What makes a skimmer good or not

[ncfishguy]

Lookin to purchase a new skimmer ! Getting a headache trying to decide . What makes a good skimmer is it air draw the name on it or type of pump used

 

[ncfishguy]

If u look at the nyos 160 it draws twice the air o its competitors (reef octopus 3000 , vertex 150, bubble blaster curve9 , but the rlss 8i seems to be bout even

 

[xmas_one]

Mostly the pump.

 

[ReefMadScientist]

If u look at the nyos 160 it draws twice the air o its competitors (reef octopus 3000 , vertex 150, bubble blaster curve9 , but the rlss 8i seems to be bout even

Nyos are nice skimmers but do not get one because of their "titanium screws". So tired of my LFS trying to sell me on the skimmer screws.

Skimmers are mostly the same. They look pretty at first but with time they gets nasty and you have to clean them. Their clear plastic will turn to a yellow stain that will never go away. All skimmer bodies are mostly the same as well.

So if I were looking for a skimmer, go by the adjustability of the unit along with the pump.

Adjustability + Pump make the skimmer since they all resemble the same body.

 

[ncfishguy]

Nice ^ now what's a good easy adjustable skimmer with great pump

 

[erk]

Construction quality, air draw, bubble size, reaction time, required water depth, easiness to maintain, easiness to dial in, amount of sound produced, how long it takes to break in(this is probably the same for most skimmers), will it overflow after a WC, your future fish load. I can probably keep going with this if I tried.

I got a PM CV426 without the pump from my local LFS for 150 bucks. Still in working order, I just need to find a pump with enough head pressure so it will actually work well. Probably going to go with a MAG 12.

 

[twilliard]

Check out the videos of the helix 5000
Sure it may be way out of the price range but you will see what makes a skimmer good

 

[erk]

That Helix 5000 is legit. I wish I could get myself one.

 

[jolt]

I would add to the list: how easy is it to get replacement parts for the skimmer is also a factor

 

[don_chuwish]

Lots of tiny bubbles, dwell time, quiet pump, adjustable, easy to remove & clean cup - preferably with a cup drain.

 

[ncfishguy]

Lookin at the deltic on lunch they say I can order direct [emoji108]

 

[jasonandsarah]

Proven skimmer with a great pump and top notch warranty service if needed!

 

[ncfishguy]

Proven skimmer with a great pump and top notch warranty service if needed!

What skimmer you use or like

 

[ncfishguy]

Need a deltec dealer in the U.S.

 

[jasonandsarah]

What skimmer you use or like

I use a Omega 150 and love it. Have to say though I think the Nyos and Helix are both great skimmers as well.

 

[ncfishguy]

What's the price on the helix can only imagine lol probly high

 

[jasonandsarah]

I would email Scott, sometimes around macna he has "overstock" prices. Sometimes! Lol don't quote me on it lol
[email protected]

 

[ncfishguy]

Premium aquatics had them for 400 but says discontinued

 

[ncfishguy]

Anyone tried ATi skimmers

 

[bayoupr]

Balance between air draw and water draw, neck size to compensate for the amount of air a skimmer draws. Bubble size and most important at least to me is contact time which is why I run a tall Lifereef skimmer with a Mazzei Venturi. As long as the minimal flow is met you can use AC/DC, internal/external pumps and not regulated to a skimmers proprietary pump which can cost especially if it's a BK Pump.