews. [smilie=smile.gif]

Cheers,
 
@bimmerzs wrote:
Hi said:
I run an itech 100 and my new tank has a itech 200. They are great skimmers also look at aquamaxx skimmers mojo on reef2reef reviewed it and gave it high marks


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do you have links for the itech skimmer.

Googling does not produce any usable info like price, specs and where to buy.
 
http://www.i-techskimmers.com/forums/


Also check out reefcentral for sale forum might find some there. What size are younlooking for I will be selling my itech 100 next month
 
If space is a problem the Sump Saver Octopus skimmers are nice. They defintily need the right water height, but once they're adjusted they run great. If you want to come by and take a look at my unit running just let me know.

Here's a pic of mine:
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@Steven wrote:
I'm guessing the 100 would be too small. Also looks like they are a lot more expensive than the Octopus skimmer said:
I have owned the octopus skimmer they are nice but a pain to clean as they do not fully disassemble. The itech fully dissambles and the bubble plate comes off where octopus doesn't and crud gets stuck in the bubble plate and can make the skimmer less efficient


Plus skimmer body is made in USA and tunze pumps are sent to Austin for repair. I had a year old tunze skimmer pump go bad sent in on a thurs received new one that Monday and tunze replaced it with a new pump free of charge.

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@kuyatwo wrote:
[I]@Steven wrote:[/I][quote="I'm guessing the 100 would be too small. Also looks like they are a lot more expensive than the Octopus skimmer said:
The itech fully dissambles and the bubble plate comes off where octopus doesn't and crud gets stuck in the bubble plate and can make the skimmer less efficient
"]

This is no longer the case with the Extreme. The standard Reef Octopus still has the bubble plate permanently attached, and you're right, is a pain to clean. The Extreme's bubble plate is removable now as well.
Click to expand...
 
@Steven wrote:
I'm guessing the 100 would be too small. Also looks like they are a lot more expensive than the Octopus skimmer said:
You did ask for option's right...... [smilie=lol.gif]

Cheers,
Click to expand...
 
i have the reef octopus extreme XS 160 (the newest made models) and its an absolutley amazing skimmer , and easy to take apart and put together , foot print is 8" X 8" X 23" tall i believe ! very very goood skimmer to use , and worth every penny.
 
So I got the reef octopus extreme 160. I'm getting about the same amount of skimming as my AquaC. I wonder if I just have a low bio OAS or if my refugium is very efficient. I'm having trouble seeing the water line of the skimmer. Any tips on this so I know I have the water level correct. Thanks
 
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