Skimmer suggestions for under $100

[tidus10]

since this is about cheap skimmers may as well keep it alive. is this a sea clone? SCA-302 cause this is what i have, havent used it yet

 

[Dana]

Yeah I suppose that's true.
I dunno what a sea clone is, I just know its called reef octopus

 

[tidus10]

that thing is GANGSTER

 

[Dana]

I did ALOT of research and these seem like good mid grade skimmers. I like how the pump is on the outside of the unit. They're 179 shipped new on eBay, I got mine for 125 shipped used. Seller stated its only a week old, and sold because he got an all in one system so he didn't need anymore. Shipped yesterday, so I'll give my review when I get it

 

[_Alex_]

If you can keep your water level constant in your tank it does make a difference. I know hob as long as sucking up water its fine. But buddy had one and it worked great but if water level dropped to much wouldn't do much of anything. Just make foam but not put anything out.


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[sanchoy]

In this hobby if you go cheap you will end up with an inferior product and end up losing more in future upgrades.

Just keep that in mind. Buying used is cheap but u will get what u paid for.


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[NanaReefer]

I just added the Reef Octopus BH1000 to my 26g. It's a HOB skimmer with an external pump. I do bi-weekly 25% WC and had just done one before setting up this skimmer. Here's what it pulled out in the first 24hrs. For $189 the best investment for my tank so far!

 

[Lovge]

im ordering an aquatic life 115 for my 29 bio, cheap and everything i have read about it is positive for my tank useage.. Im not sure if yours has an intank overflow system like the biocube but if your putting your skimmer in tank my only worry would be will the ReefOcto fit? If so gratz on a well repped skimmer

 

[Dana]

Here are the pics of the actual skimmer itself I bought. Looks pretty new to me.it is a hang on unit.

 

[Dana]

Ok got my skimmer today. Excellent condition in original box with instructions. Gave everything a good rinse under clean warm water and dried, then assembled.

 

[Dana]

After 5 minutes

 

[j3st3r]

if that's after 5 minutes you are running it too wet


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[Dana]

Yeah but how do I adjust it? There's no controls on it

 

[Dana]

Ok I see now that turning this control the amount of water in the chamber, but I was running wide open, now I've closed it up a bit but how do I know where the water should be? Level with the line on the sticker? Thanks again

 

[Lilmatty5dimes]

I've got quite of few people on a local forum using the sca skimmer off of eBay with really good success. I'm going to buy one for a 57g build here in a couple of months. It's basically a no name BM.

 

[Dana]

it seems to be skimming beeter now. much less volume, but much darker water

 

[Dana]

Ok well it was skimming for a while now its making plenty of bubbles but no more foam. Any reason for this?

 

[coralreefnc]

I'm currently bidding on a reef octopus bh90. Well see where that goes.

Very good choice imho .. Glad u got it . Needs to break in . Give it time . Sticking hands in the tankn feeding the tank makes the foam head quit for a bit .

 

[Dana]

Ok guys I thought I would give a quick review of the skimmer. After 4 days it's doing very well. Took a couple of days of small adjustments and is now skimming very well. It's nice and quiet as far as skimmers go, so happy with that. The break in period was very short, not sure if it's because it's a used unit, but like I said, it was only used for a week, so it's basically brand new.
One thing about the silencer is, there are two holes to plug in the airline, I found one to be ALOT quieter than the other, so when you set one up just make sure to try both and you'll find that out.
This is a great skimmer and glad I bought it. Thanks to everyone for the input

 

[Dana]

After 4 days and a little tuning this thing is skimming like a champ.