Is this skimmer worth it?

[Ben Seaver]

Hello, I’ve been battling high nitrates for a while and I’m thinking of upgrading my skimmer. Currently I have the Bubble magus D8, internal. I found this Skimz on sale, think it’s a good deal? I don’t have a ton of space under my tank so I’d have to go with an external skimmer no matter what. Otherwise o was thinking reef octopus ext 5000. Any thoughts are appreciated.

 

[P-Dub]

Well, that partly depends on your systems bioload load and inhabitants. I can't comment on that particular skimmer but it is a lot of money for nutrient reduction. It might be worth it though. BTW what are your nitrate levels reading and what test kit are you using?

 

[Ben Seaver]

Well, that partly depends on your systems bioload load and inhabitants. I can't comment on that particular skimmer but it is a lot of money for nutrient reduction. It might be worth it though. BTW what are your nitrate levels reading and what test kit are you using?

I currently have approx 25-30 fish in my system. At least 250-300lbs of live rock as well as a 2-3” sandbed. Recently my nitrates have been around the 25 mark with salifert test kit. I use a couple reactors as well, 1 with bio pellets, 1 with some matrix media but it’s called something else. My bubble magus just seems really inconsistent with skimming, 1 day it’s very wet and skimming liquid is clearish green and sometimes it’s the blackish super skunky good stuffs. I thought an oversized skimmer would help pull a ton more crap out of the water column. But yes that’s a lot of $$$

 

[Ben Seaver]

Forgot to mention my system is around 400 gallons with sump.

 

[MaddReefer]

Look into a lifereef external. 48-60 inch . I have one on my 450. set it, and forget it.

 

[P-Dub]

How long has the system been up and running? I would, just for the heck of it, get a more accurate test kit. What corals do you have in your system and how many and how do they look? Yes, I had to change my skivvies when I saw the price tag!

 

[Scott.h]

Paying more money for a better skimmer probably won't result in lowering nitrates. It sounds like that is your primary concern. Paying more for a skimmer will get you a better pump. There is no correlation in cost to function. In the end they all work about the same.

 

[Ben Seaver]

System been running since October so 5 months.. maybe I’ll bring my water to a LFS just to see what they come up with. Then possibly try a different test kit, though I know saliferts usually reliable.

Mostly I have lps, but at least 50 ish frags throughout the tank plus some clams. Everything looks really good to be honest, my acans are looking better than they ever have. I am getting some cyano red slim algae accumulating on rocks and sand but I try to use a turkey baster to blast em off before it gets too bad. I also have high phosphates so I’m probably going to start running gfo.

 

[Scott.h]

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/do-high-end-skimmers-work-more-efficiently.310789/

Despite being almost obsolete the bigger of the two euro reef skimmers are still widely used by people that have been around awhile. In my personal experience it visibly pulls more on a weekly basis Then any others I've tried. For the cost I'd run two of those at $225 each then one skimz. No question.

Within that thread here is a case study in performance:
https://www.advancedaquarist.com/2010/1/aafeature

 

[guido5526]

I have 2 smaller skimz sn143 that I purchased from BRS and customer service is awesome, had one skimmer needle wheel come off the shaft and called up BRS they sent a whole new pump and controller next day. but ive had no issues with the skimz line unlike others who will say they are not good.

 

[MaddReefer]

25 is not that high. If your tank is 5 months old, just keep up with water changes, do you dose anything for nitrates ? I dose vinegar with nice results. Depending how high of cycle you had, can take some time to gradually lower. If everything looks good, I wouldnt worry about 25.

 

[nhlives]

I generally do not think more $ means better as it relates to skimmers. My ASM outperformed an expensive Bubble Magnus. The ASM skimmers are a cheaper version of the Euro. The ASM required far less maintenance.

 

[Blue Spot Octopus]

Some of my LFS that sells coral to lots of people use ASM skimmers. If you can find a Euro Reef CS250 model (8" inch body 30" tall )that is a great skimmer, once of their 4 best. I was in there shop and watch the technician built six of them. Buy a Tunze 9430 DC pump good to go.

PS what is the tank size only no sump?

 

[Ben Seaver]

Some of my LFS that sells coral to lots of people use ASM skimmers. If you can find a Euro Reef CS250 model (8" inch body 30" tall )that is a great skimmer, once of their 4 best. I was in there shop and watch the technician built six of them. Buy a Tunze 9430 DC pump good to go.

PS what is the tank size only no sump?

Tank itself is 330 gallons, another 110 gallon sump added on. I’ll defiantly check out those skimmers. Thanks

 

[Ben Seaver]

25 is not that high. If your tank is 5 months old, just keep up with water changes, do you dose anything for nitrates ? I dose vinegar with nice results. Depending how high of cycle you had, can take some time to gradually lower. If everything looks good, I wouldnt worry about 25.

I’ve thought about vinegar but would have to utilize a dosing pump, I’m too busy to be worrying about adding everyday. By the research I’ve done it looks like you increase the amount you add gradually until you see a decline in nitrates? I saw some graphs online.

 

[Ben Seaver]

Look into a lifereef external. 48-60 inch . I have one on my 450. set it, and forget it.

Just checked em out, never heard of them before but looks sweet. I’m seriously considering the 60”. Especially if it will last years as most reviews said. Awesome! Thank you

 

[Apotack]

The way it’s made it will outlast you.

 

[Cary Hover]

I have a Reef Dynamics XRC750.3 Re-Circulating Protein Skimmer that cost $2,999.95 on my 450 gallon tank and my nitrates will get out of control if I let them. Skimmer pulls everything out of tank but nitrates will rise with overfeeding etc,

 

[711reefer]

my lifereef has got to be about 25 years old.