Skimmer recommendations

[PirateMonkeyReefer]

How old is the tank? How does everything look? Maybe the tank doesn't need a skimmer? Don't get me wrong a skimmer is definitely a great tool to have, but then again so is good husbandry. Don't overstock, don't overfeed, keep those socks clean etc. I remember a time when keeping Phosphates & Nitrates at zero was ideal, but that doesn't seem to be the case anymore.
Just something to think about. Maybe give it a shot for a month or so and see what happens. GL.

All great questions. The tank is about 3 months old the DT is a 40 Breeder and has 7 fish in it currently. I rotate filter socks every 3 days and was trying to grow Cheato but there are not enough phosphates, even dosing Iron didn't help. Water Changes happen every week at 5%. My nitrates are around 10-20 its hard to tell with the Red Sea Nitrate kit. Everyone in the tank is happy and polyped out including the Green Slimer and Reverse Superman Monti. I don't want the nitrates any higher then they are and id like to feed a bit more heavily for the fish and coral's nutrition.

 

[PirateMonkeyReefer]

I hope the 200i is easier to manage

Ive heard the 180 and above are pretty good skimmers but the 130 has a overpowered pump or some other issues

 

[gabrieltackitt]

All great questions. The tank is about 3 months old the DT is a 40 Breeder and has 7 fish in it currently. I rotate filter socks every 3 days and was trying to grow Cheato but there are not enough phosphates, even dosing Iron didn't help. Water Changes happen every week at 5%. My nitrates are around 10-20 its hard to tell with the Red Sea Nitrate kit. Everyone in the tank is happy and polyped out including the Green Slimer and Reverse Superman Monti. I don't want the nitrates any higher then they are and id like to feed a bit more heavily for the fish and coral's nutrition.

Same tank I am currently running! Petco DPG? My RO Essence 130 is great, I currently have it on a timer to run on 2 hours off 2 hours, helps it pull a better dry skim while my bio load is still getting brought up.

 

[PirateMonkeyReefer]

Same tank I am currently running! Petco DPG? My RO Essence 130 is great, I currently have it on a timer to run on 2 hours off 2 hours, helps it pull a better dry skim while my bio load is still getting brought up.

I love this idea! And ya it’s a Petco DPG 40 Breeder and a 20 long sump

 

[cloak]

All great questions. The tank is about 3 months old the DT is a 40 Breeder and has 7 fish in it currently. I rotate filter socks every 3 days and was trying to grow Cheato but there are not enough phosphates, even dosing Iron didn't help. Water Changes happen every week at 5%. My nitrates are around 10-20 its hard to tell with the Red Sea Nitrate kit. Everyone in the tank is happy and polyped out including the Green Slimer and Reverse Superman Monti. I don't want the nitrates any higher then they are and id like to feed a bit more heavily for the fish and coral's nutrition.

At 3 months old I'd roll the dice without a skimmer. Skip the chaeto as well. The tank is a baby. Instead of having these "fail safes" so to say from the beginning see if the tank needs them to begin with. JMO GL.

 

[Quantum_Reefer]

I got an eshopps X-120 skimmer. Simple and it's easy to control. Best part is that it's got a Sicce pump, best in the business

 

[Blue Spot Octopus]

I would look at Simplicity 120 skimmer, cheap and well balanced unlike your Vertex 130 which is oversized for your tank. Like cloak stated you have time before you will need a skimmer.

 

[User1]

Well one thing to consider is if you are going to upgrade in the future. Even if you think you may not today give it another thought or two and then roll with the thought that you will at some point. With that in mind whatever skimmer you do choose make sure it is able to handle double the size of the tank you are buying today. Usually people upgrade and double in size - those of us in the 60 to 180 gallon range. Double that size puts us in the 280 - 450 range which makes it worth it. So - that is my only advise - think of upgrading and even if you say no buy a skimmer that can support an upgrade anyway. It isn't going to cost much more depending on who you go with.

Now with the few who said Lifereef. Great skimmer. I'm biased obviously since I've been running one since 2000. And with my note above I bought one for my 100 gallon and it is running today on my 210. It will also work on my future 300 - 350 gallon. It just works.

Best of luck. And remember - consider an upgrade even if you think you won't. We all say that but end up upgrading anyway

 

[Keithb22]

Is vertex omega a bad skimmer? I just bought one and havent unboxed it, should I return it?

Also pretty sure they shut down so any parts for the skimmer or support will be difficult.

 

[Plecosam]

Yes Vertex are goneski

 

[Romeo Kilo]

Yes Vertex are goneski

My LFS was a dealer, said he has several in storage so I grabbed one.

 

[PirateMonkeyReefer]

Well one thing to consider is if you are going to upgrade in the future. Even if you think you may not today give it another thought or two and then roll with the thought that you will at some point. With that in mind whatever skimmer you do choose make sure it is able to handle double the size of the tank you are buying today. Usually people upgrade and double in size - those of us in the 60 to 180 gallon range. Double that size puts us in the 280 - 450 range which makes it worth it. So - that is my only advise - think of upgrading and even if you say no buy a skimmer that can support an upgrade anyway. It isn't going to cost much more depending on who you go with.

Now with the few who said Lifereef. Great skimmer. I'm biased obviously since I've been running one since 2000. And with my note above I bought one for my 100 gallon and it is running today on my 210. It will also work on my future 300 - 350 gallon. It just works.

Best of luck. And remember - consider an upgrade even if you think you won't. We all say that but end up upgrading anyway

Thank you so much for the response! A Lot of you all seem to love your Lifereef skimmer! I am definitely planning on upgrading in the next 3-5 years no illusions there After my wife and I buy a new house I'm planning on jumping to a 300G DD so a Skimmer upgrade will definitely have to happen. Idk how well a skimmer would scale from a 50G System to a 300 though. It would definitely skim though! haha, Ill probably turn the current system into an anemone and LPS dom System when that happens so most of the gear will stay with it.

 

[User1]

Thank you so much for the response! A Lot of you all seem to love your Lifereef skimmer! I am definitely planning on upgrading in the next 3-5 years no illusions there After my wife and I buy a new house I'm planning on jumping to a 300G DD so a Skimmer upgrade will definitely have to happen. Idk how well a skimmer would scale from a 50G System to a 300 though. It would definitely skim though! haha, Ill probably turn the current system into an anemone and LPS dom System when that happens so most of the gear will stay with it.

How well is related to how the skimmer is designed, built, and the pump driving it. Lifereef skimmers haven't changed since the 90's if truth be told outside a few quality of life changes for the hobbyist. It is still a venturi protein skimmer. In your case the question would be do you have room for the skimmers foot print. The svs2-24 is listed as "up to" 250 gallons but most people will say it is capable of handling much more than that. 60 gallon tank I'd just use a DC pump and throttle it down. Won't hurt anything. Any questions call and Jeff will help you even if you don't buy one. He loves the hobby.

But back to un-biased answer. Whatever you choose see maybe what it can work up to or what others may say about growth. Same applies to lighting and return pumps that you may buy with this tank. I personally like to buy one thing and maybe pay a premium if I can continue to use it. Maybe we can save you a couple hundred bucks and take the nice lady of yours out for dinner (note - I mean you take out, not us )

 

[ReeferBean]

I’ve given up on the Vertex omega 130. Recommendations please!

The system is almost 55 gallons total volume With 7 fish. It has a sump with space for a skimmer.

I’ve been looking at one of the Reef Octopus 150 models from the regular to the nicer ones with the DC pumps. Are they worth the extra cost?

another one I’ve beenseeing good things on is Red Sea skimmers any thoughts?

I’m open to other brands as well potentially!

I have a RO Elite 220-INT with the Varios DC pump. Its a great skimmer, and quiet. Definitely go with a DC powered skimmer if it can fit in the budget.

 

[ReeferBean]

Also pretty sure they shut down so any parts for the skimmer or support will be difficult.

Yep.

 

[PirateMonkeyReefer]

How well is related to how the skimmer is designed, built, and the pump driving it. Lifereef skimmers haven't changed since the 90's if truth be told outside a few quality of life changes for the hobbyist. It is still a venturi protein skimmer. In your case the question would be do you have room for the skimmers foot print. The svs2-24 is listed as "up to" 250 gallons but most people will say it is capable of handling much more than that. 60 gallon tank I'd just use a DC pump and throttle it down. Won't hurt anything. Any questions call and Jeff will help you even if you don't buy one. He loves the hobby.

But back to un-biased answer. Whatever you choose see maybe what it can work up to or what others may say about growth. Same applies to lighting and return pumps that you may buy with this tank. I personally like to buy one thing and maybe pay a premium if I can continue to use it. Maybe we can save you a couple hundred bucks and take the nice lady of yours out for dinner (note - I mean you take out, not us )

Im Certainly of that mind set that it’s better to buy it once for a but For a bit of a premium and then you save over the long run. I’ll have to contact the guy

 

[FishTruck]

+1 lifereef - just call and talk to Jeff, don't get put off by the website. If you want a no B.S. skimmer than can be upgraded with any old pump, parts from home depot, just flat out works, and one that will last you as long as you are in the hobby - go there.

 

[PirateMonkeyReefer]

+1 lifereef - just call and talk to Jeff, don't get put off by the website. If you want a no B.S. skimmer than can be upgraded with any old pump, parts from home depot, just flat out works, and one that will last you as long as you are in the hobby - go there.

Not going to lie, I love the website a little bit. You can tell he is SUPER PASSIONATE and is one of those fellas who are of the mind if it isn't broke, dont fix it.

 

[Keithb22]

was trying to take a look at his sight, you can tell he's passionate XD any recommendations on specific models?

honestly I Would email/call Jeff and ask him. Tell him future plans etc and he’ll steer you in the right direction. Sounds crazy but he never tried to up sell, you’ll get what you need. I got the svs2-24.

 

[Keithb22]

Also a good sign is the fact you rarely see them for re-sale and they will literally last forever.