Skimmer for 40 breeder sps.

[mstockmaster]

I know that this has probably been covered to death but I need some help picking a new skimmer for my tank. Tank originally ran with a bubble magus curve a5, it was awful overflowed if you even thought about it in the wrong way. I switched to a sca301 as an experiment, but it's a bit smaller than I want to run as well as a bit loud and power hungry. So now I'm back in the market for a new skimmer. Looking to spend about $200 or so, not too strict on budget.

Choices are as follows:
Aquamaxx fc-80
Eshopps x120
Somatic 60S
Simplicity 120
Reef Octopus 110sss or similar

Been leaning towards the aquamaxx, but if anyone has other suggestions I'd like to hear them.

 

[erk]

I recommend going to a LFS and see if they have any used skimmers for sale. That is how I got mine. Found a PM CV426 for sale for $150 bucks at my LFS and snagged it. It is a hybrid venturi/counter current skimmer. I recently installed a new pump to power it and it is pulling out even more than before. I've noticed a serious decrease in algae growth since I changed the pump about 3 weeks ago. There is also the option of building your own skimmer, but I would only do that if I had a very large aquarium.

 

[Crabs McJones]

I know that this has probably been covered to death but I need some help picking a new skimmer for my tank. Tank originally ran with a bubble magus curve a5, it was awful overflowed if you even thought about it in the wrong way. I switched to a sca301 as an experiment, but it's a bit smaller than I want to run as well as a bit loud and power hungry. So now I'm back in the market for a new skimmer. Looking to spend about $200 or so, not too strict on budget.

Choices are as follows:
Aquamaxx fc-80
Eshopps x120
Somatic 60S
Simplicity 120
Reef Octopus 110sss or similar

Been leaning towards the aquamaxx, but if anyone has other suggestions I'd like to hear them.

While my 40 breeder isn't sps dominant, I use the Reef Octupus 110INT and love it Quiet, broke in fast, and always pulls a good skim for me

 

[mstockmaster]

Erk, while I appreciate the feedback I'm not really interested in going that route. It's a total water volume of about 50 gallons and I have some space concerns in my sump as well. A counter current monster isn't a viable solution for me. Also warranty is important and I don't mind paying for new.

 

[rockstarta78]

FWIW, I like the Somatic 60S. I have the same tank as you. I am currently running a Bubble Magus Curve 5. I am getting tired of that thing over flowing all the time. Slightest adjustment causes my skimmer to overflow. If you look at the skimmer sideways it would overflow. I am really getting tired of it. This is why I was interested in Somatic 60S. And not to mention it comes with a Sicce pump. I'll be following this thread to see other suggestions. Let me know what you end up getting. I'd be interested to know.

 

[mstockmaster]

I agree, the somatic was also high on my list. Both the somatic and aquamaxx use sicce pumps (modified though) The only thing that I don't like about the somatic is that I don't know if the base plate can be removed. If someone has experience with this it would be appreciated.

 

[Finhead]

I have a 44 gallon Shallow reef with 40 gal breeder sump. 62 gallon total WV SPS dominant. I run a Reef Octopus 110sss and coldn't be happier with it, pulls out some dark nasty skimmate with a nice small footprint.

 

[mstockmaster]

I agree, the somatic was also high on my list. Both the somatic and aquamaxx use sicce pumps (modified though) The only thing that I don't like about the somatic is that I don't know if the base plate can be removed. If someone has experience with this it would be appreciated.

Just watched a video on it. Looks like it's actually easily removable.

 

[Solis Reef]

This one might work lol jk. That’s my skimmer for my 220 lol

 

[mstockmaster]

This one might work lol jk. That’s my skimmer for my 220 lol

Cool! I'll take it. It should fit here right?

 

[Solis Reef]

Cool! I'll take it. It should fit here right?

With plenty of room to spare. What light you running on the refugium?

 

[mstockmaster]

With plenty of room to spare. What light you running on the refugium?

Morsen 80W LED Grow Light Bulb, Grow lamp for indoor plants, Plant Light Bulb for Indoor Garden Greenhouse and Hydroponic Plants Full Spectrum (E27 120leds) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07586GP6J/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_P5wJAb4P0Q4HX

This is what I'm using. Grows algae. And the anthellia growing on the live rock in the sump seems to really like it also.

 

[mstockmaster]

With plenty of room to spare. What light you running on the refugium?

Also, I've given up on growing chaeto and converted a spare whisper hob filter into a simple raceway algae scrubber.

 

[LadyMac]

Also, I've given up on growing chaeto and converted a spare whisper hob filter into a simple raceway algae scrubber.

That’s neat!

 

[spsick]

I run a Deltec SCA1351 on my 40 sps tank and it has been great. Set it and forget it. Looks like it has been replaced by the identical looking 600ix, but now that Battlecorals doesn’t sell them I have no idea who the US distributor is.

 

[mstockmaster]

That’s neat!

Thank you, it was the cheapest tank diy I've ever done. I had the acrylic leftover from the sump baffles and the hob filter was found in my basement. I spent a total of $1.06 on the plastic mesh. It seems to be working too.

 

[mstockmaster]

I run a Deltec SCA1351 on my 40 sps tank and it has been great. Set it and forget it. Looks like it has been replaced by the identical looking 600ix, but now that Battlecorals doesn’t sell them I have no idea who the US distributor is.

Marine depot sells them but I haven't seen the new versions. I do like the deltecs, but they seem to be pricey compared to the competition.

 

[cwalton00]

I've been running the x120 for some time on my 40 now. Always pulls out the thickest gunk and doesn't need adjusting. I'm way over stocked on fish and feed heavy and it's keeping up.

 

[rockstarta78]

Also, I've given up on growing chaeto and converted a spare whisper hob filter into a simple raceway algae scrubber.

This is cool. How do you like it so far? Any issues? I think this is the easiest DIY ATS I've seen.

 

[mstockmaster]

This is cool. How do you like it so far? Any issues? I think this is the easiest DIY ATS I've seen.

Thanks, I've only had it running for maybe 4 days so I can't say for sure what my results will be, but I have no reason to believe that it won't grow algae.