Skimmer for 50 gallon....suggestions

Intheflesh · Aug 28, 2019

Hey gang. Long time lurker. I currently have a RSR350, that I will be downsizing into an IM 50 gallon Lagoon. Sump will be a RSR250 sump (~15 gallons), and I am estimating about 50 gallons net.

I currently have a Vertex Omega 150 that I love/hate. The craftsmanship on the actual unit is amazing. It feels like a nice solid piece of equipment. It's just that i've gone through 4 impellers and two motor bodies in the four years i've owned it. Not sure if it's user error or what. Regardless, I think it will be a smidge too big for my new project, both physically and in terms of capacity.

I was thinking of the Omega 130, but I think spaciously it is too big. I think I would wany something with an internal pump. Currently looking at Skimz Kone SK181. Its an older model, but marked down considerably on BRS. Reef Octopus eSsense S-130, and AquaMaxx FC-80/120 are also contenders.

I will be running Zeovit; and they stress having an appropriate sized skimmer - not over sized. Suggestions, comments, actual user experiences greatly appreciated.

spsick · Aug 28, 2019

I had a system of the exact same volume and my Deltec SCA 1351 (now the 600ix) performed wonderfully. Been using it for over 2 years without a hiccup.

Intheflesh · Aug 28, 2019

Looks like Deltec has been making a come back in recent years. Been doing some research on this particular model; it checks off all the boxes. Thanks for the suggestion.

Water Dog · Aug 28, 2019

I used to be a Lifereef user, but due to space constraints in my sump, I had to switch to a smaller footprint Deltec. I too own an SCA 1351 (AC model) on my 57 gallon DT. The fine tuning crew adjustment allows you to adjust the skimmate from a wet skim to a very dry skim quite easily. This has been one of the best performing and consistent, non finicky skimmers I’ve ever owned. Can’t beat the energy efficient 10 watts of current draw either. The manual neck cleaner is a nice feature as well.

Hemmdog · Aug 28, 2019

I use the eSsence on my 40b 20gal sump build. It works well. I had it on my 90 before and it was under powered.

DesertReefT4r · Aug 28, 2019

Reef Octopus and Deltec make nice skimmers. Reef Octopus has been a go to for me. The Classic series is a great performing, well built skimmer with nice features for the price point. The Space Saver series are great for smaller sumps. Their higher end skimmers Elite and Regal are awesome. The eSsence 130 look like a nice skimmermwith a lot of improvements making it more user frindly. Cant go wrong with Reef Octopus. Deltec has always been ahead of the game with skimmers. They out performed pretty much every other skimmer of similar size back in the day. You paid for that performance and quality though. Today skimmers have improved and price has stayed pretty much the same.