Opinions on Equipment (Skimmers, Return pumps, etc...)

[Coach63]

Gathering equipment for my build and need some opinions on what equipment to get:

Skimmers - First, do I get an internal (in sump) or an external skimmer?
Brands? Vertex, AquaC EV-Series, Reef Octopus, other
The DT will be a little over 180 gallons with total build around 240 gallons. I would like an oversized for this size tank as I will have a heavy bioload.

Return Pumps-
Internal or External, AC or DC?
I need it to be quite, so I am assuming internal/DC. Do I wait for the ecotech to come out? Any other options that are good. Don't know about the amount of flow yet.

Total cabinet will be around 54x29x36 so I should have some room. Looking to get a sump of around 36" long.

Again, thanks for the input- I am learning a ton from the help you guys (and gals) are giving me.

 

[abecker]

I use the Jebao DC12000 on my tank and like it. It is quiet and I like the controller so I can dial in the speed. Some people have given it mixed reviews but for me I have been very happy with it. I currently have a Reef Octopus skimmer and it has worked well. I have the 150Int. However, I have heard great things about the vertex skimmers, just haven't used one myself.

 

[reefnfeef]

DC pump for sure

 

[thehammer1985]

Internal protein skimmer is my vote. I would stay with reef octopus or vertex however I am liking the reviews I see on that nyos. As far as pumps go if you can wait for that ecotech I'd say wait it out. They make solid products and great costumer service . However the reef octopus dc pumps have great reviews and I've been toying around with the idea of getting one.
For powerheads/wave makers . This is another difficult choice as the market has been booming lately with great products . If you are gonna get an apex the wavery may be a great addition but of course you have your jebaos and ecotech mp qd series . I run the mp10s and mp40s on my tanks but I am strongly considering giving the wav a shot.

 

[StikHedRon]

I like the new Reef Octopus Elite series, can be completely torn down to clean and has the new RODC pump!! For your tank the Elite 220INT would work perfectly. I would also go with the Reef Octopus RODC 5500 return pump, if all your doing is pumping water back up to the tank, if your gonna do a manifold I would go with something larger. The new Vectra by Ecotech looks good and is 3170 gph! I would also go with an APEX and the MP40QD's if your not on a budget!

 

[Ken Diedenhofer]

I have a Deepwater Aquatics dc pump and I haven't had any issues with it runs great and very quite price isn't as bad as the ecotech marine vectra pumps they will run you 450.00 plus dollars

 

[Ken Diedenhofer]

I've heard alot of good things far as vertex 150 omega skimmers too but the footprint is my worries I have a trigger system ruby red 36s sump and wonder if it will fit anyone hear anything on the nyos quantum 160 or the new aquamaxx ConeS q2 skimmers ? I see the footprint is much smaller on the two !!!

 

[gaz]

I also have a jebao dc 12000 good pump for the price but as said before if you've got the $ then go for the ecotech. For wave makers I love my gyre fx150 and if you get a apex with the icecap module then you can create what ever flow pattern you want

 

[Harold Green]

I won't make a suggestion to you only mention what I have running. My 210 has been up for over a year and I have a 75 gallon tank for a sump. It gives me enough room for two filter socks, a bubble magus 220a skimmer rated at nearly 400 gallons, a mag 18 that pumps nearly what the two one inch durso's can handle, a refusium with a deep sand bed, ato, and heater. I also have a gfo/carbon reactor that runs off a tap on the return pump. It's all very basic, lower cost components, yet it has been working well for me for the length of time the tank has been up.