Return pump size and skimmer

Scubapro13 · Jul 9, 2018

Need help choosing a return pump for a 210 gallon that im going to be picking up with dual overflows. Going sps dominant eventually. I was looking at the reef octopus varios 8 with the super reef octopus 3000int. I'm trying to not blow the bank but I want good equipment. Let me know your opinions

Oldreefer44 · Jul 9, 2018

Return pump is fine but for that money would recommend a Life Reef skimmer. Have owned Bubble King, Vertex and Reef Octopus and Life Reef is the best of the group. Downside is that because of the demand for them you usually have to get in line.

Scubapro13 · Jul 9, 2018

Is there a particular model better then others or just shoot him a email?

mfinn · Jul 9, 2018

I haven't seen any negative posts on the VarioS-8.
I'm also happy with the RO 5000 skimmer that has a VarioS-6 skimmer pump.

mcarroll · Jul 10, 2018

210 with a sump under the tank only needs something that can generate about 400-800 GPH at 6' of head (depending on your stand height).

A QuietOne Model 3000 or 4000 will hit the lower mark for about $60...and a Model 5000 will hit the upper mark for about $100 – they have a 3 year warranty.

Sicce Syncra Pro 3000,4000 and 5000 are identical (Lifegaurds has the design made in China rather than Italy) if you'd prefer their make.

For a skimmer, consider the Tunze DOC Skimmer 9410 DC:

DOC Skimmer 9410 DC
Recommended for salt water aquariums up to 1,200 liters (317 US gal.). Immersion depth from 140 to ... mehr

Click to expand...

...or the DOC Skimmer 9415:

DOC Skimmer 9415
Recommended for salt water aquariums up to 1,500 liters (400 USgal.). Immersion depth from 100 to 2... mehr

9415.000

584.36 USD

Scubapro13 · Jul 22, 2018

Reef octopus regal 200int or 250. Not sure if its worth the extra 100 bucks

JoshH · Jul 22, 2018

I second the Lifereef, even the 24 will work on your setup. It is worth spending the little extra and get the skimmer with the removable flange for cleaning purposes(SVS3-24 or the SVS3-30 If you plan on feeding really heavy). As for return pumps, for that size of tank, unless your going with an abyzz or Red dragon I'd stick with an AC pump like those mentioned above. RO are known to lose flow over time, they are very nice pumps but for a return I feel it's always better to keep it simple. I run a Mag on my setup and love it, things built like a tank but eats electricity like a tank eats fuel lol.

seitzjh · Jul 22, 2018

My LifeReef skimmer has been working like a champ.

Scubapro13 · Jul 22, 2018

Are you running lifereef currently?

JoshH said:
I second the Lifereef, even the 24 will work on your setup. It is worth spending the little extra and get the skimmer with the removable flange for cleaning purposes. As for return pumps, for that size of tank, unless your going with an abyzz or Red dragon I'd stick with an AC pump like those mentioned above. RO are known to lose flow over time, they are very nice pumps but for a return I feel it's always better to keep it simple. I run a Mag on my setup and love it, things built like a tank but eats electricity like a tank eats fuel lol.

JoshH · Jul 22, 2018

Scubapro13 said:
Are you running lifereef currently?

Definitely, for a beginner it was SUPER easy to set up and tune. I skim a little wetter than most and it's a little large for my system lol but I love it. You won't find too many people who aren't in love with there Lifereef.

seitzjh · Jul 22, 2018

JoshH said:
Definitely, for a beginner it was SUPER easy to set up and tune. I skim a little wetter than most and it's a little large for my system lol but I love it. You won't find too many people who aren't in love with there Lifereef.

I like the fact that its less maintenance. Also doesn't use a needle wheel.

JoshH · Jul 22, 2018

seitzjh said:
I like the fact that its less maintenance. Also doesn't use a needle wheel.

Those were both HUGE selling features for me as well, being able to use whatever pump I wanted and be able to replace it with any pump with 0 modifications is an awesome bonus. As long as you don't drop and break it it should last decades.

Scubapro13 · Jul 23, 2018

Would the aquac ev 240 be a good skimmer. Guy im buying the tank from is selling one for like 200 bucks

joseserrano · Jul 23, 2018

Scubapro13 said:
Would the aquac ev 240 be a good skimmer. Guy im buying the tank from is selling one for like 200 bucks

It’s a good skimmer. Similar style to be life reef. You might be able to get it for less. It’s lot a popular skimmer.

Scubapro13 · Jul 23, 2018

joseserrano said:
It’s a good skimmer. Similar style to be life reef. You might be able to get it for less. It’s lot a popular skimmer.

Think it would be a good deal or spend the extra and get life reef

joseserrano · Jul 23, 2018

Scubapro13 said:
Think it would be a good deal or spend the extra and get life reef

I think most of the skimmers mentioned would work well. I owned a ev240 for a few years and it worked great as long as I kept up with the pump maintenance. I’d imagine the life reefs are similar. Tunze will pretty much just work. I would base my decision more on electricity and heat from the pump that the life reef and ev will produce.