Best bang for your buck external skimmer?

[Maddlesrain]

I've been doing a lot of thinking, and am feeling fairly tempted to rip out my current sump set-up and start over with something a little more organized. In this new set-up, I'd like to keep the skimmer external and hook the overflow line directly to it.

My tank is 180 gallons, mixed reef. I'm a college student, so cheaper is better.

I like the SCA-302 180 protein skimmer, but as far as I can tell, it's made to run in-sump only.

Thanks!

 

[Bunnee911]

I have used a CPR bakpac on my 55 fowler forever. Do they have anything big enuff?

 

[hybridazn]

I run amy external custom Geo's Reef skimmer with dual recircurating pumps and is fed via my biopellet reactor. Although I will probably switch up the feed pump setup soon to get more flow to the skimmer

 

[redfishbluefish]

The best skimmers I've ever run have been MRC 2 and 3....pulls the gunk like you can't believe. However, the one issue is that they are loud, and need to be remotely located in a fish room.....not directly below the tank in a stand. I still have these two beasts!

 

[Maddlesrain]

I have used a CPR bakpac on my 55 fowler forever. Do they have anything big enuff?

Unfortuantely, these all appear to be a little too small or made for in-sump use while doing a quick search. I'll look more in depth into it though, thank you!

I run amy external custom Geo's Reef skimmer with dual recircurating pumps and is fed via my biopellet reactor. Although I will probably switch up the feed pump setup soon to get more flow to the skimmer

Thank you for the suggestion! I'll look into these skimmers! any draw-backs?

The best skimmers I've ever run have been MRC 2 and 3....pulls the gunk like you can't believe. However, the one issue is that they are loud, and need to be remotely located in a fish room.....not directly below the tank in a stand. I still have these two beasts!

Unfortunately everything does have to be under my stand. I wonder if I could get away with insulating it somehow? I'll look into them! Thank you!

 

[Brett H whitt]

The best skimmer I have ever used is a life reef. They can be plumed to run in or out of your sump.
This thing skims twice as much skim mate as any for the high end needle wheel skimmers I have purchased.

 

[Maddlesrain]

The best skimmer I have ever used is a life reef. They can be plumed to run in or out of your sump.
This thing skims twice as much skim mate as any for the high end needle wheel skimmers I have purchased.

Looks like an awesome skimmer, but it's a little more than I was hoping to spend! Maybe I'll suck it up and shell out the cash. I like that it can be run both in and out, because I may change my mind about keeping it one way...

 

[kschweer]

I really like my reef octopus recirculating skimmer. I run the 110 on my 57. For your tank look at the ext200 or ext250.

 

[Brett H whitt]

I have used Vertex, Reef octopus, nyos and Skimz protein skimmers.
In my opinion, the Life reef beats them all. If you have a large pump
Say mag 9.5 or larger, you can use the pump for your skimmer and save a few extra dollars.
The flange units are also expandable , so you can add capacity by purchasing an extension.
I have a 24” on my 140 gallon system and it’s a lot more skimmer than I need.


Best of luck

 

[stunreefer Verified Sponsor]

I have a couple ReefOctopus SRO 2000EXT out in the field that are workhorses.

This is another option that would step down in cost.

I'm with redfishbluefish in that an MRC would rock your aquarium, but I suspect it will be higher cost compared to those above due to better quality.

Whichever route you choose, do not skimp on the skimmer. I understand you're on a budget but this is the heart of your filtration. Everything else is second tier when it comes to filtration, so go all out here within your budget

 

[mcarroll]

Another way to go with the idea would be a Tunze 9012 in-tank skimmer.

A good deal IMO for $300....perfect for your size tank. Only takes up 4" x 5" and is magnetically mounted to the tank. A "hang in" skimmer instead of "hang on" I guess.

If that won't do, consider looking for an old ETSS skimmer....they were sorta designed for what you want. They're big though. AquaC should work just as well. AquaC is still in business so you can get a new one, or even a custom one if you have an odd situation for the skimmer....but you can probably find them used too since they've sold so many over so many years.

Taking direct flow from a drain is not something normal skimmers are designed for...

 

[Maddlesrain]

I have a couple ReefOctopus SRO 2000EXT out in the field that are workhorses.

This is another option that would step down in cost.

I'm with redfishbluefish in that an MRC would rock your aquarium, but I suspect it will be higher cost compared to those above due to better quality.

Whichever route you choose, do not skimp on the skimmer. I understand you're on a budget but this is the heart of your filtration. Everything else is second tier when it comes to filtration, so go all out here within your budget

Thank you for the links! I'll be sure to research them all and figure out what I want to do!
I want the new skimmer for the better filtration, so I might just save up and cry a little when I drop the cash for a higher-grade one

 

[Maddlesrain]

Another way to go with the idea would be a Tunze 9012 in-tank skimmer.

A good deal IMO for $300....perfect for your size tank. Only takes up 4" x 5" and is magnetically mounted to the tank. A "hang in" skimmer instead of "hang on" I guess.

If that won't do, consider looking for an old ETSS skimmer....they were sorta designed for what you want. They're big though. AquaC should work just as well. AquaC is still in business so you can get a new one, or even a custom one if you have an odd situation for the skimmer....but you can probably find them used too since they've sold so many over so many years.

Taking direct flow from a drain is not something normal skimmers are designed for...

Thank you! I'd prefer not to have it in my tank, but maybe it would still function in a sump setting?
I like the other skimmer you suggested as well. I'm pretty flexible right now as to whether it will run in or outside of the sump as I haven't torn anything out and started building... I just wanted to think about the possibility!

 

[mcarroll]

Thank you! I'd prefer not to have it in my tank, but maybe it would still function in a sump setting?

Well, you originally mentioned "ripping out the sump..." and this is a way to really rip it out, if you were to choose to do so.

Figured it was worth pointing out, as small as it is.

 

[Waboss]

Best skimmers I've every used are Lifereef and GEO.

I had a GEO on my 240 years ago and have a Lifereef on my Reefer170 now.

 

[Maddlesrain]

Well, you originally mentioned "ripping out the sump..." and this is a way to really rip it out, if you were to choose to do so.

Figured it was worth pointing out, as small as it is.

Ah, I meant rip out and redo! I have too much junk not to have one. Lol
The one I have now was purchased used with the tank and drives me a little nuts the way the previous owner had everything set-up. It's total chaos!

Best skimmers I've every used are Lifereef and GEO.

I had a GEO on my 240 years ago and have a Lifereef on my Reefer170 now.

Thank you for your response! Do you run your skimmer in sump or out?

 

[Waboss]

I run my LR in sump but it doesn't have to be, it can be run externally just as easily.

 

[mcarroll]

AquaC Urchin Pro-S
Here's another good option to save some space, thought it's in-sump:
http://www.marinedepot.com/protein_skimmers_aquac_urchin_pro-ap.html

They have a Pro-S model ($280) that should take care of your system nicely while taking up very little space.

It says rated for 120 gallons on the md.com site for the Pro-S, but I think that's a typo....advertising copy from the old Urchin Pro....cuz the plain Pro was (and is) rated for 120 gallons.

This (the Pro-S) is a bigger skimmer in a few ways. Kinda tall...needs 26" for "easy maintenance".

AquaC EV Series
I'd still suggest their EV180 ($340) or EV240 ($400) if you end up doing an external deployment:
http://www.marinedepot.com/Recirculating_Skimmers_for_Saltwater_Aquariums_Reefs-FIPSRC-ct.html

You'll need to supply a strong pump, or add one on to the purchase price.

These skimmers have been around a long time (tried and true) so aren't that tough to find used – and save a bundle – if you have a little patience.

 

[Maddlesrain]

AquaC Urchin Pro-S
Here's another good option to save some space, thought it's in-sump:
http://www.marinedepot.com/protein_skimmers_aquac_urchin_pro-ap.html

They have a Pro-S model ($280) that should take care of your system nicely while taking up very little space.

It says rated for 120 gallons on the md.com site for the Pro-S, but I think that's a typo....advertising copy from the old Urchin Pro....cuz the plain Pro was (and is) rated for 120 gallons.

This (the Pro-S) is a bigger skimmer in a few ways. Kinda tall...needs 26" for "easy maintenance".

AquaC EV Series
I'd still suggest their EV180 ($340) or EV240 ($400) if you end up doing an external deployment:
http://www.marinedepot.com/Recirculating_Skimmers_for_Saltwater_Aquariums_Reefs-FIPSRC-ct.html

You'll need to supply a strong pump, or add one on to the purchase price.

These skimmers have been around a long time (tried and true) so aren't that tough to find used – and save a bundle – if you have a little patience.

Thank you for these recommendations! I'm definitely ok with an in-sump skimmer if after research it seems to be the most viable option!

 

[mcarroll]

You will have to be brave enough to pick something that's not a needle wheel....even so, I encourage you to consider those AquaC's! They really are nice to own, easy to clean, very adaptable, etc.