Skimmer for a 210g

cheezybuda · Sep 6, 2015

I'm in the midst of a 210g build (I will get around to starting a build thread once I have stuff to show), so I'm looking for some input on a few skimmers. I anticipate that with sump we will be looking around 250-260g water volume.

I'm looking at these so far:
Reef Octopus Regal DC 300 Internal Protein Skimmer
AquaMaxx ConeS CO-5
Skimz Leopard SL253 DC Internal Protein Skimmer (on the top end of my budget)

Any opinions on these? Would you recommend anything else? I would like to keep it under $900
Thanks!

booker1978 · Sep 6, 2015

I have a tank similarly sized to yours. There will be tons of suggestions given to you as everyone has their preference on skimmers. When I started looking to replace my skimmer (old Euroreef) I happened upon Lifereef skimmers. I read quite a bit of information on this small business and everyone raved about them. I ended up calling Jeff (the owner) and talking with him quite a bit.... Caution he will talk your ear off..... But he was able to build me a custom skimmer, appropriately sized to my tank and stand. I added a few options and it was well within the range of what your looking for. Since using it for about 7 months now, it works incredibly well. The added bonus is that it uses any standard off the-shelf pump. No need for any specialty pumps. Highly suggested! Good luck with your decision!

Harold Green · Sep 6, 2015

In the sump for my 210 I run a bm220a skimmer. It's rated for just under 400g. Works well but you need plenty of room for it as it's a large skimmer. I found it to be the least expensive large skimmer on the market. Mine's been running for over a year now with no issues so far. The cup alone holds over a gallon of skim but it also has a drain tube so you don't have to remove the cup to drain. Easy to adjust but you need to have the right height of water in the sump for it to work well. I had to raise mine up about an inch in the 75g sump to reach the proper level. You need to research any skimmers before buying to see if your sump can accommodate the needed height.

Broadfield · Sep 6, 2015

I would highly recommend the Nyos 220.... around $799. I have the 120 and it's simply amazing. Wonderful build quality, works like a charm, dead silent... and looks cool to-boot!

racin2438 · Sep 7, 2015

In our 150g main tank we run the Bubble Magnus Curve 9 rated at 400g, and it's a workhorse. Sits perfectly in the 110g sump we made.
It's around the 400.00 buck range.

twilliard · Sep 7, 2015

Helix 3000 or the big brother the 5000

ReeferEric · Sep 8, 2015

I've got a 210G I'm building up now. If you look in the 180+ section, it's there.

Anyways, my suggestion would be to look at the CoralBox Cloud 9. It's rated to 400g or so but has an adjustable DC pump. Body and design looks great as well. This was my orginal skimmer that I was going to use with my 210g plus the sump and a 50g cube connected.

But... I went to MACNA and ended up buying a Bubble King Doube Cone 250+ RD3 speedy. The BL Double Cone 200+ RD3 would be up your alley as well, does around 265g. I got the 250 for room if I expand but the 200 would have been suitable.

ATB USA · Sep 8, 2015

cheezybuda said:
I'm in the midst of a 210g build (I will get around to starting a build thread once I have stuff to show), so I'm looking for some input on a few skimmers. I anticipate that with sump we will be looking around 250-260g water volume.

I'm looking at these so far:
Reef Octopus Regal DC 300 Internal Protein Skimmer
AquaMaxx ConeS CO-5
Skimz Leopard SL253 DC Internal Protein Skimmer (on the top end of my budget)

Any opinions on these? Would you recommend anything else? I would like to keep it under $900
Thanks!

Look at the ATB 1050a it still has MACNA pricing till this Friday $849 for a high quality skimmer.
http://www.atb-usa.com/product-p/atb1050.htm

cheezybuda · Sep 10, 2015

Thank you everyone for the suggestions. I will take a look.

ScubaShane · Sep 11, 2015

I use a Bubble Magus for my 210g.

bpauley · Sep 11, 2015

Avast Marine CS3 skimmer is what I use on my 210 gal. Love this thing, it's a beast! I got mine with one of their skimmate lockers that's hooked up to my apex, shuts off automatically when full. Best part is you can run it as a recirculating skimmer, so your water gets a lot more contact time with the bubbles and it's not dependant on water level in your sump. I have mine being fed by a small Jebao 500gph dc pump, and the thing is pretty darn quiet.

http://www.avastmarine.com/collections/avast-built/products/cs3