Really need New Skimmer Recommendation

[Geebs19]

Hey all, pulling my hair out trying to find a good skimmer. Im not really worried about price at this point as I want the best possible. Right now I had the bubble magus Z-7 and I cant stand it, constantly having to mess with it and everytime I feed or change a sock it shoots micro bubbles out. I have a red sea skimmer that sadly wont fit as I loved that thing.

My issus is I have a small footprint 8.75 x 7.75. Any recommendations would be great. I have looked at I think everyone on the market and I cant make a decision as most have some reviews that steer me away.

Appreciate in advance.

 

[lulubap]

Reef Octopus Classic 110-SSS Protein Skimmer should fit your footprint (at least I hope so). It works well in my experience and has lots of good reviews.

 

[Geebs19]

Reef Octopus Classic 110-SSS Protein Skimmer should fit your footprint (at least I hope so). It works well in my experience and has lots of good reviews.

Just slightly too big.

Keep coming back to the Curve 5 Elite. Even though I said I wouldnt but a bubble magus again.

 

[homer1475]

What size tank?

Love my curve 5 elite. The sicce pump is a great addition.

Never have to adjust it on my heavily stocked(15 fish) 80g cube. Works wonderfully, easy to clean, and pretty quiet with the sicce pump.

The elite line works way better then the regular line with the ROK pump.

 

[lulubap]

Just slightly too big.

Keep coming back to the Curve 5 Elite. Even though I said I wouldnt but a bubble magus again.

Man! Sorry about that then.

Can't really speak on other skimmers, but with your footprint— if it fits and the reviews are good, it should be alright. Hopefully you have more luck with this one. Sending good vibes your way.

 

[homer1475]

Forgot to mention.....

I've had mine for 3 years now. Never have an issue other then a baby snail crawling into the venturi from time to time.

 

[Geebs19]

Forgot to mention.....

I've had mine for 3 years now. Never have an issue other then a baby snail crawling into the venturi from time to time.

Thanks Homer! Its on a 65 gallon with a 20gallon pump. Actually broke one of the top panels pulling out the old skimmer today. Got lucky it was only the top that doesnt effect anything.

 

[homer1475]

Thanks Homer! Its on a 65 gallon with a 20gallon pump. Actually broke one of the top panels pulling out the old skimmer today. Got lucky it was only the top that doesnt effect anything.

Yeah was just checking out your build thread.

The 5 would be great for you. Wish I had gone bigger with the 7, but the 5 does work great.

I've never had a micro bubble issue, but it is finicky breaking in. I found 7 inches of water to be just about perfect, regardless of what the direction state.

 

[Geebs19]

Yeah was just checking out your build thread.

The 5 would be great for you. Wish I had gone bigger with the 7, but the 5 does work great.

I've never had a micro bubble issue, but it is finicky breaking in. I found 7 inches of water to be just about perfect, regardless of what the direction state.

Just ordered one, I hope it works out! I was looking at the 7 but it wont fit. If this fails its time for a larger sump haha.

 

[homer1475]

I like mine to be quite honest. Just keep in mind, it does take a while to break in.

I would suggest running it in a mild water/vinegar solution for a couple hours prior to putting in the tank.

You may also find, that while breaking in, raising to 9 inches helps keep it from "boiling" over.

 

[Geebs19]

I like mine to be quite honest. Just keep in mind, it does take a while to break in.

I would suggest running it in a mild water/vinegar solution for a couple hours prior to putting in the tank.

You may also find, that while breaking in, raising to 9 inches helps keep it from "boiling" over.

Just got it in, holy cow this thing is dead silent. I may need to make an adjustment and raise the water in the skimmer chamber, its barely in the neck on the closed setting. Gonna let it do its thing for a few weeks before making any adjustments.