Cost effective skimmer for 180 gallon build?

EdsonReefer · Feb 8, 2020

I am currently in the process of gathering equipment for the 180 gallon I am going to be upgrading my 122 gallon DYI special to. I am currently looking at skimmers that will be able to handle the 180 gallon mixed reef, with a 50 gallon sump. I am currently looking at these 2 skimmers and, I am wondering which one would be a good choice.
1) Reef Octopus OCTO Classic Protein Skimmer 200-INT
2) Bubble Magus Curve 9 PLUS Protein Skimmer - DC
Both of these skimmers are in my price range $500-$600, where I live in Canada.

TopShelfAquatics · Feb 8, 2020

I'd go with the reef octo, better overall quality and a workhorse when it comes to skimming

jda · Feb 8, 2020

Do you have a used market there? Look to high-quality used if you have an opportunity. Most skimmers are long lived and a great choice to buy used and save some money.

For me, both of those are OK skimmer... pretty much run-of-the-mill needewheels. If you can find an older RO with a Sicce pump, these are really good. IMO, Tunze will outperform both, but no idea of the cost in Canada. LifeReef is also a good choice.

If I had to choose between just those two, it would be the RO Classic since I think that the AC pump will perform better and last a lot longer.