New skimmer - couldn't be happier.

[BeanAnimal]

So I went skimmerless for the last 5-6 years. I decided it was time for a change.
I previously had a DIY 6' tall recirculating skimmer (build linked if anybody cares). It started as NW and then changed to ceramic stones and huge Alita linear pump. It worked very well, but I took it down to try ATS without a skimmer - and never really finished the ATS setup. So 6 years no skimmer, no ATS and no water changes

Anyway, I grabbed a Reef Octopus Regal 200-EXT

I couldn't (honestly) be happier. Easy to adjust, silent and already skimming 20 minutes in. I don't miss the 6' monster AT ALL!

 

[blaxsun]

I'm sure you don't miss the 6' footprint at all.

 

[BeanAnimal]

The floor actual footprint was a good bit smaller than the Octo. My tank is in-wall and the equipment room is long and narrow. This will allow a shelf or other use of the vertical space above.

The skimmer was amazing for what it was - but could at time be temperamental with the early needlewheels. It was better with the ceramic airstones, but I would have liked finer bubbles and did not want to retrofit once again to make that happen.

I can already tell that this thing is far more stable and a better skimmer.