Let's talk skimmers!

[Dr. Peter Venkman]

Ok everyone. I love the topic of protein skimmers. I am currently using a Reef Octopus Classic 110SSS. My sump and space is limited, and that's literally the only skimmer that would fit. But I hope to in a year setup a 120g reef tank. So, the question on hand... what skimmer do you have? What do you like and dislike about it? Which skimmer would you recommend to help remove ectoplasmic residue from your system?

 

[Sleeping Giant]

I use a hob AquaMaxx 1.5, I love how good it works, but the square cup sucks for cleaning. Also added my own air regulator to adjust incoming air.

 

[Kershaw]

I have only owned reef octo, ehoppes and vertex. IMO ehoppes and vertex where garbage. My reef octos have always performed well. I just got an elite 150 but it’s not in use yet but I love the twist Lock collection cup, my vertex had something similar which I really liked it. No spilling skimmate when removing cup

 

[Gtinnel]

I have used both Reef Octopus and Vertex. I currently use a Vertex 180i, and the build quality of it is outstanding, but it seems like I'm always having to adjust it to keep it working without overflowing. I think the only skimmer I will buy in the future is reef octopus.

 

[X-37B]

In my 120 I am running a Tunze 9410 dc.
It has been a great skimmer for 21 months now.
Now that the tanks 14 fish have grown considerably, along with all corals, the skimmer is not keeping up.
It is rated for a 315 but Tunze says to subtract 70% for a heavy sps load. That would be 94 gallons.
I only run a skimmer and filter sock for export.
That said I have a 9430 dc on its way and the 9410 dc will go into my 45 frag system as the main form of export.
Yes I know the 9430 dc is slightly oversize, lol.
It is the next size up in the Tunze line that runs a dc pump.
I looked at several other makes but I like Tunze products, warranty, and Roger is great!

The 9430 dc is rated for a 925 gallon system.
Subtract 70% for sps and you get 277 gallons.

I feed heavy at 8-10 cubes of volume a day.

Once the 9430 is online I will setup and auto feeder with pellets.

So for your 120 take a look at the 9410 dc.

I chose to go with another Tunze for a few reasons.

I setup my 9410 from day one.
I have not adjusted it since day one.
Work in the tank.
Glue corals to rocks.
Feed the fish, and I feed heavy.
You never have to mess with this skimmer.
I never turn it off.
Just lift off the cup, clean it, and put it back.
I have removed it several times for a complete cleaning and put it back in and it just plain skims.

I have ran many skimmers in my day.
This is the only one that is truely set and forget, except you need to clean the cup, lol.

Here is 2 days worth of skim from the 120's 9410 dc.

 

[sawdonkey]

I’ve ones 5-6 skimmers over the years. I recently got a lifereef and I will never look back. Producing serious foam within a day and reall producing in the first few weeks. It pretty much always has a bunch of fresh foam in the cup. I’m pulling in air from outside and not using the air recirculation.

 

[Arricefe]

I’ve ones 5-6 skimmers over the years. I recently got a lifereef and I will never look back. Producing serious foam within a day and reall producing in the first few weeks. It pretty much always has a bunch of fresh foam in the cup. I’m pulling in air from outside and not using the air recirculation.

I also have a Lifereef, those things are NO joke!

 

[PanchoG]

I have a Quantum Nyos 160, dead silent and efficient, my tank is 125 gal. I read also good reviews about the Reef Octopus Elite and Regal series. I may consider give them a try if I decide to go for a variable pump in the future.

 

[Mical]

I have a 120 and use a Bubble Magus Curve 5 - it works great, has small footprint and easily maintained and is inexpensive.

 

[Dunc]

Ok everyone. I love the topic of protein skimmers. I am currently using a Reef Octopus Classic 110SSS. My sump and space is limited, and that's literally the only skimmer that would fit. But I hope to in a year setup a 120g reef tank. So, the question on hand... what skimmer do you have? What do you like and dislike about it? Which skimmer would you recommend to help remove ectoplasmic residue from your system?

I use a Simplicity 320dc skimmer. I asked BRS what they recommend and the rep said his favorite brand was Trigger.

 

[sawdonkey]

I also have a Lifereef, those things are NO joke!

I’m super satisfied. I’m skimming pretty wet right now, but this is just 24 hours worth. Probably 1/3 gallon of fairly dark stuff.

 

[ATB USA]

ATB 1050a and Nano One are what I use.

 

[tamanning]

I have a home made skimmer. Well sort of the venturi valve is from a powerhead the body is a generic 20 dollar and free shipping all of the clear tubing and valves are made of cut out clear tubing and an elbow. my pump is a 340 gph powerhead. I've had it up and running for about 6 years now pulling about 8 oz of fairly dark skim per day

 

[ReefRxSWFL]

____________________ Recirculating Skimmer. Just fill in the blank with the brand. I have 3 Skimz , but since they seem to be out of business, looks like ill be getting a Reef Octo Recirculating Skimmer for the new tank i just set up

 

[monkeyCmonkeyDo]

Skimmerd ive used.
-Cpr hob. Lol!
-swc bmk 150
-ebay special chinese hob
-lifereef
-hydor slim skim
-lfs brand oceans by designs. Large airstone driven
-seaside aquatics cs6
-bubble.magus curve5

Im gonna pull the trigger i think on a seachem aquavitro division 500. LOL
D

 

[monkeyCmonkeyDo]

I can make one from.a.pvc pipe and.air.stone. lol and a soda pop.plastic.bottle.
D

 

[sawdonkey]

I can make one from.a.pvc pipe and.air.stone. lol and a soda pop.plastic.bottle.
D

Can or have? Let’s see pics?

 

[monkeyCmonkeyDo]

Can. Lol. I dont wanna. Ill throw a link.
D

 

[bobnicaragua]

Reef Octopus Regal 150 with varios adjustable pump. Pretty da#! nice!

 

[monkeyCmonkeyDo]

FF to 2.00
This same concept can be upsized with a larger diameter tube. 2litre and 2 airstones and air pumps.
I would use magnets over suction cups too.
D