Protein Skimmer thoughts

reefjunky24 · Jul 10, 2012

Hey guys,

So i just set up my 45g cube, i have a 40g sump full of live rock, i was thinking of getting a 20 g tank to put a internal sump in as I am trying to keep the 40 stocked full of live rock, so i will have approx about 100g water volume, i have been researching skimmers up and down and just looking to see if anyone has used the 3 im looking at or if someone would suggest something that is about the same price level that works better im open to look at it or if someone feels that there is something way cheaper that would be just as good i look into that as well.

1st option Skimz cone skimmer/standard skimmer
2nd option ATB cone skimmer
3rd option Bubble Magnus cone skimmer

I did not put models down as i am debating between them due to size of water volume as well as future use, anyone use the above units or anyone have some better ideas?

I use to have a MSX skimmer wish i could find it as someone put it somewhere in the house and can't locate it, if i find that i will just use that as i don't have to spend money then.

Thanks

Steelerfan747 · Jul 10, 2012

I do not have personal experience with any of them but I do know those that have usedthe bubble magus and the skimz and they have been happy with both of them. The only thing I like better on the skimz is less wattage but the bubble magus parts seem to be more readily available should something like the pump go out.

reefjunky24 · Jul 10, 2012

I have read reviews on both i like the skimz cause it has the water come out of of the bottom by the pump which is a cool feature, some thing it helps with the aggitation in the column but have also heard it really doesn't make a difference, i like the bubble magnus cause of the price vs the skimz but have also heard that the pump goes out alot on the Bubble magnus which i don't want to have to deal with a cheap pump and i believe i already have a sicce pump that could fit the skimz if anything ever happened, and i like the design look of the skimz a little better, hopefully someone who has one will chime in with there thoughts but to save a few hundered from the skimz to the BM might be worth it for the time bein especially with how many new skimmers come out every year.

J Rog · Jul 10, 2012

i have an ATB and very happy with it

reefjunky24 · Jul 10, 2012

How about the Diablo anyone use that one, can't find a lot on it seems to be newer?

mcarroll · Jul 10, 2012

I don't know what kind of budget you are keeping for this or if you might be "sold" on the cone concept, but another candidate worthy of consideration IMO is the Tunze 9410. Great pump, great design and plenty of headroom vs the display volume (i.e. bio-load) you're talking about - it would handle a well-stocked 150g. At the same time it's still a pretty compact skimmer. Goes for about $338.

Another option that could be considered is their new 9004 (may not be available at retail yet). At $150 it's a great value, but it's only just rated for your display size, so you won't be taking it with you to the next tank, or if you end up deciding to populate the live rock tank somewhere down the road. Depends on how big a concern this is, but this skimmer could be a very good "budget" option.

Good luck with your final pick!

-Matt

reefjunky24 · Jul 10, 2012

I guess, i just don't wanna drop 800 plus on a skimmer, id like to stay under 500 especially if i am going to take it to the next tank. Doesn't have to be a cone skimmer, tho i do like the idea but with the skimz i was looking at the regular skimmer and save liek 100 a model if not more so to me it isn't just that i guess its a lot of things guess more than anything i want the best bang for my buck since id rather put the money in corals but also no from experience skimp on the equimpent your colals won't make it.

AsphaltPays · Jul 10, 2012

Why not a Reef Octopus ? Great skimmers great price

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thewackyreefer · Jul 10, 2012

Check out the SWC 150, great skimmer for a great price.

Forget about the ATB...he obviously didn't read your post...

uall8up · Jul 10, 2012

Jon Warner, a vendor on here, has great skimmers. I just got mine today. I have read his thread and everyone seems extremely pleased with them. I would contact him and see what he can do for you. I got a MF121 display model for $175 for my 90 gallon. I highly suggest him.

yeldarbj · Jul 10, 2012

I'll second Jon Warner's Warner Marine line. It's the exact same line as Skimz, but you have Jon Warner supporting them which is a big plus, although I've had nothing but outstanding service from Skimz too. I've had the Skimz sk181 and now am using a combo unit Skimz body with pump and bubble plate from Warner Marine. The WM/Skimz is very quiet, very efficient, and has a really small footprint. The unique gate valve design with bottom exit saves a lot of real estate in the sump and also reduces the number of micro bubbles released. The Eden pumps are also pretty solid, probably much better than the Bubble Magnus. I think the 9410 mentioned is also very good, the Tunze pump is fantastic. I'm sure the ATB is great too, although priced higher and also may be too big for your setup.

The SK181 would work for your system, maybe a bit oversized, I think the 121 would work well, maybe even the 161.

reefjunky24 · Jul 11, 2012

luvmyacans said:
Check out the SWC 150, great skimmer for a great price. Ill take a look at the SWC150 a little more thanks

Forget about the ATB...he obviously didn't read your post...

I agree on forgetting about the ATB i like the unit and brand but think it is a little pricey and can get something cheaper that will do just as good of a job.

reefjunky24 · Jul 11, 2012

uall8up said:
Jon Warner, a vendor on here, has great skimmers. I just got mine today. I have read his thread and everyone seems extremely pleased with them. I would contact him and see what he can do for you. I got a MF121 display model for $175 for my 90 gallon. I highly suggest him.

I have seen a lot of new stuff from him so i will def take a look at it

yeldarbj said:
I'll second Jon Warner's Warner Marine line. It's the exact same line as Skimz, but you have Jon Warner supporting them which is a big plus, although I've had nothing but outstanding service from Skimz too. I've had the Skimz sk181 and now am using a combo unit Skimz body with pump and bubble plate from Warner Marine. The WM/Skimz is very quiet, very efficient, and has a really small footprint. The unique gate valve design with bottom exit saves a lot of real estate in the sump and also reduces the number of micro bubbles released. The Eden pumps are also pretty solid, probably much better than the Bubble Magnus. I think the 9410 mentioned is also very good, the Tunze pump is fantastic. I'm sure the ATB is great too, although priced higher and also may be too big for your setup.

The SK181 would work for your system, maybe a bit oversized, I think the 121 would work well, maybe even the 161.

Now i just learned something new i did not know that the WM and Skims are based on the same line, def going to check this out today. Thanks for the info, i agree on the Bubble magnus too many people have problems with there pumps is what i am reading and don't need to be replacing that all the time.

Curious tho on your combo between the 2 units was that a custom build or something that you were able to fit together cause they are based off the same line?

yeldarbj · Jul 11, 2012

I had a Skimz sk181 for about a year. We'll just say I received some outstanding customer service from Skimz and ended up with a 2nd skimmer body and cup. I tried retrofitting a Tunze 9410 pump in the skimmer body which didn't work, but was able to mount it externally to the body. It worked well enough that I sold the original sk181, but I gave up one of the biggest benefits to the Skimz - that is the really small footprint. I then was able to purchase the Eden pump and other missing skimmer parts from Jon Warner. He has a slightly modified bubble plate and that's the only noticeable difference between the two (other than some of his parts are blue rather than white). So now I'm running the combo Skimz/WM and have an extra Tunze 9410 hydrofoamer that I need to sell or find a new skimmer body for it.

usfpaul82 · Jul 11, 2012

The skimz or WM 181 are great choices. I think you would be pleased. Also, I shot you a PM.

E.intheC · Jul 12, 2012

uall8up said:
Jon Warner, a vendor on here, has great skimmers. I just got mine today. I have read his thread and everyone seems extremely pleased with them. I would contact him and see what he can do for you. I got a MF121 display model for $175 for my 90 gallon. I highly suggest him.

+1. I have the Warner Marine MF-121 as well. They're very similar to the Skimz line. The skimmer works great, is extremely quiet, and it's built very solid. I LOVE it.

Ericm1205 · Jul 12, 2012

I would second the advice on a octopus. Only their SRO line. The SSS models are small footprint and some use the bubble blaster pump. Best skimmer pump.
I own the Sro - 5000xt with the bubble blaster 5000 pump. It's on my clown system. It would be too big for yours but this is the best skimmer I ever owned. The BB pump is so quiet and low wattage also. I think my BB 5000 is only like 35 watts or something like that.
I tried several skimmers on my clown breeding system and this by far is the best and easiest I owned.

Whatever one you get, buy a neck scrubber. They are worth the extra $$$. I love mine as it keeps me from having to clean it every few days. I clean it every other month or so.