Skimmer for SPS tank

[ryshark]

I’m setting up a new 120 gallon tank, I thought for sure I was going with the Aquamaxx ConeS CO-2, however after doing some reading in the forums it sounds like the trend has shifted to less skimming or even no protein skimmer. So now I’m thinking about the ConeS CO-1 which is downsizing from the original protein skimmer idea. What do you think about this for a 120 SPS tank? It seems tiny to me, but maybe will be fine.

AquaMaxx ConeS CO-1 In-Sump Protein Skimmer | Premium Aquatics

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[leepink23]

How many fish do you plan to add? I have a 120 with a skimz skimmer rated similar to the CO-2 as well as an algae scrubber. I have 10 fish and 10 sps. I feed a lot in addition to adding benereef and reef chilli 3x week. All my sps are encrusting and seem healthy.

 

[Daddy-o]

It may be wrong but I always try to buy oversize. It seems things are never as powerful as advertised and most items you can turn down if needed.
Cheers! Mark

 

[SeaDweller]

I'd buy the CO-2 and skim dry. Better to oversize than to need it later, you know? Plus, if you plan on having alot of fish and feeding appropriately, then an appropriately sized skimmer will be better.

 

[OnPointCorals Verified Sponsor]

I run the aquamaxx coneS Q-3 in a 300 gallon total water volume system. My previous system (140 total water) I ran the Q-2.

Let me start by saying I love these Aquamaxx skimmers. Great quality from a reasonable price tag. I skim pretty dry. I am not of the thinking a big oversized skimmer is necessary.

The Q-2 was perfect for my old system. With that said the Q-3 might be a bit undersized for my currently system. It is doing the job but I need to skim slightly wetter than I typically would.

Maybe this info can help with your decision. My vote for you would be the CO-3 and skim dryer.

 

[Hemmdog]

Big skimmer and dry skim is the way to go.

 

[adtravels]

I have a Nyos 160 on my 120 and run inline with a Innovitech 1.0xfilter (like a clarisea but better). I really like this skimmer. it is easy to adjust, not too expensive, runs an AC pump (bulletproof ehiem motor block rebranded to nyos). Its dead silent and easy to run a silicone hose outdoor to.

It don't need an algae rector or fuge and only run a small amount of biomedia. So if you skimmer is rated similar to the 160 (which it appears to be) i would go with that. If you have unreliable mechanical filtering I would upsize.

 

[X-37B]

I run a tunze 9410 dc on my 120. Simple to run and clean with no adjustments.
I like them so much I have one on my 45 frag tank im setting up
These should be more popular.

 

[adtravels]

That's the backup skimmer I have in my cupboard, they are awesome!

 

[Big E]

I run a Cone S3 on my 90g acro system.......it's always taking out organics.

I have also always oversized 3-4x recommended by manufacturer and it has served me well for over 25 years, regardless of skimmer brand.

I ran a deltec rated for 500g on a 120g system for 8 years and it was all I used for export and kept P04 and N03 under control.

I run a Amaxx ConeS1 on my 60g frag system...........that's about max for that skimmer.

 

[ryshark]

I have a Nyos 160 on my 120 and run inline with a Innovitech 1.0xfilter (like a clarisea but better). I really like this skimmer. it is easy to adjust, not too expensive, runs an AC pump (bulletproof ehiem motor block rebranded to nyos). Its dead silent and easy to run a silicone hose outdoor to.

It don't need an algae rector or fuge and only run a small amount of biomedia. So if you skimmer is rated similar to the 160 (which it appears to be) i would go with that. If you have unreliable mechanical filtering I would upsize.

That thing looks nice, I'm trying to stay under $400 for the skimmer though.

 

[ryshark]

I run a tunze 9410 dc on my 120. Simple to run and clean with no adjustments.
I like them so much I have one on my 45 frag tank im setting up
These should be more popular.

I didn't know about this, looks simple and seems to work great. I will definitely keep this one in mind

 

[ryshark]

Thanks for all the input, seems like the trend has not entire shifted to under/no skimming. In my most successful SPS tank years ago, I also had an oversized skimmer.

 

[ryshark]

I think I’ve finally made my decision. I thought at first the ConeS CO-2, then I remembered I use to have one and didn’t like how the pump and the skimmer body connect with that yellow rubber hose that would come disconnected easily when I would move the skimmer. Then I decided on the ConeS Q-2 to eliminate that issue, then before ordering it I figured I should check my water depth in the sump chamber, which is deep, 9.5” and the Q-2 is recommended at 8”. Then I started looking for skimmers that operate well in 9.5” (I don’t want to make a skimmer stand) then I came across this and unless I hear anything negative in this thread I will probably buy this:

Bubble Magus Curve 7 Elite Protein Skimmer | Premium Aquatics

Aquarium & Fish Supplies Superstore. Guaranteed Low Prices. Free Shipping for qualified orders. Aquarium supply for your aquarium fish, saltwater aquariums, freshwater aquariums and ponds. The best aquarium lighting, protein skimmers, aquarium chillers, calcium reactors, aquarium pumps for fish...

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[fcmatt]

They rate that skimmer for up to 240g? Really?

For a 120 it looks kinda dinky. I know you dont want to spend the money but examine royal exclusiv just to see how they are made and the specs/size. It may influence you a bit.

 

[ryshark]

I think that picture in my link shows the smaller curve 5.

 

[fcmatt]

I think that picture in my link shows the smaller curve 5.

I think u r right. No wonder it seemed small.

 

[NPD_289]

I went with a Coral Box D700 dc skimmer from Reef Breeders. It's on sale now for $285. Its quiet at full speed and broke in right away.

 

[Graffiti Spot]

Just go with a super reef octo pump with a bubble blaster and call it a day So many skimmer companies over rate their skimmers by a lot I always oversize. I have about 80 gallons of water and am using an old euro reef I think it’s 42” tall? With a mag 18 and a mazzei injector. It’s skims all day long, I don’t worry about “over skimming”.
Imo, all skimmers will work but some much better than others. Just get a reliable one that you can trust that fits your situation best.

 

[X-37B]

By the one you want. Oversizing is better than undersizing.
Get some egg crate. Zip tie it together to achieve the correct height for your skimmer and your off to the skimming races.