Need advice on skimmer choice

[jmp21677]

I've been having issues with the aquamaxx skimmer I have right now and in ready to move on! What skimmer should I buy for a reefer 170? I've seen people use the curve 5 but just looking for opinions on choice

 

[CodyRVA]

I really like my Skimz Monzter DC. I've also had great experiences with Reef Octopus.

 

[happyhourhero]

No complaints with my coral box.

 

[DSC reef]

Check out SCA brand of skimmers, affordable and works great. The SC302 would be a good fit.

 

[jmp21677]

I'll be looking at all of those. Any feedback on nyos?

 

[MIReefer78]

I would said depends on your budget. About every manufacturer has a $200+/- model in their lineup. I've got the curve 5, on a Reefer 170,no complaints.

 

[Orm Embar]

I had a Somatic S60 6" needlewheel from Vertex (BulkReefSupply, $199). Was pretty darn big (6" diameter), but Sicce pump and worked very well. I ended up replacing it with a refugium, so I don't use mine anymore. I would certainly recommend it if you want a high quality skimmer with a reliable pump that works well (and you don't mind it taking up most of the skimmer compartment).

I'm curious what issues you're having with your Aquamaxx, as I've been debating getting a small skimmer that would fit in the sump for emergencies without my having to remove the refugium, but I'd only be able to fit a small skimmer like a K2-50 or Aquamaxx WS-1 (hence my interest).

 

[Forsaken77]

I've been having issues with the aquamaxx skimmer I have right now and in ready to move on! What skimmer should I buy for a reefer 170? I've seen people use the curve 5 but just looking for opinions on choice

My AquaMaxx skimmer stinks also. Constant fiddling with it, bubble plate flew off at first until replaced, parts decay and break after a year from the salt environment, my power cord started cracking within 6 months, the skimmer takes hours to start performing after feeding, the impeller started to eat into the pump body, the skimmer body had a leaky weld and had to be sent back to MD, tested, and replaced, but the cracking power cord passed with flying colors ;Muted (/sarcasm).

Obviously I haven't had a good experience with the skimmer. What I have had a good experience with is AquaMaxx and their willingness to help rectify the situation. If you have an AquaMaxx product and have a problem, contact them directly, not MD. MD will make you pay for a new part, while AquaMaxx wants a picture of the malfunctioning part and will have MD send it to you.

Even though they have great after sale support, I rather a product that just works. So AquaMaxx will stay in my cube until my 180 is done, then in the trash it goes. I wouldn't even try to sell someone else this headache. It's the Cone-S Q2 btw and I got the first run of them.

 

[jmp21677]

This is a cone 1. I haven't had the issues you've seen I'm just always messing with the settings. One day it's skimming great. Next it's blowing water all over.

 

[jmp21677]

What's a budget? I've got kids and a wife. Budget for school clothes was 400 each....1400 dollars later they were ready

 

[Rick Krejci]

I've been having issues with the aquamaxx skimmer I have right now and in ready to move on! What skimmer should I buy for a reefer 170? I've seen people use the curve 5 but just looking for opinions on choice

Octopus 110sss on my Reefer 250 is super quiet and isn't fiddly and has a small footprint.

 

[vlangel]

Check out SCA brand of skimmers, affordable and works great. The SC302 would be a good fit.

I also have a SCA-302 and am impressed for the money. I have a seahorse tank and a good skimmer is a must. My only complaint was my 1st pump crapped out after 6 month since I turn it off and on 3Xs a week for water changes. Now I leave it run during WCs and just turn the bubbles down and it skims lots of thick, black stinky gunk every week.

 

[frank@wall]

Reef Octopus Elite 220...Love it

 

[lvzx14]

I've been happy with my simplicity skimmer, performs great and nice and quiet.

I did have an issue with the pump which I contacted them and about 30 minutes later I received a reply with some troubleshooting tips. And without success the following morning I received an e-mail that a new pump had been sent out to me. I was just as impressed with their customer service as I was with the actual skimmer. Definitely worth a look

 

[frank@wall]

To be honest any skimmer today is a good working skimmer

 

[CodyRVA]

To be honest any skimmer today is a good working skimmer

Simply not true.

 

[DSC reef]

Simply not true.

I don't know, even coralife has come a long way. I'd agree with you 10 years ago but most skimmers are gonna perform. This could be a debate for ages.

 

[frank@wall]

Simply not true.

Imo it is true. I had many many skimmers from cheap tp very expensive and once you dial them in they all work fine. On cheaper models the only issues i had was the pump failing or impellers breaking. Once fixed or replaced it was back to normal. Like i said this is my opinion and experience.

 

[Treasure Coast]

I'll be looking at all of those. Any feedback on nyos?

I installed the NYOS 160 in my Red Sea Max S-650 a few weeks ago.. It is extremely quiet and does a nice job. I bought it because I don't like noise, not sure if the 160 would be too much for yours. They make a 120 but there is no drain hose on the collection cup on the smaller unit.

 

[joseph78009]

I have a skimz monster 161 very quiet pulls a lot skim ,took a little bit to get adjusted right just have to make little adjustments like once a day otherwise you will get frustrated very easy also you get get support form brs.so I would highly recommend skimz I have two.good luck with your choice.