Recommend a skimmer for me

H@rry · Mar 29, 2009

I'm installing two 180s and a 120 this will share a common sump. The 180s will be SPS while the 120 will be for softies. The skimmer section on the sump will be about 20 x 20 inches and the height from the bottom glass of the sump to the bottom of the tank above will be about 31 inches. These measurements are approximate right now because I won't have the tanks until tomorrow.

I'm not hung up on "recommended tank volumes" so much because basically I don't think you can trust the manufacturers to not be too overly optimistic, plus I don't like to skim as hard as some people. I just would like to hear personal experiences from people who have used skimmers and can report the pros and cons of several models. Ideally it should run sitting on the bottom glass of the sump but that is not an absolute requirement. I can jack it off the bottom as long as I have enough headroom or it can sit outside the sump.

Thanx in advance for your feedback.

Spiderwoman · Mar 29, 2009

I'd probably look at H&S as one of the possibilities.

buck50bmg · Mar 29, 2009

H@rry said:
I'm installing two 180s and a 120 this will share a common sump. The 180s will be SPS while the 120 will be for softies. The skimmer section on the sump will be about 20 x 20 inches and the height from the bottom glass of the sump to the bottom of the tank above will be about 31 inches. These measurements are approximate right now because I won't have the tanks until tomorrow.

I'm not hung up on "recommended tank volumes" so much because basically I don't think you can trust the manufacturers to not be too overly optimistic, plus I don't like to skim as hard as some people. I just would like to hear personal experiences from people who have used skimmers and can report the pros and cons of several models. Ideally it should run sitting on the bottom glass of the sump but that is not an absolute requirement. I can jack it off the bottom as long as I have enough headroom or it can sit outside the sump.

Thanx in advance for your feedback.

Im a big Bubble King guy.... I know they are costly, but worth it.

Also as a side note, I know you have some nice SPS, but are you worried about softies and SPS sharing the same water?

rackyrane · Mar 29, 2009

Harry,
I use an Aqua C Remora and really like it. It pulls all kinds of stuff out of my water. It's easy to clean also. I only have a 110 gallon though, so not as big as you have. I think that Aqua C makes a larger model. Mine sits easily on the bottom of the sump.

H@rry · Mar 29, 2009

buck50bmg said:
Also as a side note, I know you have some nice SPS, but are you worried about softies and SPS sharing the same water?

I've thought about it. I'll watch them for a while and run carbon. If I see a problem I'll get another sump and cut it loose.

GrouperGenius · Mar 29, 2009

These are really good skimmers. I have a 200 for my 75 overloaded and will be using it on my 225 build.

You would be needing a 400. Here's the link.

http://www.i-techskimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12

kgross · Mar 30, 2009

For a setup of that size, I would suggest the ReefFlow Orca line of skimmers, only thing is they are external not submersible. They are monsters and do a good job of skimming large tanks.

Kim