New skimmer help

[serpent]

I am setting up my new 120 gallon tank and am in need of a new skimmer. The tank will be heavily stocked with an attached 30 gallon frag tank and has a 40 breeder sump. I need to get some recommendations from the group. I think I have it narrowed down to a few, but don't know which is best.

At present, I have the original Octopus Extreme 160 (with psk2500) running on a 55 gallon. I upgraded the pump on it to the Bubble Blaster 2000 when I started having startup issues, but the skimmer body can't handle the extra load this pump is putting off. I could probably extend the neck of the skimmer and that might make it better, but at present, it is to inconsistent and loud.

Options:

1. Bubble Magus Hero 180 - psk1000
2. Bubble Magus Cone 7 - ROCK - SP2000
3. AquaMaxx EcoMaxx EM200 - sicce syncra 2.0
4. Avast Marine Works CS1 Kit - psk1000
5. Extend neck of Octopus Extreme 160
6. Put Bubble Blaster on old Euro Reef 135 body

Thanks.

 

[Downbeach]

I bought #1 a few months ago, and am very pleased with it. I have a 180 mixed reef(predominantly SPS), with a couple larger tangs, and a number of other smaller fish, and am running bio-pellets directly into the skimmer input, so it's a relatively high load. I was considering #2, but was unsure of the new ROCK pump.

 

[Reefing Madness]

Being as you already have the main part, the pump, I'd go ahead and extend the other and see what you get first. You do have some fine Bubble Magus picks though.

 

[serpent]

I bought #1 a few months ago, and am very pleased with it. I have a 180 mixed reef(predominantly SPS), with a couple larger tangs, and a number of other smaller fish, and am running bio-pellets directly into the skimmer input, so it's a relatively high load. I was considering #2, but was unsure of the new ROCK pump.

Thank you for the feedback. I am unsure about that pump too and am leaning more towards the Hero 180 or AquaMaxx EM200 due to the psk1000. I have heard they are beasts and are extremely quiet.

Being as you already have the main part, the pump, I'd go ahead and extend the other and see what you get first. You do have some fine Bubble Magus picks though.

I am considering this, but don't want to drop more money in a skimmer if it will not perform the duty needed. The neck extension is $40 + shipping for just a 3" neck. To me that is a little steep.

I could also sell the Extreme 160 and the Bubble Blaster and could possibly fund a more recent skimmer.

 

[Downbeach]

Thank you for the feedback. I am unsure about that pump too and am leaning more towards the Hero 180 or AquaMaxx EM200 due to the psk1000. I have heard they are beasts and are extremely quiet.

@ $300, it was a good bang for the buck.

 

[Reefing Madness]

SC Aquariums
Just another thought on a Skimmer that won't break the budget.

 

[serpent]

Never heard of those. It loos like they don't have an air silencer. How loud are they and what pump do they use.


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[Reefing Madness]

Replacement pump for SCA-303 150 gallon skimmer
Silencer is the lil blue cap on top of the air line.
There are a bunch of reviews out there, google SCA-303, see what you think.