I have one of these (INS80S) made by Reef dynamics. They are out of the skimmer business but the company that sells them has overstock. this skimmer is a super performer and the sicce pumps are readily available if you need another down the road. Highly recommend. this skimmer design has been copied over the years because it just works. The cup only needs like a 1/4 inch top clearance to be removed so it's a good fit for reefers with clearance issues in the cabinet. No fancy bubble plate but the mixing chamber is exceptional with the smooth transition and long neck. Very solid skimmer. These are cheap so if you're interested you can PM me and i'll give you the merchant. I don't want to get in trouble with the moderators here.
INS80S SPECS:
The INS80S protein skimmer is rated to filter up to a 120 gallon marine aquarium, 80 gallon aquariums that are heavily stocked with live coral. Welded together with thick durable acrylic and PVC parts by American workers, you know the quality will be unmatched. The INS80S includes the protein skimmer body, protein skimmer cup and lid, collection cup quick-lock, the 1 1/4" adjustable outlet assembly, 1 1/4" air silencer, modified Sicce PSK pump with venturi and 2 feet of air hose, pump outlet fitting, and an air adjustment valve. This will be the last protein skimmer you will ever need for your home reef aquarium.
- Sump Space Required For Skimmer/ Footprint: 9" x 9"
- Minimum Height Required: 22"
- Ideal Water Level: 6.5" Constant (edit: works best 6.5' to 7" )
- Reaction Chamber & Cup Diameter: 5"
- Reaction Chamber Volume: 1.02 Gallons
- Pump Inlet Size: 3/4"
- Water Outlet Size: 1¼"
- Pump (included): Modified Sicce Pin-Wheel Pump
- Pump Consumption With Maximum Air Intake: 17 Watts @ 115/120 VAC 60hz
- Air Intake: 360-480 lph
another is the JNS or Aquamaxx ConeS-Q series:
Modified and upgraded Italian Sicce needle-wheel pump produces optimum bubble size for high-efficiency protein skimming Cone body extends through the collection cup to easy bubble transition and maximize skimmer efficiency Efficient, durable and reliable Simple to set up and operate Cell-cast acrylic construction Rubber feet isolate noise and reduce vibration New outlet design minimizes footprint, reduces skimmer height and allows for fine-tuning Exclusive collection cup design with a handle that allows you to easy hold and transport the collection cup for cleaning SPECIFICATIONS Filtration Rating: up to 250 Gallons (light bioload) or 130 Gallons (heavy bioload) Footprint: 6.7" x 9.5" Pump: SHARK 2.0 Pump power consumption: 22 Watts Chamber Diameter: 6" Height: 19.3" Recommended Water Level: 8"
JNS SK2
• A class Acrylic Construction ‚ SCH80 fitting.
• Highly Efficient, Durable, Reliable.
• Simple to Set Up and Operate.
• Quick-Precise adjusting valve allows quick and precise adjustment of skimmer water level for more accurate control over dry or wet foam production.
• SHARK 2.0 needle wheel pump absorbs high air intake and optimum bubble size. amply mix the bubbles efficiently.
• Rubber feet for decreasing noise and vibration isolation.
• Exceptional buffer chamber.
• Footprint: 33 * 20 CM
• Pump(included): SHARK 2.0
• Pump power consumption: 22 Watts
• Air Intake: 720 LPH (110V/60HZ)
• Chamber Diameter: 15 CM
• Height: 58 CM
• Outlet size: 1 Quick-Precise adjusting valve
aquamaxx makes the JNS equivalents but the SK2 has a slightly roomier mixing chamber
I have used a lot of skimmers and can recommend more that i have used like the tunze 9410, ATB econo 840, BK mini 160 and on and on, but they are more $$. The 3 above i have either used or seen performing on other tanks. They rock at an reasonable price and all use solid pumps.
