Which Protein Skimmer? HELP!

L

landon_brim

Lately I have noticed my skimmer not creating much skimmate. My water seems a little less clear, however all parameters are good. I am looking at getting a new skimmer soon, and wanted everyone's opinions. I have a 125g reef with 45 gallon sump/refugium, with around 175 lbs of live rock (educated guess), several tangs (3 medium), and a pair of maroon clowns. If you were me, and wanting to get a good skimmer that could be used in sump, what would you get? I would like to keep it at a descent price, but really just want your opinions. My stand is 36 inches tall, and I would have around 32 inches of clearence.

Sorry for the long post, but I am in need of some advice. Thanks.
 
@Matt wrote:
I am curious what skimmer you are currently using? Have you done normal maintenance to ensure that the pump isn't causing any problems w/your skimmate output? said:
Matt, I am currently using a berlin skimmer that I bought off of another member a while back. I do regular maintenance, but it just doesnt seem to produce much skimmate or foam.
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@Matt wrote:
[I]@landon_brim wrote:[/I][quote="[I]@Matt wrote:[/I][quote="I am curious what skimmer you are currently using? Have you done normal maintenance to ensure that the pump isn't causing any problems w/your skimmate output? said:
Matt, I am currently using a berlin skimmer that I bought off of another member a while back. I do regular maintenance, but it just doesnt seem to produce much skimmate or foam."]

I can understand that. Have you looked at these? http://www.octopusskimmer.com/ I believe Bill (blide) has one and is pretty happy with it."]

Those seem to be another ER clone. We all know that the pysics are sound, but quality would be the only question. Then again they are selling for under 100$ on ebay. I am considering one but waiting for the right auction.
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My NW-200 works great and it's a nice skimmer.

I have heard lots of people not happy with the preformance of the smaller units though, so if you get one I would go large.
 
@blide wrote:
My NW-200 works great and it's a nice skimmer. I have heard lots of people not happy with the preformance of the smaller units though said:
Thanks for all the help guys, I am going to check into these skimmers. After seeing your set up Blide, I cant help but to think they work really well! I plan on having this set up in sump, Blide do you have any pictures of yours set up? If not, could you post a couple, or send them to me? Thanks alot.
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@Jaguar wrote:
I think the only problem would be finding one. I hadn't seen that model for sale since they sold out. said:
I wondered about that. I havent found one for that price that isnt sold out. Anyone else know where to get one?
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Yeah if anyone know where to get them for a reasonable price at all. I waited to long to purchase mine. I need one for my 70g seahorse tank. It's the only skimmer I think could carry such a heavy bioload.
 
I've got the unit right under Bill's, the NW150, and it works great, as well. I'm getting a couple of inches of skimmate every week.

I also had a Berlin Classic Turbo, and this new one beats it's pants off.
 
Those skimmers by octopus are named octopus anymore. They are called pacific imports. I recently purchased a Euro-reef rs80--footprint is 9x8 and it is 22" tall with a 5" diameter. Its powered by a sedra pump but this thing SKIMS. Only mod I did to it was bore out the venturi air intake hose. I average about an inch of skimmate every two days--nasty brown. I got it on ebay for $125 shipped. The RC models of ER are better producing more bubbles and more skim. Build quality is great, thick plastic walls. Octopus/pacific coast skimmers are good bang for your buck, but I would not overlook Euroreef. Oh yea, it is pretty electricity effecient. Mine runs at I think 28W. :lol: :lol:
 
aquacave.com has the NW-110 for 109.95--
Octopus NW-110 Specifications:

- For In-Sump use only
- Recommended for tanks up to 150 gallons.
Dimmensions:
- Overall Height: 22"
- Cup Removal Clearance: 0.75"
- Reactor Diameter: 4"
- Needle Wheel Pump included (approx. 260 gph)
- Footprint (including pump): 7" x 9"


$109.95

or this one. The dudes at RC really really stand by this one.

Octopus DNW-150 Recirculating Skimmer by CoralVue.

Specifications:

- 5.85" Diameter
- 26.52" Tall
- Equiped with with needle wheel impeller recirculating pump
- - Requires additional feed pump with gph rating at approx. 1.5 times volume of your system.
- Recommended for aquariums up to 185 gallons
- Footprint 5" x 15"

*HEAVY ITEM* - Price includes $9.00 of additional shipping cost.


$308.95
 
octopusskimmer.com has banging prices!
(I was inches away from buying one thats why I knew these two sites)

NW-200 189.99
NW-110-99.99
NW-150-124.99

RECIRC 110 199.99
RECIRC 150 189.99
 
I bought a nw-150 and have been very happy with it, good skimmer, very quiet, reasonable price. I've owed two euro's in the past and IMHO my 150 performs just as well as the euro's. Don't know how easy it's going to be to get replacement parts. Haven't had to yet but at some point I'm sure you'll have to replace an impeller.
 
the only downfall with the octopus skimmers is the customer service--build quality isnt as good as ER's but not they are still decent. I may just get an octopus once I get my 100gal.
 
skimmerfullshot.jpg
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Thanks alot guys for all the replies. Blide, I think that I have decided to go with the NW-200. Do you feel like it would work on my 125 gallon? Thanks alot.
 
Yeah my setup has a total volume of 120g and it skims the crap out of it.... (literally) :D

It's also a big unit so make sure it will fit your sump setup.
 
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