Large system Skimmer options

GreensoldierUSA · Mar 11, 2017

Well my skimz skimmer has begun to act up on me and it is giving me a good excuse to replace it. I'd say my system is not very big but big enough and I need a skimmer that is going to be up to the task. My current one is the Skimz SM251.
Display Tank is 240 gallon Mixed Reef aprox 180lbs live rock
Sump/refuge is 100 gallon stock tank with aprox 150lbs of live rock
The Skimmer is in its own 25 gallon container and the return is a 25 gallon.

What reliable options are people using for systems for this size?

Thanks all.

jason2459 · Mar 11, 2017

Budget? How much space do you have base size and height?

GreensoldierUSA · Mar 11, 2017

Its all plumbed to the basement so space dont really matter. I do not have a regular sump so footprint is not really a concern for me. Id like to stay under 1k

jason2459 · Mar 11, 2017

In that case for larger systems that have the height I really like the classic workhorse skimmers like Becketts or Mazzei venturi based skimmers. MTC or LifeReef are good ones. MRC makes some good Becketts. Go as tall as you can which gives the best contact time which is the most important thing in skimming regardless of style.

locito277 · Mar 11, 2017

I really love my Nyos 300 on my 720. I purchased the Nyos 220 for my 225 gallon.

Reef Man · Mar 12, 2017

Go for a MTC Beckett !!!

mcarroll · Mar 12, 2017

An AquaC EV240 ($399; u provide a pump...probably another hundred) or Tunze DOC Skimmer 9415 ($584) would have to be my picks. Both are very powerful and easier to own than most other skimmers.

AquaC-EV-240-Protein-Skimmer-With-Mag-Drive-12-Pump-1.jpg

GreensoldierUSA · Mar 12, 2017

really looking hard at those lifereef branded ones. Also looked at the MRC but really dig the options of the lifereef ones.

jason2459 · Mar 12, 2017

GreensoldierUSA said:
really looking hard at those lifereef branded ones. Also looked at the MRC but really dig the options of the lifereef ones.

The 48" and up lifereefs are very nice and lots of options. But what you don't see on the MTC site is Jeff will custom make a beast of a dual venturi setup 48" up to what ever size you want. Those are my favorite. But lifereef is a great solid option as well. Just wanted to let you know another option not seen.

Fitter48088 · Mar 12, 2017

Another option for you is Bashsea I've run a number oh his skimmers and they are beasts.

GreensoldierUSA · Mar 12, 2017

Yeah I have so much going on in the background in my setup that it is a full time deal for sure so the lifereefsystem looked pretty cool. I will take a deeper look at the other. Are you referring to the MTC or the MRC.

Y2KReef · Mar 12, 2017

I would go Mazzei over Beckett. Beckett clog easily. Mazzei can too but Beckett is worse and a PITA to clean. That's been my experience. But they require pressure pumps that eat electricity. The needle wheel are all the rage and for good reason, they work great and cheaper to run! Hope this helps.....lol

mcarroll · Mar 12, 2017

Y2KReef said:
I would go Mazzei over Beckett. Beckett clog easily. Mazzei can too but Beckett is worse and a PITA to clean. That's been my experience. But they require pressure pumps that eat electricity. The needle wheel are all the rage and for good reason, they work great and cheaper to run! Hope this helps.....lol

Well said. I purposefully steer clear of any gear that involves thumb screws in the basic maintenance of the item. MRC is out on that basis.

I have also found the injectors to clog easily. Cleaning just the skimmer cup and neck is enough on my schedule....that's all the AquaC or Tunze's ask.

Ditto on power use. The AquaC will be a similar power-hog as the other "high flow" skimmer options suggested...but they clog less and are much easier to clean.

For perspective on power, the Tunze 9415 only uses only 15 watts. You'll be >100 watts for any pump that'll run the AquaC or other options folks have suggested. The thing is that most reef systems will use the extra heat from the skimmer pump and just make the heaters run less......so I wouldn't worry about this angle under most circumstances. (You'll know if you're an exception since you're probably already running a chiller.....otherwise you're probably not an exception.)

tj w · Mar 12, 2017

I've seen a couple large lifereef skimmers in action and they are just absolute beasts. Also, I've had great results with my bubble magus curve 9 on my 300dd. Pulls some thick nastiness. Also, was at a great price point for the performance I've gotten.

jason2459 · Mar 12, 2017

GreensoldierUSA said:
Yeah I have so much going on in the background in my setup that it is a full time deal for sure so the lifereefsystem looked pretty cool. I will take a deeper look at the other. Are you referring to the MTC or the MRC.

Referring to the MTC.

I've had zero issues with my injector so far. But maintenance on the Beckett is the only reason I went with the mazzei.

As for power draw you'll find an AC pump's watts used when under pressure drops a lot. But yes, will draw more then a needle/pin wheel skimmer. But for a larger tank its worth it.

The AquacEV line is a other good option but there is an injector in that too which people have had clogged too just like a venturi injector. Put a strainer cover on the pumps intake will help.

I wouldn't mind trying out an AquaC EV 400 one day on my tank.