New Skimmer and Powerhead (Opinions Needed)

[WAfrican]

Will be setting up a new tank here soon. Was planning on turning a deep blue 30 into an aio but going to just drill it and put a 10G sump below for space/layout issues. As for skimmers I'm looking to go a bit oversized as I plan to have it heavily stocked. Before I spend hundreds on equipment I wanted to see what everyone here thought. Before you say "just do a quick search" I have and still cannot be exactly sure given that many of the items I'm looking at have very little info out there. For the skimmers I'm in-between the Bubble Magus Curve 5, Eshopps Axium 120, or Simplicity DC120. I know the curve 5 is old and has plenty of reviews while the axium is relatively new yet similar to the curve but with a better pump and lastly the simplicity has a dc pump but little info out there. I'm also interested in icecaps new 3k gyre pump but cannot seem to find the minimum flow rate only its max (3000). Is there info on this and would you think it would be okay in the 30G shallow mixed reef and TE reef flakes for sand?

 

[redfishbluefish]

I can't help you, but can make your decision more difficult. If you're looking at BM, also consider Sea side Aquarics. These are BM skimmers with Sicce pumps.....a much better pump.

 

[GoVols]

A Gyre would do it. I think you can make it run with one propeller and get a end cap for the other side but you need to check my on that.
I love reef flakes sand. Super Clean! Don't get the finest grain size or "Sand Storm" with the Gyre.
Skimmer... If you really want one this is it. Ran the HOB-1 for two years and was top notch. They run Sicce pumps

http://www.marinedepot.com/AquaMaxx...uariums_Reefs-AquaMaxx-UJ00189-FIPSIS-vi.html

Don't turn a skimmer on for aleast 6 weeks. Let your tank fully cycle first. You don't even have enough organics to dail one in at the beginning anyway.
.

 

[WAfrican]

I've seen the SeaSide aquatics but can't justify the extra $50 for a sicce pump if I can get eshopps axiom with a sicce pump for the same price as the curve 5. Just to be clear i'm looking at icecaps new 3k gyre not maxspect's gyre thats been out on the market for a few years. This will be my second tank and yes I will leave the tank skimmer less until cycled and there is enough organics.

 

[mcarroll]

many of the items I'm looking at have very little info out there.

Maybe an aspect to consider further....I'd look at vendors that provide the info you're looking for. Can you call any of those makers and ask questions or get support?

I also don't really mess with untested pumps. (Not made of money....I let the folks who have the budget do the testing.)

I'd be looking at Tunze gear across the board. Could even revert back to the AIO plan if you wanted.

For the skimmer:
Comline® DOC Skimmer 9004
(there's also a DC version, as well as an in-sump modded version)

For the pumps they have several options you should consider, but I'd probably do a pair of these:
Turbelle® nanostream® 6040

They also have non-controllable (AC) models you could consider as well.....they grow corals just as well, but just don't have as much hype as controllable pumps. The 6020 and 6045 would be my picks from that group.

 

[fishkeeper2]

This goes down to personal preference and many people have strong opinions one way or the other based on varying experiences.

I have had excellent results with Bubble Magnus. I also really like the Red Sea C-Skim 1800 Advanced. It does well in a sump, collects a ton of gunk, and has a few slick features. Needs a pump with a 450 gph flow to operate optimally.

You want a pin wheel aspiration pump. Also has a neck washing feature that may or may not be useful to you. Rated for up to 300 gall. Always divide that number by 2 to get the real capacity.

BM curve 5 is rated for 140 gall. Also has a needle/pin wheel aspiration pump. It has a curved feature to allow bubbles to flow up more easily.

The high end S series Red Sea tanks all come stocked with the 1800.

My current tank uses the Red Sea cskim 1800. Can't go wrong with it, bubble magnus, or reef octopus. So whatever suits your preference.

 

[WAfrican]

I finally could find some reviews on the simplicity skimmer and it's starting to be my favorite option of the three. I really like the idea of the dc pump and being able to turn down the flow when cleaning the cup. Most issues I have with skimmers tend to be when I stop then restart the pump.

 

[fishkeeper2]

I never shut them off unless cleaning all of it inside out. For the emptying the collection cup I keep them on.

 

[WAfrican]

Well I found a local deal here and will now probably end up going with the Vertex Omega 130. I've read that it is very finicky and people have problems getting it dialed in just right but there are also just as many people saying theirs works just fine and it simply take a little time but once its good it'll pull black mud out.

 

[mcarroll]

I never shut them off unless cleaning all of it inside out. For the emptying the collection cup I keep them on.

Turning pumps down and unplugging cords would make cleaning the cup take longer – no way!
(Forget that there's no real benefit of doing those things.)

Plus, my Tunze skimmer has a self-cleaning mechanism that works while the skimmer cup is off. Check it out!
DOC Skimmer 9410 ($330)

Even speaking of ordinary skimmers, I'm not aware of any value to having a DC pump. However, Tunze does offer DC models of all their skimmers in case you can't resist.