Skimmer option overload

jstephens1 · Feb 20, 2021

I've been shopping for a replacement skimmer for the seacone I have now. tank is a 90 gallon with a 20L sump.
I want something quiet and not undersized . how in the world did you narrow down what brand you ended up with?
I think I'm looking at nyos, RO, or the Icecap K2 I would like to stay in the $300-400ish range

DC Reefer · Feb 20, 2021

I have had good luck w/ the small Nyos (120) on my Red Sea 170. Have used Reef Octopus on a couple of larger tanks and have been happy with those as well. To fine the ones for my tank, I narrowed down by size I needed and the read a number of reviews and went with the ones that appeared to be the best for me. I think any reputable skimmer as long as sized correctly and tuned correctly should be able to get the job done for you. I also like to have a drain hole in the collection cup so I can drain the waste into a larger container (I don't have that on the Nyos). On my reef octopus skimmers I also run the Avast Marine Swabbie to keep the neck of the skimmer clean so something Comparable with those is always a plus for me.

cbellm · Feb 20, 2021

I just got a new skimmer. I went with the regal line. I chose it due to it having a controlable pump that I can scale up and down based on how my nutrient levels are doing. It also has auto shut off for a full skimmer cup. I see your want something that is quiet so I would stick with a DC pump. Next I would go onto some of the online stores and read some review, you may find that some of the lines dont perform as well as you would think

Jekyl · Feb 20, 2021

I use a reef octo and love it

DC Reefer · Feb 20, 2021

one thing to add on the Nyos, even though it is not a DC pump it is extremely quiet. I have the tank right next to my desk in my office and when I turn the skimmer on I need to open the door to the sump area to make sure it is on because it is so quiet. I spoke w/ the guys at BRS and told them I needed a quiet skimmer and this was the one they recommended - very happy with it. Been going a little over 6 months now.

rishma · Feb 20, 2021

DC Reefer said:
I have had good luck w/ the small Nyos (120) on my Red Sea 170. Have used Reef Octopus on a couple of larger tanks and have been happy with those as well. To fine the ones for my tank, I narrowed down by size I needed and the read a number of reviews and went with the ones that appeared to be the best for me. I think any reputable skimmer as long as sized correctly and tuned correctly should be able to get the job done for you. I also like to have a drain hole in the collection cup so I can drain the waste into a larger container (I don't have that on the Nyos). On my reef octopus skimmers I also run the Avast Marine Swabbie to keep the neck of the skimmer clean so something Comparable with those is always a plus for me.

I’ve considered the nyos but concerned it’s oversized for the reefer 170. I hate messing with an oversized skimmers inconsistent performance. I guess your experience has been good