Help me with a Skimmer

Oddjob142 · Jun 17, 2019

I know some have replied to my intro post, but I had some questions after doing some more research. So I have a 65 gallon tank that will eventually house 6-8 fish, snails, hermits, corals (mostly soft), and a snowflake eel. I need an in-sump skimmer that will fit 7.5" x 9.5". I want to be sub $300. That narrows it down to 3 or 4 options:

X) Reef Octopus Classic 110sss - rated for up to 60 gallons heavy load, may be under powered as max gph is 92 and the eel is heavy waste producer. $215
2) Reef Octopus Classis 150sss - rated for 120 gallons heavy load, may be overkill and uneven skimmate production. $245
3) Reef Octopus Essence 130 - seems like its a little overpriced compared to the others at 269$, but gph is 130, so the size lines up better - newer line wo much reviews - $269
4) Bubble Magus Elite 5 - recommends 9-11" water level and my sump is 7.5". newer model than the Curve with better (more efficient and quieter) pump. $225

So I'm a little conflicted as there is not really a perfect option without paying dramatically more. Can anyone with experience or knowledge help me out? I'm new to Salt and have done a ton of research but can't find anything that helps. I appreciate the other recommendations, but these are my choices. Thanks....

Salty Lemon · Jun 17, 2019

I'm a Reef Octopus kind-of-gal. That is all I have ever used -- so I can't compare with other brands. But they always work, they have a decent warranty (keep your receipt), and I've been happy with them. No matter what you decide, you need to eliminate the Classic 110 -- it is too small for your tank. It is better to go too big than too small with skimmers.

BranchingHammer · Jun 17, 2019

I have the classic 110 on my 65g reef, with a small bioload. If you are going for a heavy bio load, maybe don’t purchase the classic 110.

P-Dub · Jun 17, 2019

Well, I personally wouldn't say that your expected bioload for that tank would be "heavy". If it were me, from the choices you have there, I would go with the Reef Octopus Classis 150sss. Meets your current planned needs and gives you a little fudge factor for the future.

Oddjob142 · Jun 17, 2019

Salty Lemon said:
I'm a Reef Octopus kind-of-gal. That is all I have ever used -- so I can't compare with other brands. But they always work, they have a decent warranty (keep your receipt), and I've been happy with them. No matter what you decide, you need to eliminate the Classic 110 -- it is too small for your tank. It is better to go too big than too small with skimmers.

Thanks Salty for the input. That's what i figured, but all the shops tell me thats what they would put on it. Is the 150 overkill? Rated for 120 gallon heavy....

Oddjob142 · Jun 17, 2019

P-Dub said:
Well, I personally wouldn't say that your expected bioload for that tank would be "heavy". If it were me, from the choices you have there, I would go with the Reef Octopus Classis 150sss. Meets your current planned needs and gives you a little fudge factor for the future.

Do you think the 150sss rated at 120 gallons heavy bioload is too much for my tank?

Salty Lemon · Jun 17, 2019

Oddjob142 said:
Thanks Salty for the input. That's what i figured, but all the shops tell me thats what they would put on it. Is the 150 overkill? Rated for 120 gallon heavy....

Either the 15o or the 130 will work just fine. Go with your gut. I'd purchase the 150 like P-Dub suggested. But you need to do what you feel is right for your tank. I once had a situation with an lfs because I wanted to buy a kessil for my refugium. They told me that the kind I wanted is ridiculous and I needed was a different (can't remember name) brand. I told them I appreciated their opinions, but I was going to buy the Kessil. I would either do it there or order online -- which did they want. I went home with the Kessil.

Montiman · Jun 17, 2019

I like reef octopus and all of the options you have listed will work but I would personally never ever buy a space saving skimmer unless I had to. They are harder to service and perform worse I would go classic 150INT if you can fit it.

Oddjob142 · Jun 17, 2019

My space is 7.5x9.5. That only allows for the ones I have listed. I wish I could do a diff one...

joec · Jun 17, 2019

I have the Essence 130 on 53 G and like it. It took mine some time to break in and was little finicky for a while, a few months. Now after 6 months been pretty much set and forget for me. I think it would be perfect on a heavy load 65G. Its super quiet and a breeze to clean.

Scorpius · Jun 17, 2019

Save up more money and buy this. You'll never buy another skimmer again. https://battlecorals.com/products/600ix

P-Dub · Jun 18, 2019

Oddjob142 said:
Do you think the 150sss rated at 120 gallons heavy bioload is too much for my tank?

I think bigger is better. Better to over skim and worry less about nutrients than not big enough and regret your purchase.

Reefnoobz90 · Jun 18, 2019

The simplicity is close to your dimensions, you could get away with a 120 but the 240 would give you some room

https://clearchoiceaquatics.com/collections/protein-skimmers/products/simplicity-240dc

Oddjob142 · Jun 18, 2019

Reefnoobz90 said:
The simplicity is close to your dimensions, you could get away with a 120 but the 240 would give you some room

https://clearchoiceaquatics.com/collections/protein-skimmers/products/simplicity-240dc

I looked at the simplicity but the 240 is a hair too wide and the 120 is too small just like the reef octopus 110sss. I also read some negative reviews on the simplicity but I do like the fact that it has a DC and can be controlled.

Oddjob142 · Jun 18, 2019

Oddjob142 said:
I looked at the simplicity but the 240 is a hair too wide and the 120 is too small just like the reef octopus 110sss. I also read some negative reviews on the simplicity but I do like the fact that it has a DC and can be controlled.

Looking at the dimensions again, I may be able to fit the 240 diagonally inside the sump. It's risky but it may work, it's also sold locally. Thanks for the rec.

So here is the updated list:

1) Reef Octopus Classis 150sss - rated for 120 gallons heavy load, may be overkill and uneven skimmate production. $245
2) Simplicity 240 - may check off all the boxes. $250

And then there were 2....

Simplicity Aquatics · Jun 19, 2019

Happy to help address any questions on Simplicity! Would love to talk about our products.

Oddjob142 · Jun 19, 2019

No need, I called CS and got someone on the phone to answer all my questions. Tried calling bubble and reef and nothing. I also found the simplicity locally. So, I pulled the trigger on a 240DC. About to set it up now. Thanks for all the help and advice guys and girls.

Oddjob142 · Jun 19, 2019

No need, I called CS and got someone on the phone to answer all my questions. Tried calling bubble and reef and nothing. I also found the simplicity locally. So, I pulled the trigger on a 240DC. About to set it up now. Thanks for all the help and advice guys and girls.

Oddjob142 · Jun 19, 2019

No need, I called CS and got someone on the phone to answer all my questions. Tried calling bubble and reef and nothing. I also found the simplicity locally. So, I pulled the trigger on a 240DC. About to set it up now. Thanks for all the help and advice guys and girls.