Protein Skimmer recommendations

[Blooming123]

I have a 120 gallon with a 55 gallon sump. I currently have a 10+ year old HOB remora pro that was moved over from a 75 gallon tank. I need to upgrade. Was looking to spend $300-400. My issue is there are so many choices. Also, the ratings are confusing. They have recommendations for tank size based on load. I am planning on adding softies and LPS. Probably just a handful of fish as I prefer a few lookers to a crowd. I don’t want to undersize, am of the one size bigger than you need is better if you can afford it. Was looking at Nyos, bubble Magus, reef octopus; but can’t decide. Any help would be appreciated.
RB

 

[sikorskys]

Think of what YOU need, not your system.

Should it be silent? How tall can it be? Easy maintenance? Then start googling.

BTW, Nyos is great.

 

[Claus84]

Personally I'm a fan of bubble Magus, for the price I think they are hard to beat. I've got a curve 7 on a 90g and a curve 9 on a 300g. They are pretty big though so make sure to double check dimensions if you are considering one

 

[PatW]

I have a Super Reef Octopus. Reef Octopus makes a bunch of different models to choose from.

 

[Duffer]

Reef octopus gets my vote. Have the classic 150 and love it,

 

[Blooming123]

I have to check some measurements. I’m pretty sure the two tanks (main and sump) are very close together. I think I have 8.5 inches to sneak it in. Otherwise was considering an in-line. Was looking at the reef octopus 150 ext. wasn’t sure on size given the multiple gallon ratings.

 

[Blooming123]

Think of what YOU need, not your system.

Should it be silent? How tall can it be? Easy maintenance? Then start googling.

BTW, Nyos is great.

It’s a Basement tank, so noise isn’t an issue. Space may be a problem. Or, would get it in the sump but not easily without moving the 55 gallon sump out of the stand some as hubby didn’t leave much space between main and sump. I think I have 8.5 inches. I’ll need to measure. Cleaning sucks but has to be done....[/QUOTE]

 

[Montiman]

If I were buying I have found skimmers with pumps outside of the skimmer body are better because they have a bigger reaction chamber and the pump is easier to remove for cleaning.

I also like a gate valve for control rather than a wedge pipe because it is easier to make fine adjustments.

I prefer AC pumps because they are more durable and simpler. Because of this I like the Reef Octopus classic INT and SRO INT skimmers a 200 INT would work great for you.

 

[Blooming123]

Measured again. Only 7.5 inches between main and sump. I think it’s gonna be the reef octopus 150ext so it can set outside the tank. Not much room on the right for a skimmer. Returns with socks take up most of the room. Could sneak on in on the left but I think the right side would be better. Does it matter where it sits in the sump? Currently the HOB is on the right. Looks like Nyos and Eshopps make skimmers that would fit just barely. Any other ideas??