Cheap Sump/Skimmer Options

[KDG730]

Hello,

Going to be getting a 90 or 125 been researching a lot and trying to get a list of everything together

Tank is going to be FOWLR and I'm looking for some sump options. really only want the filter socks area, skimmer chamber and return section as I'm not going to have a refugium

I am not a DIY maker type person so Id prefer to just buy one. Ive found a couple that are around $250 that seem alright

Anyone have any cheaper options they know of that would work for this tank size?
Also as far as skimmers go, anyone know of some cheap but solid options they recommend?

 

[Montiman]

There are like a bazillion cheap skimmers running sicce pumps like Eshopps, Icecap, Bubble Magus, Vertex. They all look similar and would do well but I would go RO classic 150 INT

 

[KDG730]

There are like a bazillion cheap skimmers running sicce pumps like Eshopps, Icecap, Bubble Magus, Vertex. They all look similar and would do well but I would go RO classic 150 INT

RO 150 INT is actually the one I have saved its about $240. Do you have good experience with it?

Just saw
K1-130 Icecap for $190
Bubble Magus NAC5.5 $180
Eshopps x120 Space Saver $220 (although this might not be big enough for tank size & bioload)

Are the sicce pumps not as powerful as the aquatrance one in the RO 150?

I'm willing to spend extra for the RO if it performs better its just difficult to know the differences between all of these

 

[joseserrano]

All should be fairly similar performance wise.

 

[Montiman]

RO 150 INT is actually the one I have saved its about $240. Do you have good experience with it?

Just saw
K1-130 Icecap for $190
Bubble Magus NAC5.5 $180
Eshopps x120 Space Saver $220 (although this might not be big enough for tank size & bioload)

Are the sicce pumps not as powerful as the aquatrance one in the RO 150?

I'm willing to spend extra for the RO if it performs better its just difficult to know the differences between all of these

IMO the number one greatest flaw in choosing a skimmer is worrying too much about performance. I have had experience with all of the skimmer brands listed except the eshopps and the RO is my favorite.

What is far more important than performance is consistency, ease of maintenance, and ease of adjustment. The two features of the RO that win me over are the big external gate valve that is easy to adjust and keeps the adjustments better than the other skimmers, and the external pump which allows for a larger reaction chamber volume and easier removal for cleaning.

 

[Gareth elliott]

I have the eshopps x-160 have no complaints. Quiet and effective. To be picky wish the bottom wasnt attached by screws, makes maintenance take a minute longer.

 

[KDG730]

IMO the number one greatest flaw in choosing a skimmer is worrying too much about performance. I have had experience with all of the skimmer brands listed except the eshopps and the RO is my favorite.

What is far more important than performance is consistency, ease of maintenance, and ease of adjustment. The two features of the RO that win me over are the big external gate valve that is easy to adjust and keeps the adjustments better than the other skimmers, and the external pump which allows for a larger reaction chamber volume and easier removal for cleaning.

Thanks man think you talked me into the RO seems like the best option for my price range

 

[Deiblerj]

From one newbie to another I’ll just say don’t try and go cheap....sooner or later you’ll regret your decision and either be replacing the cheap option with another cheap option or spending the big $$s for what you really wanted in the first place!

 

[Montiman]

From one newbie to another I’ll just say don’t try and go cheap....sooner or later you’ll regret your decision and either be replacing the cheap option with another cheap option or spending the big $$s for what you really wanted in the first place!

This is true however what can only be learned through experience is where the point of diminishing returns is. For example

A $200 skimmer is like 4x better than a $100 skimmer but a $400 skimmer is 2x as good as $200 and an $800 skimmer is barely 20% better than a $400 skimmer.

You get what you pay for and shouldn’t cheap out but there are diminishing returns on your investment and we must all determine what makes us happy and consider the value equation for ourselves. Maybe 20% better is worth $400 maybe not.