Pick my skimmer! 500g

revhtree · Dec 1, 2016

Hey y'all I have kicked around ideas for what skimmer I want to use on my new tank build (500g or so) and it's time to bite the bullet and purchase one. There are so many good brands that will do the job but I would like to hear from you.

Ok give it to me! Which skimmer should I buy?

Thanks!

dragon99 · Dec 1, 2016

LifeReef VS3-60

alyee5 · Dec 1, 2016

Would a Reef Octopus Q series work?

Reeferdood · Dec 1, 2016

This guy looks pretty stoked,
How about this one?

mcarroll · Dec 1, 2016

Both of these are super easy to clean....and actually perfect for a 500 gallon tank.

Tunze DOC Skimmer 9430 ($657; there's also a DC version)

It's a beast. It has unique features. It's a great price.
(300mm = 12")

....or....

AquaC EV1000 ($660 at marinedepot)

Also beastly. Also has unique features – my favorite being its ability to use the pump you choose. Also a great price for the performance. Also old-school.

alyee5 · Dec 1, 2016

Reeferdood said:
This guy looks pretty stoked,
How about this one?

He's stoked now, but wait until he has to clean it...

Reeferdood · Dec 1, 2016

Lol....

Thoms_here · Dec 1, 2016

mcarroll said:
Both of these are super easy to clean....and actually perfect for a 500 gallon tank.

Tunze DOC Skimmer 9430 ($657; there's also a DC version)

Tunze! They work and work and work… well you get my point.

Thoms_here · Dec 1, 2016

If your going to have a heavy bio-load I would seriously consider this one:

Master DOC Skimmer 9480
(9480.000)

Recommended for salt water aquariums up to
8,000 liters (2,100 USgal.).
Immersion depth from 160 to 370 mm (6.2 to 14.5 in.)Dimensions (L x W x H): 530 x 500 x 700 mm (20.8 x 19.6 x 27.5 in.)
Water flow rate: 5,200 l/h (1,373 USgal./h)
Air capacity: 3,400 l/h (898 USgal./h)
Energy consumption: 60 W, 230V/50Hz (115V/60Hz)
Skimmer cup volume: 7 liters (1.8 USgal.).
Dimensions of the skimmer cup including lid: ø320 x H.261 mm (12.60" x H. 10.28")
To be able to take off skimmer cup it must be raised by 63 mm (2.48") at least.

Retail is $1400 but I'm sure you could bet that by a bunch.

mjk250 · Dec 1, 2016

I've got both the above tunze models in use, they are super easy to clean and pull out a ton of gunk.

Broadfield · Dec 1, 2016

I only have experience with the Nyos 120 and 160, but I trust Marc's @melev judgement on the 300... he seems to be pretty stoked with it so far. My 160 is indeed dead silent, works like a horse and looks beautiful!

Daniel@R2R · Dec 1, 2016

On my big reef, I'm pretty sold on going with a NYOS 300. I was also interested in the TUNZE (whichever one is bigger than the 9430)...that was my runner-up.

Battlecorals · Dec 1, 2016

Ah, just get a Deltec David and be done with it

revhtree · Dec 2, 2016

Broadfield said:
I only have experience with the Nyos 120 and 160, but I trust Marc's @melev judgement on the 300... he seems to be pretty stoked with it so far. My 160 is indeed dead silent, works like a horse and looks beautiful!

Nice video!

revhtree · Dec 2, 2016

Battlecorals said:
Ah, just get a Deltec David and be done with it

Deltec is tried and true for sure!

luke33 · Dec 2, 2016

There are tons of skimmers that would work. I would look for one with a DC pump that has parts readily available. And i would buy 1-2 spare pump's just to have, this way you can use the skimmer for a decade or so if needed.

Just find a design you like and price point and go for it.

MaddyP · Dec 2, 2016

revhtree said:
Hey y'all I have kicked around ideas for what skimmer I want to use on my new tank build (500g or so) and it's time to bite the bullet and purchase one. There are so many good brands that will do the job but I would like to hear from you.

Ok give it to me! Which skimmer should I buy?

Thanks!

What features are important to you? What do you want it to accomplish, beyond pulling great skimmate? DC pump? Internal/external? Every brand has it's advantages and disadvantages.