What skimmer should I replace my SCA-301 with?

[Philipgonzales3]

I have a SCA 50G PNP
I want to try something different

I don't like how much bubbles the darn thing outputs into the sump. I find the tube pretty finicky as far as adjusting. My bio load is pretty low so maybe it will improve but I kind of want to see what else is out there.

 

[theatrus]

I have a SCA 50G PNP
I want to try something different

I don't like how much bubbles the darn thing outputs into the sump. I find the tube pretty finicky as far as adjusting. My bio load is pretty low so maybe it will improve but I kind of want to see what else is out there.

How much space and budget do you have to play with?

A reef octopus classic or other line would be a more compact option. Vertex Omega is also a good more premium choice.

On the tiny end one of the Tunze skimmers.

 

[Philipgonzales3]

7.25"W×8"L (can increase to 10" by cutting one baffle) x 31.5" H

Thinking around $250 as a rough idea. But open to suggestions.

 

[Philipgonzales3]

How much space and budget do you have to play with?

A reef octopus classic or other line would be a more compact option. Vertex Omega is also a good more premium choice.

On the tiny end one of the Tunze skimmers.

7.25"W×8"L (can increase to 10" by cutting one baffle) x 31.5" H
Thinking around $250 as a rough idea. But open to suggestions.

 

[tvu]

I have bubble magnus curve 5 and SCA-301.

Honestly I think the SCA-301 works great and more consistent than the curve 5. I got darker skimmate with the SCA. I got the curve 5 due to the cup size being bigger :-(

If you do want a change try the Aquamaxx fc-80. I have a couple Aquamaxx on my other tanks and they rock!

When marine depot has 15-20% sales it’s a no brainer. Easy set and forget plus works like it should.

My fc-280

 

[Waynerock]

I have a SCA 50G PNP
I want to try something different

I don't like how much bubbles the darn thing outputs into the sump. I find the tube pretty finicky as far as adjusting. My bio load is pretty low so maybe it will improve but I kind of want to see what else is out there.

Just got the reef octo 110ss. They make a bigger 150ss as well. Awesome skimmer, dead quiet very small footprint and started pulling skimate within 2 hours of being in tank. 2 year warranty on the pump which is all in house made. Can’t recommend enough. Pricing 230.00-275.00 for the 110ss or 150ss

 

[Alexreefer]

In your budget, fits in the sump has great reviews. https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/reef...-5-internal-space-saving-protein-skimmer.html

 

[Philipgonzales3]

Just got the reef octo 110ss. They make a bigger 150ss as well. Awesome skimmer, dead quiet very small footprint and started pulling skimate within 2 hours of being in tank. 2 year warranty on the pump which is all in house made. Can’t recommend enough. Pricing 230.00-275.00 for the 110ss or 150ss

In your budget, fits in the sump has great reviews. https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/reef...-5-internal-space-saving-protein-skimmer.html

The Reef Octopus 110sss was actually what I was leaning towards. Seems like that is the way to go.

 

[Waynerock]

The Reef Octopus 110sss was actually what I was leaning towards. Seems like that is the way to go.

For the price it can’t be beat. I dont have much room In My sump and this guy fits with enough room to add a sump if I want. It’s already skimming after o lay 1 hour out of the box!

 

[Philipgonzales3]

I think I may go with a Simplicity 120 DC. I'm looking at getting a used one for $110. The reef octopus is probably better but I like that it has a feed mode and has a DC pump.

 

[Why-Me]

I bought a used BM Curve 5, to upgrade mine if need be. But if I were to buy a new skimmer to replace the sca 301 I'd go with the suggested Reef Octopus Classic 110SSS or Reef Octopus eSsence S-130

 

[Philipgonzales3]

I bought a used BM Curve 5, to upgrade mine if need be. But if I were to buy a new skimmer to replace the sca 301 I'd go with the suggested Reef Octopus Classic 110SSS or Reef Octopus eSsence S-130

How is the fit on the BM curve 5? I believe the section where I have my skimmer is 7.25x8 without removing the baffle that separates my drain and skimmer section.

I believe the BM 5 has a footprint of 7.28"L x 7.08"W

 

[Why-Me]

Ok. May turn into a long post here my bad.
I measured and took pics for you. PICS
Then after sitting back down to type this I thought to myself what if I'm wrong...so I went out to the garage to actually put the BM curve 5 into the sump.
It fits, just barely
It sits in there in one orientation, with the adjustment knob tube towards one of the corners of the sump or baffle. Seems it will work. I got it used for $50 at a frag swap last spring, couldn't pass it up for that price.

 

[Philipgonzales3]

Ok. May turn into a long post here my bad.
I measured and took pics for you. PICS
Then after sitting back down to type this I thought to myself what if I'm wrong...so I went out to the garage to actually put the BM curve 5 into the sump.
It fits, just barely
It sits in there in one orientation, with the adjustment knob tube towards one of the corners of the sump or baffle. Seems it will work. I got it used for $50 at a frag swap last spring, couldn't pass it up for that price.

Perfect! Now I know for future reference. I bought the Simplicty 120 DC and will probably keep the SCA 301 as a backup.

Got the Simplicity 120 DC for $110 shipped. Decided to check out the for sale forum before I pulled the trigger on anything. Not sure if that was a good idea or not we shall see. I like to try different things so to me it's worth giving it a shot.