Looking for Protein Skimmer

[hellsangelbx]

Okay ladies and Gents, I'm new to Reef2Reef because I am new to this side of the hobby. I have 11 years doing fresh water tanks and now. I feel like I have the confidence, Knowledge, and Financials to support this side of the hobby. I have done numerous research and readings on Saltwater tanks. So Right now I am starting to piece everything together and hopefully with an awesome community that R2R is hopefully I can narrow down my search. So this is what I'm getting into right now. I'm looking looking to finalize my house hopefully by March and hopefully by June this project will be unfolded. I am going to start with the protein skimmer. Since depending on the height and footprint of the skimmer will determine the size of the stand and the size of that I need in the sump to support this skimmer or future mods. So What I have been researching about for on skimmers has not led me to make a decision. I will tell you why on forums theres not alot of updated information by users who actually use the product or competitive products. I looked around on YouTube but there isn't alot of updated videos on the skimmers and if there are it looks like the person took with an old camera and it's hard to hear and see. I am looking for the most silent and effective skimmer out there. Obviously the brand has to be supported so if it goes down I can get the support I need to get it back up and running. Now Skimmers vary in price substantially and I'm not to worried on price at the moment. I also, don't just want to go for the most expensive skimmer because price is the dictating factor in it. I'm having a new born coming along the way so silence is my key to my setup. If it's loud it won't last with the wife. So I will give you my options that I have come across and think it's worth mentioning. Hopefully you guys can help me narrow down one and give me your vote of confidence on the item. Thanks you to my new R2R community and all opinions are greatly appreciated. Please Keep all smart remarks away as I'm just looking for help and I know as a neewbie we can say something or won't understand everything all the time.
Underneath is Protein skimmers I'm considering give me your take on how it's going for you or what do you recommend;
- Lifereef Skimmer - $650 (This was my original go to but I heard it's loud - So I'm scared to get this one).

- Bubble King Double Cone 200 $1100 - I know there are alot of fans that love this skimmer but can't find a great review and it's hard to justify without seeing it for myself

-Bubble King Supermarin 200 RD3 $1535

- Vertex Alpha 200 - $930

- Reef Octopus Elite 200 $600 (PrimoReef did a good review which you actually that this thing is silent)

- Skimz SM202 $550 (BRS suggested this one and is actually using this one on their own tank - Sounds like it's dead silent as well)

- NYOS Quantum 160 $500 (TB Aquatics did an amazing review and thats why I'm considering this one. it had only a 10db higher than ambient room noise and 10w of power. Thats insane. I just don't know the reliability of this brand, but only people that have this would know.)

* R2R thats what I have so far I know it's alot I put up but can't wait to hear the real feedback. I'm just looking for User end reviews. Thanks again.

 

[oneyedfish]

Not sure how big your setup will be, I have a Bubble Magus Curve 9 on my 110 with a 29 gallon sump. I love my curve. Skims like a beast and is quiet. Been running it since june, and I am glad I bought it.

 

[bobman]

I own a lifereef and it is awesome. Set and forget (except for cleaning the cup).

 

[hellsangelbx]

I own a lifereef and it is awesome. Set and forget (except for cleaning the cup).

what pump do u use. Alot video that i see and review that read say that it's loud and that there is no way to quiet the venturi. What do you do to quiet down the skimmer? Do you have a video of your skimmer it would greatly appreciate it.

 

[bobman]

I run a mag 9.5. Never had an issue with noise as long as the hose on the venturi is hoked up to the collection cup with the lid on it. I run it on a 92 corner tank and have since done a recirculation mod on it to free up room in m sump (limited realestate) for a refugium. IT does a great job and being able to run whatever pump you want is nice since if a pump goes out you can just go to the LFS and be back up and running instead of having to order it and wait for shipping. I will get a video of it when I get home tonight.

 

[hellsangelbx]

I run a mag 9.5. Never had an issue with noise as long as the hose on the venturi is hoked up to the collection cup with the lid on it. I run it on a 92 corner tank and have since done a recirculation mod on it to free up room in m sump (limited realestate) for a refugium. IT does a great job and being able to run whatever pump you want is nice since if a pump goes out you can just go to the LFS and be back up and running instead of having to order it and wait for shipping. I will get a video of it when I get home tonight.

Thanks you @bobman i greatly appreciate it.

 

[jetmaker]

I have a aqua Max c01 awesome skimmer dry skims like crazy I've had aqua c before and it can't touch this skimmer look at reviews they wont lead you wrong.

 

[hellsangelbx]

Not sure how big your setup will be, I have a Bubble Magus Curve 9 on my 110 with a 29 gallon sump. I love my curve. Skims like a beast and is quiet. Been running it since june, and I am glad I bought it.

That's great news. Thanks for the feedback, How much Decibels do you get from it?

 

[hellsangelbx]

I have a aqua Max c01 awesome skimmer dry skims like crazy I've had aqua c before and it can't touch this skimmer look at reviews they wont lead you wrong.

Thanks you for your review, how much decibels do you get from it

 

[hellsangelbx]

I run a mag 9.5. Never had an issue with noise as long as the hose on the venturi is hoked up to the collection cup with the lid on it. I run it on a 92 corner tank and have since done a recirculation mod on it to free up room in m sump (limited realestate) for a refugium. IT does a great job and being able to run whatever pump you want is nice since if a pump goes out you can just go to the LFS and be back up and running instead of having to order it and wait for shipping. I will get a video of it when I get home tonight.

Hi @bobman hope all is well, just wondering if you had a chance to make the video?