Skimmer recommendation.opinions wanted

[lpsouth1978]

I have recently converted my Waterbox 230.6 to a saltwater tank. At this point I only have fish in the system, but would like to start adding corals in the VERY near future. I am currently not running a skimmer, but have access to a Reef Octopus Classic, I think it is the 200-int. However the collection cup has been dropped, broken, and glued back together. I plan on using this until I can get a new skimmer. I have always had good luck with reef octopus skimmers so am looking to stay in that brand. Here are the 2 top contenders:

1. RO Regal 250INT
2. RO Elite 220-INT

I have a heavy bioload, so I think these would both be good options for my tank. I like that the elite has a gate valve for adjustments, but I know nothing about the Elite series. Please let me know what you would all get. Open to other options as well, but not looking to spend more than these.

 

[Peace River]

I have recently converted my Waterbox 230.6 to a saltwater tank. At this point I only have fish in the system, but would like to start adding corals in the VERY near future. I am currently not running a skimmer, but have access to a Reef Octopus Classic, I think it is the 200-int. However the collection cup has been dropped, broken, and glued back together. I plan on using this until I can get a new skimmer. I have always had good luck with reef octopus skimmers so am looking to stay in that brand. Here are the 2 top contenders:

1. RO Regal 250INT
2. RO Elite 220-INT

I have a heavy bioload, so I think these would both be good options for my tank. I like that the elite has a gate valve for adjustments, but I know nothing about the Elite series. Please let me know what you would all get. Open to other options as well, but not looking to spend more than these.

I am also a fan of Reef Octopus skimmers. You may find this @CoralVue YouTube video helpful. Good luck!

 

[smartwater101]

Don't get caught up in the overly expensive options. Skimmers are not a very complex piece of equipment.

Save some major $$ and get a Simplicity. Still uses a DC pump, so it's still controllable and quiet:

 

[SeaJay]

Don't get caught up in the overly expensive options. Skimmers are not a very complex piece of equipment.

Save some major $$ and get a Simplicity. Still uses a DC pump, so it's still controllable and quiet:

I second that motion. Simplicity dc240 has been awesome for me. Also, when you call customer service the owner answers the phone.

 

[lpsouth1978]

Don't get caught up in the overly expensive options. Skimmers are not a very complex piece of equipment.

Save some major $$ and get a Simplicity. Still uses a DC pump, so it's still controllable and quiet:

My concern with the Simplicity skimmers and (as I learned from the video above) the RO Elite, is the wedge pipe adjustment. I have never had consistent skimmer production using this method.

I have also considered the Bubble Magus Curve 9 elite, except the recommended water level is 9.5-11". I don't think I have that kind of depth in my sump.

 

[aslmx]

I’d try to find one that the impeller or replacement pump doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. I love my asm g3 but the replacement pump is around $120 and just the impeller is around $50. Bubble magus is a good option.

 

[smartwater101]

9 - 11" seems par for the course for most skimmers. Are you shooting for 7 - 8?

Also, not sure what you mean about the adjustments being a problem. Pipe is SUUUPER common and easy to adjust. Also, bare in mind with DC pumps you have even more control. Unless you went with an old-school AC pump/skimmer, I wouldn't worry about pipes in the slightest.

 

[lpsouth1978]

I will have to take a serious look at the Simplicity. I do wish they has something in between the 320 and 540, a 430 if you will. The 320 is rated @ 160g with heavy bioload while the 540 is rated to 270g with heavy bioload. I have a heavy bioload and feed heavy as well. Would I be better served getting the 540?

 

[smartwater101]

I will have to take a serious look at the Simplicity. I do wish they has something in between the 320 and 540, a 430 if you will. The 320 is rated @ 160g with heavy bioload while the 540 is rated to 270g with heavy bioload. I have a heavy bioload and feed heavy as well. Would I be better served getting the 540?

A Water box 230 is actually 230 gallons? I'd say 540 is a good option. Going larger is generally a better bet anyway.
Dialing down the pump will consume less energy, keep it super quiet, and gives you the option to bring it along when you upgrade the sump/tank or add a frag tank system.

Besides a skimmer rated for 270 being used on a 230 isn't that far of a jump anyway. Another 10-20g of water in the sump and you're narrowing that gap pretty quick.

 

[S2G]

My concern with the Simplicity skimmers and (as I learned from the video above) the RO Elite, is the wedge pipe adjustment. I have never had consistent skimmer production using this method.

I have also considered the Bubble Magus Curve 9 elite, except the recommended water level is 9.5-11". I don't think I have that kind of depth in my sump.

The simplicity is a good skimmer. The BM curve 9 is a finicky skimmer at least mine is. Doesnt take much for it to act crazy.

You don't want a huge skimmer. It's a pain to tune and stay running consistently. You want something right above what you have.

I ran a RO classic 200int on a 180 and it was a beast with predators. Great skimmer. My all time favorite is a tunze. I ran a 9410 dc and it was the best skimmer I've ever owned. True set it and forget it also very small footprint

 

[lpsouth1978]

The simplicity is a good skimmer. The BM curve 9 is a finicky skimmer at least mine is. Doesnt take much for it to act crazy.

You don't want a huge skimmer. It's a pain to tune and stay running consistently. You want something right above what you have.

I ran a RO classic 200int on a 180 and it was a beast with predators. Great skimmer. My all time favorite is a tunze. I ran a 9410 dc and it was the best skimmer I've ever owned. True set it and forget it also very small footprint

I have the Curve 5 Elite on my other tank and have found that it is VERY touchy. Sometimes it produces great skimmate, then all of a sudden is is overflowing and dumping all that nastyness back into the system.

I think I will just setup the RO classic 200int this weekend and see how it goes. If it works well, I could always get a replacement collection cup.

 

[Don Lidtke]

I am extremely happy with my LIFEREEF VENTURI PROTEIN SKIMMERS SVS3-36 External. It’s on my 250 gallon tank. I didn’t have room in my sump so the external option worked great.

 

[Blue Spot Octopus]

Vertex skimmers are on sale at Premium Aquatics the Omega 180 is their best skimmer of the bunch. The Simplicity skimmers are very nice and their customer service is excellent, I have a 240 model on my 120 gallon tank.

 

[S2G]

I have the Curve 5 Elite on my other tank and have found that it is VERY touchy. Sometimes it produces great skimmate, then all of a sudden is is overflowing and dumping all that nastyness back into the system.

I think I will just setup the RO classic 200int this weekend and see how it goes. If it works well, I could always get a replacement collection cup.

I think that's a good idea and that's an excellent skimmer imo. I use to think I need a huge skimmer, but if it's too big then it sits idle most of the time wasting energy then dialing it in is a real pain. If I were to get a skimmer over again I would pass on the curve 9 and went with the RO 200 or a tunze.

 

[X-37B]

If you want a skimmer you can turn on and skim get a tunze.
I have a 9410 dc on my 120. I would get a 9430 for your size tank.
I have picked up a used 9410 on ebay for 165 and just missed a 9430 for 210. They are not cheap but they truely are the set and forget of the skimmer world.
A 9430 might work too.
Here is my 9410 dc this morning in the 40 breeder sump of my 120.
Cleaned every saterday.

 

[S2G]

If you want a skimmer you can turn on and skim get a tunze.
I have a 9410 dc on my 120. I would get a 9430 for your size tank.
I have picked up a used 9410 on ebay for 165 and just missed a 9430 for 210. They are not cheap but they truely are the set and forget of the skimmer world.
A 9430 might work too.
Here is my 9410 dc this morning in the 40 breeder sump of my 120.
Cleaned every saterday.

It's quite a step up in price from a 9410 to a 9430. I ran a 9410 on a heavy stock 180 and the only problem I had was the tiny cup. I ended up running a drain to a little 1g paint bucket. I don't know why they don't get more publicity but tunze's are some non finicky beasts.

Soon as my buddy buys this curve im headed to tunze town

 

[X-37B]

It's quite a step up in price from a 9410 to a 9430. I ran a 9410 on a heavy stock 180 and the only problem I had was the tiny cup. I ended up running a drain to a little 1g paint bucket. I don't know why they don't get more publicity but tunze's are some non finicky beasts.

Soon as my buddy buys this curve im headed to tunze town

Yea the 9430 is pricy but check ebay. I was watching one and did not stay on top of the auction. Did not need it but for 200 it was a steal.
If I was in the market for a skimmer that size I would pay the price.
Sometimes in this hobby trying to save money ends up costing way more than putting up the money for quality.
Most of the reefers I know have to have the latest greatest gear no matter the cost.
I think tunze are to plain and simple for the got to have the latest crowd.

 

[ReefHog]

9430DC $536 at MD. That's only $136 more than the 9410DC.

 

[X-37B]

9430DC $536 at MD. That's only $136 more than the 9410DC.

WOW! Thats a great price at over $200 off. If I was in the market I would snatch that up before it goes away!

 

[lpsouth1978]

Tunze is definitely an option. I did some measuring this morning and I don't think the RO 220int will fit. The skimmer section in my sump is 10x15.4" and I have my heaters in there. The Skimmer is simply too big. In order to fit it, I would have to remove the dividing wall AND my Marinepure blocks. This is not going to be a viable option. I guess it is back to the drawing board.

The simplicity 320DC is looking like a better option.