Recommend a skimmer for a 120

ReeferReefer · Dec 12, 2018

I have been slowly building my equipment list for my new 120 gallon build (thanks to the amazing community here) but one of the last things I have not chosen is a new skimmer. Much of the equipment will be carried over from my 90g aio but I would like to replace my Reef Octopus BH-2000 HOB skimmer with an in sump skimmer instead.

The used set up I am going with includes a Trigger Systems Ruby 36 sump, which has a 12″ x 14.5″ skimmer section.

Some preliminary research has me interested in a few skimmers at a variety of price ranges. On the low end I am considering the Bubble Magus Curve 7. I am also interested in the Nyos 120.

Obviously there is a significant price difference here. Any one care to explain why I should spend more than the Curve 7? What benefits am I getting with a more expensive skimmer and where do YOU think the point of diminishing returns is on these things?

ReeferReefer · Dec 12, 2018

I should note that this is going to be a softie tank. Stocking will include 2 black photon clowns, a royal gramma, flame angel and leopard wrasse from my current tank. I plan on adding a starry blenny, an additional 3-5 wrasses, a foxface and a yellow eye kole tang. Just to give you an idea about the bio load.

skim · Dec 13, 2018

If it was me I would go with the Curve 7 and use the savings on live stock.

Water Dog · Dec 13, 2018

Also, if you were gonna go the Nyos route, I’d go for the 160 over the 120 for a 120 gallon tank.

ReeferReefer · Dec 13, 2018

skim said:
If it was me I would go with the Curve 7 and use the savings on live stock.

I'm pretty new to skimmers so I wasn't sure what would make the NYOS so much better anyways. I see people with awesome tanks who use both.

ReeferReefer · Dec 13, 2018

skim said:
If it was me I would go with the Curve 7 and use the savings on live stock.

Might spend that extra cash on a better fuge light.

lafayettereefer · Dec 13, 2018

I've used a reef octopus on my last 125gal and it worked just as great as my current nyos 160 on my 120gal. Honestly I paid more for craftsmanship and to me a better pump justified the costs. Performance wise I think they performed the same

ReeferReefer · Dec 13, 2018

lafayettereefer said:
I've used a reef octopus on my last 125gal and it worked just as great as my current nyos 160 on my 120gal. Honestly I paid more for craftsmanship and to me a better pump justified the costs. Performance wise I think they performed the same

I've been using a RO BH-2000 for the last 3 years, and got it used. It's been rock solid so I wouldn't mind sticking with them.

lafayettereefer · Dec 13, 2018

If something works dont fix it. Goodluck with whatever you decide to go with

Burrito · Dec 13, 2018

I have the ncos 160 on my 100g, works almost too well

jduong916 · Dec 13, 2018

aquamaxx q3

Sven57 · Dec 13, 2018

Tunze 9410

ReeferReefer · Dec 14, 2018

I don't think that will fit in my sumps skimmer space. Looks amazing though

lion king · Dec 14, 2018

You are going to get alot of personal preferences, I like the Eshopp skimmers, for the price you can't go wrong. I went with a Bubble MAgus curve on one tank because of size constraints, I really don't care for it. There was a popular lfs around pushing them, I know a few people that have traded theirs in. I just built a new sump with a small skimmer area, I was lucky that Eshopps has built a line with an internal pump, great small footprint, and a very nice skimmer. If you like your Reef Octopus, they are very popular. A budget amount would help to narrow it down.

Sven57 · Dec 14, 2018

Tunze 9410 is only 9.8x7. Very small with the power of much larger skimmers. I have the dc model. Pretty much as set and forget as they come

ReeferReefer · Dec 14, 2018

lion king said:
You are going to get alot of personal preferences, I like the Eshopp skimmers, for the price you can't go wrong. I went with a Bubble MAgus curve on one tank because of size constraints, I really don't care for it. There was a popular lfs around pushing them, I know a few people that have traded theirs in. I just built a new sump with a small skimmer area, I was lucky that Eshopps has built a line with an internal pump, great small footprint, and a very nice skimmer. If you like your Reef Octopus, they are very popular. A budget amount would help to narrow it down.

My reef octopus is a hob. I'm looking to upgrade to an in sump skimmer.

I am not really sure where the point of diminishing returns is on skimmers. I could spend up to $400 if needed but I'm not sure what would be reasonable. $200 seems like a more fair price, which is why I was considering bubble magus.

sharktopus_prime · Dec 15, 2018

ReeferReefer said:
My reef octopus is a hob. I'm looking to upgrade to an in sump skimmer.

I am not really sure where the point of diminishing returns is on skimmers. I could spend up to $400 if needed but I'm not sure what would be reasonable. $200 seems like a more fair price, which is why I was considering bubble magus.

A Bubble Magus Curve 7 is what I decided to go with for the 120 I'm going to try and get water in this weekend. I haven't seen a clearly superior alternative. It seemed like the perfect choice on size, price and bioload support on a 120.

skim · Dec 17, 2018

Just another point to remember, that once set up you will not be dealing with 120 Gal. depending on your amount of Rock and Substrate/Sand you could be looking up to 50% less volume of water, especially if Rock is very dense. Another choice for a skimmer, Reef Octopus Classic 150 Int. it has been around for a long time and only thing they changed was the pump. Not too expensive and parts are easy to get if ever needed, pump is outside of body and unit is a work horse.