Picked a sump (Trigger Ruby 36S) ...now which Protein Skimmer?

GuppyHJD · Nov 3, 2020

Hello,
I ordered a Trigger Ruby 36S sump for my 120g tank.
Now I need suggestions for a correctly sized protein skimmer.
Red Sea? Eshopp? Tunze? ??? The sump has a section that is 12" x 14.5" (but I am not sure how much is taken by the filter socks?
I am thinking DC pump. I have been reading too much by the LifeReef is probably out of my price range.

Who else is using a Trigger Ruby 36S?

Thanks

Peace River · Nov 3, 2020

There are many opinions on this topic and there are several good brands. Personally, I have used Reef Octopus skimmers for over 10 years and am currently using 3 different Reef Octopus skimmers on different systems. Additionally, in an informal R2R poll Reef Octopus was selected as the best skimmer brand:

QUESTION OF THE DAY - BEST SKIMMER BRAND: Who get's your vote?

Let's talk protein skimmers today and put it to a vote! 1. What brand skimmer are you running on your saltwater reef aquarium? 2. Are you happy with your current skimmer? 3. If you could choose any skimmer what brand would you choose? VOTE on your favorite brand and if I forgot a good one...

www.reef2reef.com

Good luck with whatever you choose!

#reefoctopus

GuppyHJD · Nov 3, 2020

I have made a list - had to remove a few due to footprint.
Looking at the
Bubble Magus Curve 7 ($299)
Red Sea RSK300 ($329)
Reef Octopus Classic 150 ($279)
Reef Octopus Classic 200 ($329)
Eshopp X-160 ($362)

code4 · Nov 4, 2020

I have an emerald trigger sump. Only ever used one skimmer. ATO. My husband loves to complain about things, he actually likes this brand. Good luck

dank reefer · Nov 4, 2020

**COUGH**REMOVE ESHOPPS FROM YOUR LIST**COUGH**
How stocked is your tank ATM? Reef Octopus are the cats meow in performance and affordability compared to some other skimmers out on the market. I have heard good things about bubble magnus skimmers as well, but I have never used one. Do some research on NYOS as many reefers seem to like the skimmer, footprint, and performance.

GuppyHJD · Nov 4, 2020

code4 said:
I have an emerald trigger sump. Only ever used one skimmer. ATO. My husband loves to complain about things, he actually likes this brand. Good luck

Which skimmer are you using>?

jasper9 · Nov 4, 2020

I'm in a similar situation. I would add to the question to the crowd, what features or functionality sway you toward or away from each?

mcshams · Nov 4, 2020

We've used Reef Octopus Regal and love the thing

GuppyHJD · Nov 4, 2020

dank reefer said:
**COUGH**REMOVE ESHOPPS FROM YOUR LIST**COUGH**
How stocked is your tank ATM? Reef Octopus are the cats meow in performance and affordability compared to some other skimmers out on the market. I have heard good things about bubble magnus skimmers as well, but I have never used one. Do some research on NYOS as many reefers seem to like the skimmer, footprint, and performance.

I have looked at the NYOS but are out of my budget...along with LifeReef

GuppyHJD · Nov 14, 2020

Looks like it will be a Black Friday sale selection - leaning towards the Reef Octopus

Pistondog · Nov 14, 2020

GuppyHJD said:
Looks like it will be a Black Friday sale selection - leaning towards the Reef Octopus

Reef octopus 150 int with varios dc pump ($450). Watch for black Friday sale.

GuppyHJD · Nov 14, 2020

Pistondog said:
Reef octopus 150 int with varios dc pump ($450). Watch for black Friday sale.

That might be too much $$. I still have to buy lights.

Blue Spot Octopus · Nov 14, 2020

Bubble Magnus Curve 7, try to get the Sicce pump, or the Tunze 9410 skimmer.

Hydrored · Nov 14, 2020

I highly recommend Royal Exclusiv, absolutely silent and you do not need to oversize at all. Bubble King mini should fit. Edit- never mind too much

Dalbery · Nov 20, 2020

I just bought a curve 7 and have had it running for 2 days. I had a Reef Octopus 150 but it was too noisy. This curve 7 is dead silent. I'm not sure on production yet as it's breaking in still. I'm having issues with the bubbles not coming up high enough, but that could be a break in issue or I may have the bubble plate not oriented correctly. If noise is a concern beware of the non dc Reef Octopus. And the BM Curve 7 is on sale for $209 right now. Hard to go wrong.

GuppyHJD · Nov 20, 2020

Dalbery said:
I just bought a curve 7 and have had it running for 2 days. I had a Reef Octopus 150 but it was too noisy. This curve 7 is dead silent. I'm not sure on production yet as it's breaking in still. I'm having issues with the bubbles not coming up high enough, but that could be a break in issue or I may have the bubble plate not oriented correctly. If noise is a concern beware of the non dc Reef Octopus. And the BM Curve 7 is on sale for $209 right now. Hard to go wrong.

thank you ...I was just looking at the Marine Depot site this afternoon, they have the Bubble Magus Curve 7 Elite with the Sicce PSK-600 pump on sale for 295.99. I am trying to decide if the Sicce pump is worth $80 difference. I spoke to someone at Marine Depot who recommended the AquaMaxx ConeS CO-2.

Dalbery · Nov 21, 2020

If noise is a concern the Sicce may be louder. I know in the Curve 9 the elite (Sicce pump) is louder.

smiley28 · Nov 21, 2020

I’m typically a Red Sea hater but.. I’m impressed by what I’ve seen from their skimmers! Also I’m partial to the aquamaxx skimmers.

X-37B · Nov 22, 2020

Tunze 9410 dc is what I run on my 120. They are the most underrated skimmers out their, imo.
No adjustment needed in 17 months of use.
Easiest skimmer cup to remove.
No need to turn it off to clean cup, feed, or work in tank.
Has anti overflow too.
Cant say enough good things about it.
Set it and forget it.