Skimmer Recommendations

goody · Nov 8, 2011

I've read through the sticky thread on protein skimmers, but it doesn't really touch on cone skimmers. It seems like these are the "new" thing. I don't know much about them, why some have the pumps inside the body and others outside, and why some are $1000 and others are $250.

Hoping members can suggest a great skimmer for around $300. I'm planning on upgrading from a 90g to a 150g. I currently have an AquaC EV120 and have never really been to happy with it.

Any comments on this Bubble Magnus Bubble Magus BM-180A Protein Skimmer Brand New | eBay

thanks for any input.

turfster26 · Nov 8, 2011

IMO...do not get hung up on all the rave of cone skimmers, bubble plates, etc.

Reef Dynamics have been making skimmers for literally years and are awesome. This one: INS135 Protein Skimmer Rated Up To 400 Gallons will be the last one you will purchase from my experience.

I have their INS-80 on my 60gl cube and it rocks.

HTH

mojo · Nov 8, 2011

goody said:
I've read through the sticky thread on protein skimmers, but it doesn't really touch on cone skimmers. It seems like these are the "new" thing. I don't know much about them, why some have the pumps inside the body and others outside, and why some are $1000 and others are $250.

Hoping members can suggest a great skimmer for around $300. I'm planning on upgrading from a 90g to a 150g. I currently have an AquaC EV120 and have never really been to happy with it.

Any comments on this Bubble Magnus Bubble Magus BM-180A Protein Skimmer Brand New | eBay

thanks for any input.

I wouldnt get to hung up on shape. but what you need is a nice smooth transition to the neck. When there is a large step the bubbles pop.

The skimmer you have there is great. It is a atb 840 basically with a cheaper pump internal. It works well and is built well. I think you would be really happy with it.

mojo · Nov 8, 2011

It would be nice if it pull just a little more air though. But How deep are you going to run it. Water level in sump?

btkrausen · Nov 8, 2011

Reef Octopus skimmers have been fantastic for me. The problem you'll find on forums is that many people are fairly loyal to the brand they use. I've used only two brands, ASM and Reef Octopus, with Reef Octopus being the dominant one. They run the Bubble Blaster pumps which are powerful and very energy efficient.

I've see good reviews on Bubble Magnus as well.

luke33 · Nov 8, 2011

That skimmer is to small for a 150g. I would look for something around 1000lph air for that size of tank. That is a good price though! The big diff about cone's is the transition, like mojo said, less bubbles pop at the transition like a cylinder skimmer. In a cone the bubble pattern never gets disrupted to the collection cup, and as small as it sounds, it really makes quite a bit of difference.

goody · Nov 9, 2011

Thanks for all the replies. I guess I went to the wrong skimmer thread sticky. I ended up finding the one where mojo is talking highly of the seaside aquatics CS1or CS2. Is this skimmer worth the $125 more than the Bubble Magnus? Also, are there advantages/disadvantages of having the pump inside the body other than space? I was also told to look into Reef Octopus xs200, which I believe runs the sicce pump, but is external.

btkrausen · Nov 9, 2011

As far as I know, the only advantage of having the pump inside is for space constraints. I currently run the SRO-3000SSS on my main tank, and then the SRO 1000 on my quarantine tank.

I'd try to get the Bubble Blaster pump if you can, but if budget limits that, the Sicce pump is decent as well.

mojo · Nov 9, 2011

the skimmer is a bit small for a 150 like Luke said but great for a 90. so keep that in mind . The seaside aquatics is using a much better pump. The sicce syncra psk 1000 is a great skimmer pump. Quiet and inexpensive. the sro 2000 would also work of course. but I was trying to just answer your questions more specifically.

goody · Nov 9, 2011

mojo said:
the skimmer is a bit small for a 150 like Luke said but great for a 90. so keep that in mind . The seaside aquatics is using a much better pump. The sicce syncra psk 1000 is a great skimmer pump. Quiet and inexpensive. the sro 2000 would also work of course. but I was trying to just answer your questions more specifically.

Which skimmer are you referring to when you say a bit small? The one on ebay? That one says it is rated for 130-210g. I know the Seaside Aquatics CS1 is too small, but that is what you are running and reviewed, but I would need the CS2, unless you are saying that is too small.

mojo · Nov 9, 2011

the bm on ebay is a bit small. The body is there but the pump is a little weak for 150g. But the cs2 with the psk 1000 would be great.

goody · Nov 12, 2011

So I checked on that ebay seller and they have a skimmer with more air intake. Style/dimensions look very similar to the Seaside CS2 and it is $100 less. Bubble Magus BM-180EX Protein Skimmer Brand New | eBay How do the Atman pumps fair compared to the sicce and bubble blasters? I'm really looking to get a great skimmer that is really quiet.

Also wondering that if the pump is inside the body, is this going to also decrease the noise level? When you clean pump, is it a pain to take out the entire skimmer and get to the pump?