Suggestions for affordable protein skimmer?

scalare102079 · Jul 28, 2016

I have used ASMs for over a decade now... easy to dial in. Using a G4 and G2 on my 265.

Darryl · Jul 28, 2016

Tunze 9004 DC they are great!

Erokster40 · Jul 29, 2016

Eshopps

The Rook · Jul 29, 2016

I just went with a Simplicity skimmer for my 65 recently. I went with the 120 model but you could probably go up one if you want. Has all the newer style features including a dc pump. Is very quiet and "broke in" very quickly. Also it was under $200 delivered. I would definitely purchase another. Very pleased with it.

van7271 · Jul 29, 2016

Reef octopus 150. Under 200 bucks

Fishguywc · Jul 29, 2016

smh254 said:
I've had the 301 in my tank for 2 1/2 years with no problems.

Thumbs up for the SCA skimmers, I also have had the 301 for over 2 years with no issues, I even broke the air hose/pump attachment and contacted them to buy a replacement, they sent a whole new assembly free of charge!!

djreef · Jul 30, 2016

It blows my mind that not a single person recommended checking with the local reef shop. This is why so many have these broken POC equipment issues in the first place.

DJ

kuyatwo · Jul 30, 2016

djreef said:
It blows my mind that not a single person recommended checking with the local reef shop. This is why so many have these broken POC equipment issues in the first place.

DJ

kuyatwo said:
Go to local frag swaps or your lfs usually someone will have some stuff they are selling from a tank they broke down or client decided to get out of the hobby. I picked up a gen1 bk mini for $100

jttaillon · Jul 30, 2016

mgoesma said:
I purchased on on Amazon but it break after about 2 weeks. Does anyone know of an affordable option for a 90g reef tank with a 40 gallon sump?

I was in the same boat as you. I really wanted a DC skimmer but did not want to spend a lot of money. I have a 120 gal with 40 gal sump. I got the coral box 700 and it rocks!
https://addictiveaquaculture.com/en/coral-box/265-coral-box-dc-curve-skimmers-with-jebao-pumps.html

jttaillon · Jul 30, 2016

I was in the same boat as you. I really wanted a DC skimmer but did not want to spend a lot of money. I have a 120 gal with 40 gal sump. I got the coral box 700 and it rocks!
https://addictiveaquaculture.com/en/coral-box/265-coral-box-dc-curve-skimmers-with-jebao-pumps.html

Eddie7144 · Jul 30, 2016

Not the cheapest, but look at reef octopus, you get alot of bang for your money, work as good as hi end skimmers. N you don't really wa a skimp on your skimmer

Brian Treadwell · Jul 30, 2016

I am with the guys on the reef octopus I have a classic 150 on my 90 gallon and works flawless .

jttaillon · Jul 30, 2016

Look at the coral box, I just got the d700 and it rocks!

NanaReefer · Jul 30, 2016

Check out the new Icecap K2 series. I'm running the K2-120. Small footprint, very quiet yet powerful Sicce pump, easily disassembled for complete cleaning.
I ran an SCA for a year. Not bad but terrible to get clean. The pump also starts slipping out of the housing after a few times removing it.

4FordFamily · Jul 30, 2016

Asm anything. I have three used asm I love them. And a used reef octopus. Asm G4, asm g4, and asm G4+

mgoesma · Jul 31, 2016

So it looks like reef octopus and sca currently have the most recommendations for affordability, longevity, and quality. Please keep recomending. I'm waiting to get my money back then I'm going to get the one with the mist recommendations that is in the budget. I did also go to my local store and they recommended reef o octopus.

mgoesma · Jul 31, 2016

I'm leaning recorded the sca 302 because of its smaller size and great online reviews. Let me know that you think.

jttaillon · Jul 31, 2016

Just take a look at the coral box. It is a very new skimmer to the market. It has a dc pump. Compare it to other dc punps like the bubble magnus d8 and d9. It costs about 30% less and is working great for me. Better then my old skimz skimmer that i paid 3 times as much for. Great new skimmer to the market!

AcanSkywalker · Jul 31, 2016

If I had it to do over I'd stay away from the SCA. We had the same pump problem NanaReefer mentioned earlier. Ours started rattling after cleaning it for only the second time. Spend your hard earned money on a skimmer that's tried and true, I'd also look for models that feature DC pumps.
JMTC