Need help with protein skimmer

[Bml1024]

well title says it all. I am in need of help with deciding on what protein skimmer to go with. The tank is 180 gallon dual overflow reef ready tank. I know that this is an important part of the tank quality and realize you can't nor shouldn't skimp out on a realiable one. I don't want that makes a ton of noise (I heard a few of them and don't understand how some people could enjoy that noise as they're trying to enjoy their fish tank) I will be going with a 40 gallon breeder for my sump as well if that matters. Thank you I'm advanced

P.s- idk if this matters but I will be doing a coral reef tank with all kinds of corals from soft to hard.

 

[JEREMY82]

Internal or external?heavy stock of fish or just corals?

 

[JEREMY82]

I personally get a skimmer that is at least double the tank load so if I have rd 200 gallons I would look for something that is rated for 300 to 500 gallons

 

[mcarroll]

I am in need of help with deciding on what protein skimmer to go with. The tank is 180 gallon dual overflow reef ready tank. I know that this is an important part of the tank quality and realize you can't nor shouldn't skimp out on a realiable one.

Tunze DOC Skimmer 9410 or the DOC Skimmer 9410 DC would be my pick.

I also like AquaC....an EV180 would be great. Pick a pump for it that's as high- or low-end as you like.....or possibly use one you already have.

I don't want that makes a ton of noise (I heard a few of them and don't understand how some people could enjoy that noise as they're trying to enjoy their fish tank) I will be going with a 40 gallon breeder for my sump as well if that matters.

Skimmers in your tank's league will have somewhere around 200-400 gallons per hour of water being pulverized into tiny bubbles.

Don't have any expectation of that being noise-free.

If noise-free is a serious requirement, then you'll have to take measures.

Certainly, have an enclosed stand. Some folks that need silence have their skimmer on a timer so it doesn't run when they are around.

Also, an in-tank skimmer is going to be a lot more quiet than a sump + skimmer that's half out of the water.

Maybe skip the sump and consider a Tunze Comline® Skimmer 9012 or Comline® Skimmer 9012 DC? Or even a Reefpack 500 that includes that skimmer, and a filter module plus an Osmolator® ATO.

 

[3mm3]

I use the Skimz Monzter SM163 DC Internal Protein Skimmer. It may be on the small side for the tank size you have but the skimmer is excellent and dead silent.

 

[Fish Werx]

I have always had great luck with Reef Octopus skimmers. I have had the hang on back type for some of my smaller systems and the in sump models throughout my larger systems over the past couple years. Cant really say exactly why I chose this brand to start with (doesnt hurt that they do look really cool!), but honestly, my in sump skimmer for my 120+40 is so quiet i have to make sure its running sometimes. Skims the darkest, smelliest stuff out on a daily basis. There are definitely more expensive brands out there, and they may be better. But for a nice budget friendly choice, Ill stick with my RO....

 

[Bml1024]

So the tunze doc 9410 dc, ev180 or reef octopus? Which is the best of the 3

 

[Shaddow_wolf169]

I swapped out my sca301 for the nyos quantum 160 this skimmer is worth every penny thick Mudd skimmate all day. BeSt skimmer on the market almost zero sound

 

[mcarroll]

All will work...skimming isn't magic ....so I recommend choosing your favorite based on features you consider the most important.

Just for example...

I like to consider price and ease of cleaning as my usual #1 and #2 features.....and #1 isn't really a feature, but it's used to filter the initial list to what I can afford. Then, ease of cleaning becomes paramount.

The Tunze couldn't get easier – you lift it off and walk to the sink. (While you're gone it's self-cleaning mechanism will work to clear the air inlet.)

My old AquaC is equally easy, but if I'm not mistaken, the newer ones have a pretty simple twist-lock cup. I only take off half a point for this...by reputation it's still easy to clean.

(I tend to have a strong bias against skimmers that use shapes other than cylinders or boxes.)

 

[Fish Werx]

All will work...skimming isn't magic ....so I recommend choosing your favorite based on features you consider the most important.

Just for example...

I like to consider price and ease of cleaning as my usual #1 and #2 features.....and #1 isn't really a feature, but it's used to filter the initial list to what I can afford. Then, ease of cleaning becomes paramount.

The Tunze couldn't get easier – you lift it off and walk to the sink. (While you're gone it's self-cleaning mechanism will work to clear the air inlet.)

My old AquaC is equally easy, but if I'm not mistaken, the newer ones have a pretty simple twist-lock cup. I only take off half a point for this...by reputation it's still easy to clean.

(I tend to have a strong bias against skimmers that use shapes other than cylinders or boxes.)

Right! I forgot ease of cleaning! On that merit, my RO is awesome too. The cup assembly lifts a scant 1/4" to release from the body (which is helpful for those that dont have oodles of room above the sump area!) Walk to the sink and scrub it out. Replace it and you're back in business!