Another help with skimmer selection thread..

Jonathan Troutt · Apr 3, 2018

I have been reading the other threads out there but wanted some personal opinions on my setup. I have a 40 breeder with a 29 gal sump but will be moving to a 75 or 90 gal main tank. So I am looking to replace my current skimmer. I have a budget in the 200-250 closer to 200 the better. I got a 8.5" x 12" space available as well.

I am wanting to end up with a mixed reef with plenty of fish. Def gonna have a heavy bio load.

Thanks peeps!

FartyParty · Apr 3, 2018

That's not much of a footprint or budget for a tank that size, if you want a new skimmer... my reef octopus 110EXT recirculating skimmer takes up 10"x10" footprint and that's only rated for 65 gallons heavy load, though it does just squeeze into your price range with taxes included. I have it on a 50 gallon mixed reef with heavy fish load and it works great. I have owned all types of skimmers, including nano versions and I will only buy recirculating going forward.

Jonathan Troutt · Apr 3, 2018

FartyParty said:
That's not much of a footprint or budget for a tank that size, if you want a new skimmer... my reef octopus 110EXT recirculating skimmer takes up 10"x10" footprint and that's only rated for 65 gallons heavy load, though it does just squeeze into your price range with taxes included. I have it on a 50 gallon mixed reef with heavy fish load and it works great. I have owned all types of skimmers, including nano versions and I will only buy recirculating going forward.

I know the foot print I have is small. I could always move my fuge to where my skimmer is now and put the skimmer in the fuge area. Main purpose of the fuge is macroalgea and pods. Personally I don’t believe in spending 1000 dollar on a skimmer or any of the other over priced items in this hobby. There are inexpensive options that will get the job done it just may not look all pretty and be color coordinated. I’ve seen several options in what I am looking for in my price range as well.

So footprint is flexible. Budget is not

I’ve looked at that skimmer. Specs say it’s foot print is 10.4x7 read good things about it as well

Jonathan Troutt · Apr 3, 2018

I’ve also looked at the bubble magus curve 5 as well. And the sca-302.

Jonathan Troutt · Apr 4, 2018

reeftivo · Apr 4, 2018

https://premiumaquatics.com/products/sea-side-aquatics-cs6-protein-skimmer-wpsk600.html

https://www.saltwateraquarium.com/2...ulsdhYqxzhrpT5eDbbWZyqJciWkbY7VhoC1uAQAvD_BwE

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/skimz-kone-sk181-internal-protein-skimmer.html

https://www.marinedepot.com/AquaMax...uariums_Reefs-AquaMaxx-UJ94648-FIPSIS-vi.html

https://fragtasticreef.com/seaside-aquatics-es5-skimmer/
last one is not the BM skimmer. it's basically the same but with a much better pump (sicce)
NOT an Atman

Forsaken77 · Apr 4, 2018

I would go with an Aquamaxx Q2. It's $350, but around black friday they're 30% off. If you're not in a hurry, I'll sell you mine for $200+shipping in roughly 3 months when my 180 is done. I already bought a Deltec for the 180.

Jonathan Troutt · Apr 4, 2018

Thanks guys appreciate the responses. I like the seaside es-5. The aquamaxx is a nice unit to. Not sure when I am needing it. I will be upgrading tanks within the year. Just waiting for the right deal to come along.