Skimmer suggestions for 90G

Jrco226 · May 31, 2017

Looking to get an internal skimmer for my 90g tank; water level is roughly 8.5"

Fritzhamer · May 31, 2017

I have the same setup. I'd go with a Deltec SCA 1351 personally. So far I've tried:
Bubble King 150 (was too big)
Icecap K2-120 (pump overheated constantly and would seize)
Tunze 9410 (loved it but splashing was too loud as my water level is 6.75" - optimum for the Bubble King)

In the past I've also had ASM, Euro-Reef, Aqua C, a few Deltecs, and the original mesh wheel ATI. The only thing I haven't owned was a Beckett skimmer. I went back to deltec because they were the best performing and lowest maintenance skimmers I've owned. Very "set and forget" in my experience. Never had issues with overflowing or needing to dial it in, just an easy workhorse.

Jrco226 · May 31, 2017

Fritzhamer said:
I have the same setup. I'd go with a Deltec SCA 1351 personally. So far I've tried:
Bubble King 150 (was too big)
Icecap K2-120 (pump overheated constantly and would seize)
Tunze 9410 (loved it but splashing was too loud as my water level is 6.75" - optimum for the Bubble King)

In the past I've also had ASM, Euro-Reef, Aqua C, a few Deltecs, and the original mesh wheel ATI. The only thing I haven't owned was a Beckett skimmer. I went back to deltec because they were the best performing and lowest maintenance skimmers I've owned. Very "set and forget" in my experience. Never had issues with overflowing or needing to dial it in, just an easy workhorse.

Thanks for the reply. What is the difference between the SCA and SC deltec. Is the SC just the newer version?

Dom · May 31, 2017

Jrco226 said:
Looking to get an internal skimmer for my 90g tank; water level is roughly 8.5"

I'm partial to the Reef Octopus 110. It is rated for up to 130 gallons, operates in an 8 inch water depth and has a small footprint for tight spaces.

It's also very affordable.

Fritzhamer · May 31, 2017

Same skimmer, The SCA is the AC pump, SC is the DC pump. I based it off a thread where Roger from Tunze was talking about longevity of pumps. D.C. Pump, he stated, have more components that wear over time. They tend to last five years or so (if I remember correctly). AC pumps however can last almost indefinitely if properly maintained.

Jrco226 · May 31, 2017

Fritzhamer said:
Same skimmer, The SCA is the AC pump, SC is the DC pump. I based it off a thread where Roger from Tunze was talking about longevity of pumps. D.C. Pump, he stated, have more components that wear over time. They tend to last five years or so (if I remember correctly). AC pumps however can last almost indefinitely if properly maintained.

How would you rate the noise level with the Deltec?

Ty Hamatake · May 31, 2017

I'd have to recommend the Skimz Octa 165i. I am currently running one on my 75 gallon and it has been awesome so far (about eight months). It would be oversized even for a 90, but I have had zero problems with it.

Jrco226 · May 31, 2017

Ty Hamatake said:
I'd have to recommend the Skimz Octa 165i. I am currently running one on my 75 gallon and it has been awesome so far (about eight months). It would be oversized even for a 90, but I have had zero problems with it.

That thing is a beast. What is the noise like?

justingraham · May 31, 2017

I have a reef octupus regal 170int that thing is nice started skimming within an hour

Jrco226 · May 31, 2017

justingraham said:
I have a reef octupus regal 170int that thing is nice started skimming within an hour

Looks like that one has been discontinued.

justingraham · May 31, 2017

Well I still recomend whatever regal they replaced it with

tvu · May 31, 2017

Aquamaxx co-s1

Ty Hamatake · May 31, 2017

Jrco226 said:
That thing is a beast. What is the noise like?

Lol I tried to make a video, but that didn't work out. I would rate it as "barely audible" with the stand doors closed.

Mark Gray · Jun 1, 2017

Look at LifeReef you won't regret it

dangros · Jun 1, 2017

I have the Omega 150 and it's not too bad. Pump is pretty quiet (although I would prefer dead silent) and seems to be well sized for my 90g. How would you guys compare that to the choices above?

Joeganja · Jun 1, 2017

I'm going to say any aquamaxx skimmer such as the co-1. The bubble diffusers on these skimmers outcompete any brand on the market. They have a conical shaped design that helps break down the micro bubbles making them super efficient. I have the aquamaxx q-2, hob-1, and as of yesterday the HF-M skimmers and I absolutely love them.

luke33 · Jun 1, 2017

First thing I would decide on is budget, footprint, DC or AC or are you looking for a beckett type of skimmer? There are so many nice skimmers out there that will easily handle your 90g reef, and the prices range from 200 on up. So it totally depends on what you are looking to spend. For a 90g i'd look for something in the 700lph air range and 300gph water through.

Jrco226 · Jun 1, 2017

luke33 said:
First thing I would decide on is budget, footprint, DC or AC or are you looking for a beckett type of skimmer? There are so many nice skimmers out there that will easily handle your 90g reef, and the prices range from 200 on up. So it totally depends on what you are looking to spend. For a 90g i'd look for something in the 700lph air range and 300gph water through.

Based on reviews it looks like every skimmer is the best one. I would say I probably have about a total water volume of 110 but those specs you listed so help me narrow it down. My foot print is 13" x 16" so most everything I've seen is well within that range. Then based on fritzhamer said a AC pump is more reliable/longer lasting but I personally dont have any real knowledge on either. Do you see a reason to get one over the other.

tvu · Jun 1, 2017

Thing about Aquamaxx is that they skim like crazy and have more efficient pumps that won't generate too much heat. Lifereef I'm sure is awesome too but requires a much larger pump and for me will heat up my tank too much.

I've owned a co-s1 for 4 years now. Got the Q3 for my other new tank and OMG. I am very impressed!