Best Protein Skimmer

[reefinginBD]

Hey there, I plan on setting up a 150-gallon peninsula tank. I will most probably have 3-4 tangs and some other fish (the bioload may b a little on the heavier side). So, what would be the best protein skimmer which is actually worth the price and will give me the best bang for the buck? I will have filter socks and a protein skimmer at the beginning and the refugium section will have bio media. I am not sure if I will add macro algae, but in the beginning, I will have filter socks, a protein skimmer, bio media, a return pump, and a chiller. I want the protein skimmer to be efficient and something that will last for a while. I want to spend 200-300 dollars on it but a max of 400 dollars if it is really that good. Please let me know, thank you!

 

[Rmckoy]

Hey there, I plan on setting up a 150-gallon peninsula tank. I will most probably have 3-4 tangs and some other fish (the bioload may b a little on the heavier side). So, what would be the best protein skimmer which is actually worth the price and will give me the best bang for the buck? I will have filter socks and a protein skimmer at the beginning and the refugium section will have bio media. I am not sure if I will add macro algae, but in the beginning, I will have filter socks, a protein skimmer, bio media, a return pump, and a chiller. I want the protein skimmer to be efficient and something that will last for a while. I want to spend 200-300 dollars on it but a max of 400 dollars if it is really that good. Please let me know, thank you!

Fwiw . I’ve always preferred external skimmers .
Either reef octopus or my current skimmer is MRC
It’s a beast but works great.

 

[reefinginBD]

Fwiw . I’ve always preferred external skimmers .
Either reef octopus or my current skimmer is MRC
It’s a beast but works great.

Hey um, could you please tell me which ones like which models I could use and also what might be the price of them? But the problem is that I will most probably have to use internal skimmers, so which ones can I use from those?

 

[PigDaddyF15E]

I will NOT buy another Reef Octopus (Now rebranded IIRC as Octo) skimmer. I purchased the Elite - 150.

They changed the design. Parts don't fit as expected. Customer service didn't fix the issue. Assembly "instructions' are just an exploded diagram of the parts. Believe I eventually found a video of how to assemble...but it was the 'old' model and the part I mentioned above was not show. As a result to adjust the skimmer I have to put my hand into the sump and hold a T pipe in the water while I adjust it above.

Here is the thread:

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/reefoctopus-elite-150-assembly-need-help.863238/#post-9436309

 

[Aspect]

Most protein skimmers will do the same thing nothing that really separates the majority of them imo. That being said I have always used Bubble Magus and have never had an issue with them. I'd recommend a Curve 9 at least for that tank with a Curve 10 being preferable.

 

[JMM744]

Watch for a lifereef model skimmer Used. Most want the latest and greatest with all the bells and whistles. Lifereef just delivers performance.
SVS2-24 in-sump 22 1/2" tall should run your tank fine.
I have a shelf of used skimmers that are of no use since I discovered the Lifereef. When the pump go's bad you can use any pump you can find as long as it pushes enough water thru the Venturi. It never becomes obsolete.

 

[Rmckoy]

Most protein skimmers will do the same thing nothing that really separates the majority of them imo. That being said I have always used Bubble Magus and have never had an issue with them. I'd recommend a Curve 9 at least for that tank with a Curve 10 being preferable.

I have a curve 5 I bought for my 90 gal
I hated it .
its back in the box in the closet waiting for a rainy day if it’s ever needed for a future setup .

 

[reefinginBD]

I will NOT buy another Reef Octopus (Now rebranded IIRC as Octo) skimmer. I purchased the Elite - 150.

They changed the design. Parts don't fit as expected. Customer service didn't fix the issue. Assembly "instructions' are just an exploded diagram of the parts. Believe I eventually found a video of how to assemble...but it was the 'old' model and the part I mentioned above was not show. As a result to adjust the skimmer I have to put my hand into the sump and hold a T pipe in the water while I adjust it above.

Here is the thread:

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/reefoctopus-elite-150-assembly-need-help.863238/#post-9436309

I see. What skimmer model would you suggest I use for that price point? I would prefer an internal protein skimmer for the tank.

 

[reefinginBD]

Most protein skimmers will do the same thing nothing that really separates the majority of them imo. That being said I have always used Bubble Magus and have never had an issue with them. I'd recommend a Curve 9 at least for that tank with a Curve 10 being preferable.

I see thanks!

 

[reefinginBD]

Watch for a lifereef model skimmer Used. Most want the latest and greatest with all the bells and whistles. Lifereef just delivers performance.
SVS2-24 in-sump 22 1/2" tall should run your tank fine.
I have a shelf of used skimmers that are of no use since I discovered the Lifereef. When the pump go's bad you can use any pump you can find as long as it pushes enough water thru the Venturi. It never becomes obsolete.

I see thanks!

 

[Bladezz]

Probably need more information on your setup. Will the skimmer sit in the sump or do you want to plumb it outside? Internal and external skimmers have different needs.

I would (personally) avoid anything that requires a high pressure pump to run (i.e. anything with beckett injectors). They can be loud, expensive to run and clog easily.

Most recirculating skimmers run on low voltage DC pumps and are generally quiet.

Don't expect excellent instructions from anything in this hobby. It's learn as you go.

 

[Bladezz]

Hey there, I plan on setting up a 150-gallon peninsula tank. I will most probably have 3-4 tangs and some other fish (the bioload may b a little on the heavier side). So, what would be the best protein skimmer which is actually worth the price and will give me the best bang for the buck? I will have filter socks and a protein skimmer at the beginning and the refugium section will have bio media. I am not sure if I will add macro algae, but in the beginning, I will have filter socks, a protein skimmer, bio media, a return pump, and a chiller. I want the protein skimmer to be efficient and something that will last for a while. I want to spend 200-300 dollars on it but a max of 400 dollars if it is really that good. Please let me know, thank you!

Why do you need a Chiller?

 

[reefinginBD]

Why do you need a Chiller?

I am from Bangladesh and the temps are really high, so it is almost a mandatory in most tanks here.

 

[reefinginBD]

Probably need more information on your setup. Will the skimmer sit in the sump or do you want to plumb it outside? Internal and external skimmers have different needs.

I would (personally) avoid anything that requires a high pressure pump to run (i.e. anything with beckett injectors). They can be loud, expensive to run and clog easily.

Most recirculating skimmers run on low voltage DC pumps and are generally quiet.

Don't expect excellent instructions from anything in this hobby. It's learn as you go.

I want an internal protein skimmer that will go in the sump. I will keep it in the first chamber after the filter socks and if the water level is too high, I'll just put it on a stand or something. In the second chamber, I will have it filled with bio media, but I am not sure if I will add Chaeto that early on. I will use external media reactors if I need them later on.

 

[Bladezz]

I am from Bangladesh and the temps are really high, so it is almost a mandatory in most tanks here.

Got ya. If you are not running AC in your home then yeah you will need a chiller.

 

[Bladezz]

I want an internal protein skimmer that will go in the sump. I will keep it in the first chamber after the filter socks and if the water level is too high, I'll just put it on a stand or something. In the second chamber, I will have it filled with bio media, but I am not sure if I will add Chaeto that early on. I will use external media reactors if I need them later on.

I would focus on a recirculating internal skimmer. No feed pump needed and most are controllable and quiet. Not sure what brands you have available in your area.

 

[reefinginBD]

I would focus on a recirculating internal skimmer. No feed pump needed and most are controllable and quiet. Not sure what brands you have available in your area.

We have most brands, but I was thinking of using a bubble magus curve 9 or curve 9 elite as it is the most common here for the most part.

 

[ChuckTownReefer]

My favorite protein skimmer is the Ultra Reef Protein Skimmers. They are very nice and high quality.

 

[DE FISH]

I do like me a Tunze

 

[Bladezz]

We have most brands, but I was thinking of using a bubble magus curve 9 or curve 9 elite as it is the most common here for the most part.

I got this for my big build. It is a Reef Octopus 300ext. I've been around skimmers for years and this for the money is one of the best builds I've ever seen.