Skimmer suggestions/what are you currently running?

TheRealDmorty217 · Nov 27, 2018

i have about 8-850g total water volume and had been running a custom Geo skimmer with a bubble blaster 10,000 pump but I only seem to get 2 years out of the pump and at $365 I’m growing tired of buying a new pump so often. My question is how big is your system and what are you using? I’m leaning toward a Lifereef or a Bubble King supermarin but haven’t made up my mind yet..(there is also quite a price difference in the two)

declanisadog · Nov 27, 2018

Here you go:

https://atlantareefclub.org/boards/index.php?threads/bubble-king-650-ext-modified.1168983/

ca1ore · Nov 28, 2018

Little less total volume than you, but 120 fish so loads of load. Running a stretch version of the MTC PowerPro. I’m a big MTC fan (also have an HSA1000), but it appears the company is closed down. I’d be inclined to go with LifeReef, though just a single mazzei injector would seem undersized, unless they’re using a really big model. I’d not be spending $2-3 K on any stubby skimmer.

garbled · Nov 28, 2018

I don't like to skim heavily, so I'm running a Reef Octopus Elite 200SSS. I'm pretty happy with it so far.

TheRealDmorty217 · Nov 28, 2018

ca1ore said:
Little less total volume than you, but 120 fish so loads of load. Running a stretch version of the MTC PowerPro. I’m a big MTC fan (also have an HSA1000), but it appears the company is closed down. I’d be inclined to go with LifeReef, though just a single mazzei injector would seem undersized, unless they’re using a really big model. I’d not be spending $2-3 K on any stubby skimmer.

Yeah I’m not much for spending 2-3k on any skimmer either. I have a Reef Dynamics that is huge and has 4 recirculating pumps on it but I don’t use it because it is so large and there are 4 pumps to maintain plus a feed pump. I really like my Geo but the footprint takes up half of the 220g sump and the pump keeps failing hence why I am looking for a new skimmer

Blue Tang Clan · Nov 28, 2018

If you have the option, a bigger refugium might help too. I've been amazed at what growing chaetomorpha + a Kessil A380 II fuge light can do to reduce phosphates/nitrates

ca1ore · Nov 28, 2018

Nice thing about both the MTC and Lifereef models is that you can use something like a panworld pump. That’s at least a decade of set it and forget it.

biecacka · Nov 28, 2018

I use a bubble king and love it! But I almost bought that skimmer before you did, just a little big for my tank and GEO talked me out of it. Joe love it but it would have been too much for my 240. My BK kicks but and I love it, was simple to dial in as well. Look at aquarium engineering too, he makes custom skimmers.

Corey

Saveafish · Nov 30, 2018

Lifereef/MTC/ Barr. Go tall. Short stubby is not the way to go. If youre super lucky and score a ETSS 1800XL or up grab it.

TheRealDmorty217 · Nov 30, 2018

Saveafish said:
Lifereef/MTC/ Barr. Go tall. Short stubby is not the way to go. If youre super lucky and score a ETSS 1800XL or up grab it.

I’m going with the Lifereef 72”

Saveafish · Nov 30, 2018

TheRealDmorty217 said:
I’m going with the Lifereef 72”

You'll be very happy with it. That tall, you'll rock it.

Whipples · Nov 30, 2018

TheRealDmorty217 said:
I’m going with the Lifereef 72”

That’s quite the tower of fish poo blasting power! I love my lifereef, I’ve cleaned the neck of it maybe twice in the last year and it just keeps going.

CoralReefer2110 · Nov 30, 2018

My system is a bit over 1000g all in. As a former GEO 72" user - it was long time ago - I was having to maintain and constantly deal with two pumps. Between impeller issues and total cost of power I decided to reconsider. When going into this current setup I opted for the Bubble King 300 Deluxe. I have been very happy with it once I got it dialed in right. I don't pretend to be a scientist when it comes to skimming efficiency but I can offer that the power consumption is far more efficient and I have personally found it to be less finicky than my old one. However - full disclaimer - the GEO was an older version and comparing old tech versus new tech isn't really fair...
Not sure I helped but the Bubble King is a nice product but pricey indeed.

AlexG · Dec 1, 2018

I am running a DIY skimmer I built for my system. The total system volume is ~1600 gallons. I use gravity to feed the skimmer and built DIY needle wheel impellers to retrofit jeabo 15000 pumps for recirculation.