Help selecting skimmer for 450gallon system.

zach_discus · Oct 15, 2017

Hello so setting up a new tank. It is 360gallons 96x30x30 display with a 65gallon 36x18x24 refugium.
Tank location means everything will be under the tank, so maximum skimmer height is 32". Prefer to go with a internal skimmer and sump will be built around its dimensions.

One option I have considered is the Aqua Excel AE-EC10 or the Bubble Magus BM-B11. Very open to suggestion, just trying to keep cost under $650

Jaylivi1212 · Oct 15, 2017

I personally like the ASM series skimmer. Check out the ASM G4

zach_discus · Oct 15, 2017

Hello, Ive used a G4 in the past. For me, not a fan.

ca1ore · Oct 16, 2017

ASM skimmers are an older design, but solid. I've had terrific results on large tanks with the MTC skimmers, though my sump is in the basement so no height limitations. They do make an MVX line which will probably fit.

pdxmonkeyboy · Oct 17, 2017

I would steer clear of the larger bubble magus skimmers. They work great in the smaller sizes but I have heard from a couple different sources that they larger ones..not soo much.

I just purchased a reef octopus Regal 300INT for my 300 g system. It is a beast!! and is rated to like 450 with heavy bioload. Its 25 or 26" tall. $775

There is also the reef ocotopus SRO5000 that is basically the same skimmer but without the DC motor. It does have the bubble blaster motor on it thought that is absolutely rock solid. The LFS has been running one for 5 years straight without an issue.

CoralWealth · Oct 17, 2017

Brian Bieger said:
I would steer clear of the larger bubble magus skimmers. They work great in the smaller sizes but I have heard from a couple different sources that they larger ones..not soo much.

I just purchased a reef octopus Regal 300INT for my 300 g system. It is a beast!! and is rated to like 450 with heavy bioload. Its 25 or 26" tall. $775

There is also the reef ocotopus SRO5000 that is basically the same skimmer but without the DC motor. It does have the bubble blaster motor on it thought that is absolutely rock solid. The LFS has been running one for 5 years straight without an issue.

I just got the Bubble Magus Bm11 used last week from a local reefer and it is insane so far. granted it has only been a week but it has pulled me stuff from my 180g then my old reef octopus would pull in over a month. So far it is has been very very constant and the bubble level, etc which I have had a problem with on both my previous reef octopus skimmers. I did really like my reef octopus skimmer but so far (again have only had the bubble magus for a week) but I would take the Bubble Magus all day everyday. We will see if stays this way though.

zach_discus · Oct 18, 2017

Thanks everyone for the replys. I have always like the RO skimmers, just price wise, they start to really stretch my budget. Also watching the sale section for a possible used one to pop up.