Which skimmer do you run

zemuss · May 28, 2012

Hey Reef@holic,

For the BM 3.5 should I purchase a new pump or a new Skimmer? I find that after about two weeks I have to dial the skimmer back in and think it is the pump. Would a Sicce pump work better, or should I just buy another skimmer?

Reef@holic · May 28, 2012

Zeemus- the week point of this skimmer is definitely the pump, mine worked well for about 8-9 months and then started making noises and not producing skim. After taking apart and cleaning really well and soaking in vinegar I got it to work a little longer and now the pump has completely gone out. I was going to replace the pump, but with how cheap skimmers are now I would rather put the money into a new skimmer overall. The Atmans are known for these issues. A sicce would be an excellent replacement if you did want to replace the pump, maybe the psk 600, just have to get it to fit and mount correctly under the skimmer since the pump is inside. I have the sicce psk 1000 on my atb 840 now and it's a beast of a pump!

aslmx · May 28, 2012

Bubble Magus nac6 on 75 gallon. Id buy it again. Its cheap but a good one.

Yerboy · May 28, 2012

I run the SWC Mini S Cone. Picked it up close to 3 years ago from Premium Aquatics for i think $199 shipped. Great skimmer that hasn't failed me yet. I clean it about twice a month by rinsing out the collection cup and thats it. I think i have given it 1 deep cleaning since i purchased it.

Yerboy · May 28, 2012

^^^^

E.intheC · May 29, 2012

I have an Elos PS200 on my Mini right now. It's just getting dialed in. The skimmer is built well and uses thick acrylic.

My favorite skimmer to date is the I-Tech 100 cone.

Reef@holic · May 29, 2012

never tried an itech but have heard they work pretty well! a couple more i want to try is the jns series, even though I am more of a fan with a skimmer underneath for a smaller footprint.

thewackyreefer · May 29, 2012

I've been running a SWC 160 on my 90g system for the past 2 weeks or so and LOVE it. Previously was running an SWC 120 and it definitely did the job as well.