I just pick up an acrylic tank with a sump. I really want to add a in sump skimmer for 100 gallon tank. I've been looking and need some direction if anyone can help please do so. This is my very first tank and I want to make sure I cover all aspects of it. Thank you
In sump Protein Skimmer
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Tradewinds
Active Member
Welcome to R2R!
There are a lot of really good skimmers on the market. Some factors to consider are:
1. What type of bio-load will you have?
2. If the sump will be in the stand under the tank, how much room do you have, including height?
3. Water height in your sump.
There are a lot of really good skimmers on the market. Some factors to consider are:
1. What type of bio-load will you have?
2. If the sump will be in the stand under the tank, how much room do you have, including height?
3. Water height in your sump.
Tradewinds
Active Member
Bio-load is based on the type of tank you plan to create. A predator tank, which will be heavily feed, will have a higher bio-load than a tank with a couple reef safe fish and corals. Additionally, the more fish (even reef safe), the higher the bio-load will be.
Higher bio-loads require more skimming. On the other hand, if you just have a few fish and coral, skimming too much can strip out needed nutrients from the water. Thus the reason the bio-load of the tank is one factor in deciding what type of skimmer to buy. Some people buy a more productive skimmer and then dial it down, which meets the needs of their current tank, but also provides the capability to add more bio-load down the road.
Height comes into play as the skimmer should be placed in the water level recommended by the mfg. For example, I needed to raise my skimmer as the sump water level was too deep. This became problematic, as now I have only an inch above the skimmer before it hits the bottom of the tank; this makes it tough to remove the cap for cleaning. In hindsight, I should have bought a shorter skimmer.
Higher bio-loads require more skimming. On the other hand, if you just have a few fish and coral, skimming too much can strip out needed nutrients from the water. Thus the reason the bio-load of the tank is one factor in deciding what type of skimmer to buy. Some people buy a more productive skimmer and then dial it down, which meets the needs of their current tank, but also provides the capability to add more bio-load down the road.
Height comes into play as the skimmer should be placed in the water level recommended by the mfg. For example, I needed to raise my skimmer as the sump water level was too deep. This became problematic, as now I have only an inch above the skimmer before it hits the bottom of the tank; this makes it tough to remove the cap for cleaning. In hindsight, I should have bought a shorter skimmer.
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Super Reef Octopus 1000LSS Protein Skimmer - Bulk Reef Supply
Reef Octopus Diablo DCS170 In-Sump Protein Skimmer - Bulk Reef Supply
Reef Octopus NWB200 8? Pinwheel In Sump Protein Skimmer - Bulk Reef Supply
Reef Octopus Diablo XS 200 Protein Skimmer - Bulk Reef Supply
SWC 160 Cone
SWC 230 Cone
SWC 250S Cone
SWC 250
My choice for you: 180 Gal. Protein Skimmer - SC Aquariums
Buy the biggest and baddest skimmer you can get, as this baby is your water cleaner, and this thing saves you alot of headaches down the road when it comes to water quality.
Reef Octopus Diablo DCS170 In-Sump Protein Skimmer - Bulk Reef Supply
Reef Octopus NWB200 8? Pinwheel In Sump Protein Skimmer - Bulk Reef Supply
Reef Octopus Diablo XS 200 Protein Skimmer - Bulk Reef Supply
SWC 160 Cone
SWC 230 Cone
SWC 250S Cone
SWC 250
My choice for you: 180 Gal. Protein Skimmer - SC Aquariums
Buy the biggest and baddest skimmer you can get, as this baby is your water cleaner, and this thing saves you alot of headaches down the road when it comes to water quality.
Mike J.
2500 Club Member
I have this skimmer and I highly recommend it: Bubble-magus Hero 180 Protein Skimmer Aquarium Skimmers
Mine actually came labeled as Seaside Aquatics CS180. It's very quiet, dials in nicely, and pulls out massive amounts of skimmate.
Mine actually came labeled as Seaside Aquatics CS180. It's very quiet, dials in nicely, and pulls out massive amounts of skimmate.
ritter6788
Coral Fraud Private Eye
Thread moved to Equipment forum.
Mike J.
2500 Club Member
The skimmer recommended by Reefing Madness sure is inexpensive at 149.99, compared to the CS180 at 299.99. Look at the differences in pumps Chinese made Atman pump 634 gph compared to Italian made Sicce pump at 880 gph. I bought my CS180 on sale for 234.00. It is very quiet, easy to dial in, and pulls out massive amounts of junk. I can put my head in the sump and barely hear it; it has double rubber mounts for the pump. Also has a large air silencer. I bought mine on sale for 234.00.
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Mike J.
2500 Club Member
This: Sicce Professional Protein Skimmer Pump w/ Needle Wheel w/ AquaMaxx Venturi
or this:150 Gal. Protein Skimmer Pump - SC Aquariums
Also, with no air silencer on the SCA skimmer you'll hear it sucking air on the other side of your house.
or this:150 Gal. Protein Skimmer Pump - SC Aquariums
Also, with no air silencer on the SCA skimmer you'll hear it sucking air on the other side of your house.
