Looking for a Skimmer for a 40 Gallon Breeder

[Faccia di Pesce]

I bought an Omega 130 Skimmer off of facebook several weeks ago for 70.00. The pump is not working and making a lot of grinding noise. Oh well. So I am looking to buy a new skimmer. Something less bulky than the Omega 130 where the pump sits outside of the skimmer. There are just so many options. So in general, are there brands to stay away from and brands that exceed the rest? I want something that I can use when I decide to upgrade bigger tank. Probably will not exceed 100 gallons.

Here are a few I was looking at:

Protein Skimmers

Shop Protein Skimmers and reactors on bulkreefsupply.com. Read reviews and compare protein skimmers and reactors.

www.bulkreefsupply.com

Skimz Monzter SM161 Internal Protein Skimmer

The Skimz Monzter E-Series SM161 Internal Protein Skimmer gives you high performance skimming at a great value. Bubble plate design minimizes pre-mature bubble bursting which also reduces height of the skimmer. Rated for tanks 132 - 317 gallons (500-1200 Liters) BRS Recommended for tanks up to...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

Skimz Kone SK184 Internal Protein Skimmer

Skimz Kone SK184 skimmers come fitted with a Sicce PSK1000 needlewheel pump for reliable performance and ultimate silence. The space saving design of the Kone S-series integrated the pump into the body of the skimmer saving valuable space for other equipment. The Skimz SK184 is a great choice...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

X-120 AXIUM Space Saving G4 Protein Skimmer

Eshopps mid-level line of Axium skimmers keeps upping the bar on simplicity and performance. The internal pump design allows for a smaller footprint and using powerful Sicce pumps means there is no loss of performance. The skimmer body of the new 4th generation has been completely redesigned...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

Z-6 Space Saving Protein Skimmer

The Bubble Magus “Z” Series is a truly unique and original skimmer line designed to provide efficient skimming in tight spaces. Their minimal footprint makes them an excellent option for compact sumps as well as some all-in-one aquarium systems. The Z-series skimmers utilize a very simple...

www.marinedepot.com

ConeS Q-2 In-Sump Protein Skimmer

Q series protein skimmers easily fit in most space-limited installations and supply powerful filtration. Newly designed hybrid-cone body stabilizes and concentrates the organic rich foam as it rises! Micro-adjustable valve provides precise control, and allows cleaned water to exit the skimmer...

www.marinedepot.com

This can drive a person nuts LOL! So many options.

Thanks.

 

[Scurvy]

Cant go wrong with Reef Octopus in my opinion. Id avoid Bubble magus. tried two and had issues with both. Take a look at Simplicity skimmers. Havent tried one personally but have seen a few folks use them with great results. Priced right IMO.

Simplicity 120 DC Skimmer in SUMP with DC pump | Premium Aquatics

Aquarium & Fish Supplies Superstore. Guaranteed Low Prices. Free Shipping for qualified orders. Aquarium supply for your aquarium fish, saltwater aquariums, freshwater aquariums and ponds. The best aquarium lighting, protein skimmers, aquarium chillers, calcium reactors, aquarium pumps for fish...

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[Faccia di Pesce]

Cant go wrong with Reef Octopus in my opinion. Id avoid Bubble magus. tried two and had issues with both. Take a look at Simplicity skimmers. Havent tried one personally but have seen a few folks use them with great results. Priced right IMO.

Simplicity 120 DC Skimmer in SUMP with DC pump | Premium Aquatics

Aquarium & Fish Supplies Superstore. Guaranteed Low Prices. Free Shipping for qualified orders. Aquarium supply for your aquarium fish, saltwater aquariums, freshwater aquariums and ponds. The best aquarium lighting, protein skimmers, aquarium chillers, calcium reactors, aquarium pumps for fish...

premiumaquatics.com

I guess thats why BRS doesn't sell Bubble Magnus Thanks will do.

 

[Faccia di Pesce]

I think this is the one I am going to get. Let me do more research and ask for others opinions?

Protein Skimmers

Shop Protein Skimmers and reactors on bulkreefsupply.com. Read reviews and compare protein skimmers and reactors.

www.bulkreefsupply.com

 

[vetteguy53081]

Ice Cap K2-50

 

[Waboss]

Out of the ones you have listed there, I'd roll with the RO or the Aquamaxx. I'd avoid the Skimz like the plague.

 

[Faccia di Pesce]

Out of the ones you have listed there, I'd roll with the RO or the Aquamaxx. I'd avoid the Skimz like the plague.

Ok thanks lol. What's wrong with the Skimz? just curious. Thanks

 

[Faccia di Pesce]

So down to three. What would you recommend? Aquamaxx or Reef Octopus or Simplicity?

240 DC Protein Skimmer - Simplicity

Shop The Best Saltwater Aquarium Equipment & Supplies at Saltwater Aquarium. We Carry Everything you will Need for your Fish Tank.

www.saltwateraquarium.com

 

[southerntnreefer]

Ok thanks lol. What's wrong with the Skimz? just curious. Thanks

I believe SKIMZ may be out of biz, or on their way out. I had great luck with Reef Octopus. Id still have one if it would of fit in my sump.

 

[Btl boutique]

I think this is the one I am going to get. Let me do more research and ask for others opinions?

Protein Skimmers

Shop Protein Skimmers and reactors on bulkreefsupply.com. Read reviews and compare protein skimmers and reactors.

www.bulkreefsupply.com

I'm in a similar situation myself (setting up a 40 breeder) , and was between the RO classic 110 and the essence 130. I reached out to brs and the dude from brs recommended the classic 110. That is what I went with, however I haven't used it yet.

 

[Waboss]

Ok thanks lol. What's wrong with the Skimz? just curious. Thanks

I've had 2 skimz skimmers and both were great out of the gate, but the pumps failed and/or had issues fairly quickly that seemingly could never be resolved. I also know several folks who had nothing but issues with them (and other Skimz products), so I just stopped messing with them. Also, as I believe someone else mentioned, I think their company is on its way out.

 

[Faccia di Pesce]

I've had 2 skimz skimmers and both were great out of the gate, but the pumps failed and/or had issues fairly quickly that seemingly could never be resolved. I also know several folks who had nothing but issues with them (and other Skimz products), so I just stopped messing with them. Also, as I believe someone else mentioned, I think their company is on its way out.

thanks for the heads up. I will stay away.

 

[HollyFish]

I bought an Omega 130 Skimmer off of facebook several weeks ago for 70.00. The pump is not working and making a lot of grinding noise. Oh well. So I am looking to buy a new skimmer. Something less bulky than the Omega 130 where the pump sits outside of the skimmer. There are just so many options. So in general, are there brands to stay away from and brands that exceed the rest? I want something that I can use when I decide to upgrade bigger tank. Probably will not exceed 100 gallons.

Here are a few I was looking at:

Protein Skimmers

Shop Protein Skimmers and reactors on bulkreefsupply.com. Read reviews and compare protein skimmers and reactors.

www.bulkreefsupply.com

Skimz Monzter SM161 Internal Protein Skimmer

The Skimz Monzter E-Series SM161 Internal Protein Skimmer gives you high performance skimming at a great value. Bubble plate design minimizes pre-mature bubble bursting which also reduces height of the skimmer. Rated for tanks 132 - 317 gallons (500-1200 Liters) BRS Recommended for tanks up to...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

Skimz Kone SK184 Internal Protein Skimmer

Skimz Kone SK184 skimmers come fitted with a Sicce PSK1000 needlewheel pump for reliable performance and ultimate silence. The space saving design of the Kone S-series integrated the pump into the body of the skimmer saving valuable space for other equipment. The Skimz SK184 is a great choice...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

X-120 AXIUM Space Saving G4 Protein Skimmer

Eshopps mid-level line of Axium skimmers keeps upping the bar on simplicity and performance. The internal pump design allows for a smaller footprint and using powerful Sicce pumps means there is no loss of performance. The skimmer body of the new 4th generation has been completely redesigned...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

Z-6 Space Saving Protein Skimmer

The Bubble Magus “Z” Series is a truly unique and original skimmer line designed to provide efficient skimming in tight spaces. Their minimal footprint makes them an excellent option for compact sumps as well as some all-in-one aquarium systems. The Z-series skimmers utilize a very simple...

www.marinedepot.com

ConeS Q-2 In-Sump Protein Skimmer

Q series protein skimmers easily fit in most space-limited installations and supply powerful filtration. Newly designed hybrid-cone body stabilizes and concentrates the organic rich foam as it rises! Micro-adjustable valve provides precise control, and allows cleaned water to exit the skimmer...

www.marinedepot.com

This can drive a person nuts LOL! So many options.

Thanks.

I’ll be getting the Tunze 9004 HOB skimmer for mine. It won BRS’s top rated skimmer for this size tank

 

[Faccia di Pesce]

I’ll be getting the Tunze 9004 HOB skimmer for mine. It won BRS’s top rated skimmer for this size tank

ha. I just sold mine . I decided to go with a sump and only had it for two months. .

 

[Anthony Scholfield]

I use the aquamaxx brand on my systems (have 2) and really like them. Haven’t had any problems with them. Owned one for 2+ years and one for 5months. They definitely do their job well.

 

[Faccia di Pesce]

I use the aquamaxx brand on my systems (have 2) and really like them. Haven’t had any problems with them. Owned one for 2+ years and one for 5months. They definitely do their job well.

i am looking at those. I like the RO's but a bit pricey and looking to spend under 250.00.

 

[Faccia di Pesce]

Looks like I am going to go with this. maybe lol.

ConeS Q-1 In-Sump Protein Skimmer

Q series protein skimmers easily fit in most space-limited installations and supply powerful filtration. Newly designed hybrid-cone body stabilizes and concentrates the organic rich foam as it rises! Micro-adjustable valve provides precise control, and allows cleaned water to exit the skimmer...

www.marinedepot.com

 

[Reef Tanker]

I bought the RO 110 SSS for $192 during the BRS Black Friday sale. I’m running a 40 breeder too. So far I really like the skimmer.

 

[stanlalee]

I'd go with the Aquamaxx (and have so I'm bias even though I've had an octopus back when that design wasn't a classic). Nothing wrong with the octopus classic but it's just that, an older design with a newer pump). When you can get a reputable skimmer with smooth cone or wine glass transition, a gate water level valve, adjustment air, a non exclusive
(except the pinwheel) get anywhere Sicce pump for less $$ why wouldn't you. The smallest fc-80 is more than enough

 

[Faccia di Pesce]

I bought the RO 110 SSS for $192 during the BRS Black Friday sale. I’m running a 40 breeder too. So far I really like the skimmer.