Another skimmer input. Well stocked 180g

[Cjud7982]

well, I just recently uprgraded from a 55 to a 180 a few months ago. I was and am currently running a ro 150sss and I love it. However with going up to a 180 and adding a few new critters, I am getting a little worried it's not cutting it. I've looked on here but the skimmer stickies are dated a little bit and idk if they include some of the new skimmers. Current stock is pair of clowns, 1 yellow tang, 1 purple tang, 1 tomoni ( all tangs less than 3 inches), 1 blue spotted puffer, 1 bicolor angel, 1 bicolor dottyback (store gave me that instead of a royal gramma when I first started in the hobby and didn't know any better) and 1 blue devil damsel (family member bought it as a gift). Dozen hermits, handful of snails, 1 urchin, and a cleaner shrimp. Wow that sounds like a lot. Which is why I think I need to upgrade my skimmer. Was looking at mostly reef octopus stuff, but trying to figure out the difference between some of their 8" and 10" skimmers. I like the regal 250sss especially with the varios pump. Idk if the sro3000int space saver is enough or if I'd have to go with a 5000. I'm spinning my wheels trying to figure this out. They're sort of vaque on their specs. I am open to other brands and any experience with similar tank size and stocking would be appreciated. Obviously price has some weight in choice, but running a well stocked big tank comes with a cost obviously. I am running a various 8 for a return so flow is pretty fast through the sump. Estimating around 1000 to 1500 gph.

 

[Tautog]

Here’s where you need to spend. I have a Reef Octopus int 2000. It runs like a champ. Deltec also makes great skimmers. Mine is very easy to clean, which is a big deal.

 

[ShawnSaucier]

I just switched skimmers, I got the RO Elite 200 SSS. Wow! It’s very quiet, just a low hum. And it has been pulling crazy nasty stuff. It’s rated for heavy filtration on a 200g. It is a little pricey and the directions are a bit vague for assembly. But if you’ve put a slimmer or two together it will take you 10 minutes. Just hold on to the box so you can refer to the picture..

 

[Blue Spot Octopus]

I would look into 8" body skimmers. I am not a Octopus guy but they make great skimmers.

 

[Cjud7982]

I was figuring an 8 inch would be good. The 200 elite being pricey is right lol. Can someone give me any idea as to why the skimmers get so expensive so fast? Is it the pump, level of engineering, efficiency? Or just company mark up because they know they'll get it... There's just a vast price range on simular size units. I want an internal and ideally one with the pump inside the chamber to save space. I figure if I am upgrading the skimmer, id like to get one that is worth the investment over my 150sss. So is the 2000, 3000, or 200 that much better than my current skimmer to justify another 300 to 500. Or just go with a 250, or 5000 that should be drastically better for 450 to 700... To many decisions lol

Edit** I am looking into the deltec skimmers right now to compare to the ro stuff, so I may have a couple questions on them soon

 

[Blue Spot Octopus]

Look into the Simplicity skimmers, the third one from the bottom should do nicely, they are smaller and do more.

 

[Blue Spot Octopus]

https://www.googleadservices.com/pa...hUKEwigy8Xtko7ZAhWLwVQKHRTNBiMQ9aACCEQ&adurl= Sorry link did not work check out Dr F&S it is about 349.00

 

[Cjud7982]

Hey that looks like the ticket!! Thanks blue spot octopus. I've never heard of the company before but after doing some research they look to be pretty impressive units with some larger pumps. It hits everything I am looking for, simple assembly, small foot print, dc pump is a bonus, bayonet style cup, adjustable air flow, and many others. plus the price is right! It looks like it should handle my system well. Thanks again, I knew one of you on here would help

 

[Blue Spot Octopus]

Your welcome ,wisdom in numbers, I was going to buy the middle one for my 120 at the last show, I think it is the 240 model, and I was leery because they seem so small, but the sale's rep swayed me. I did not buy it because I could not go back to the show the next day.