Skimmer Choice (MSX or Bubble Master)

[dcmartinpc]

I am trying to pick a new skimmer for my revamped 60 cube setup. The aquarium will be a 60 Starfire cube with dart closed loop on a oceans motions 4 way. It will drain into my current 60 cube in my basement which will be where I put the skimmer and additional live rock for filtration. That will drain into a 55 gallon that I have baffles in that will be where I setup my frag growout area. The total system volume will be approximately 130 - 150 gallons. The tank will be a mixed reef (SPS, LPS, Softies...) I am trying to decide between the Bubble Master or SWC MSX Skimmers. I have heard amazing things regarding the MSX skimmers. Also, I am trying to decide between the 160, 200, and 250 models of each of theses skimmers respectively. I know the 250 would oversized, but I was wondering if it would be TOO much and not skim properly. Anyways, open to all opinions!

Thanks!

Don

[OneDummHikk]

Originally Posted by dcmartinpc

I am trying to decide between the Bubble Master or SWC MSX Skimmers. I have heard amazing things regarding the MSX skimmers. Also, I am trying to decide between the 160, 200, and 250 models of each of theses skimmers respectively. I know the 250 would oversized, but I was wondering if it would be TOO much and not skim properly. Anyways, open to all opinions!

Yes, oversizing it that much would cause issues with the skimmer. Not only the efficiency of the skimmer itself (It would run at about 50% efficiency because of the water volume), it would also tend to clean the water too clean and cause problems in the entire system.

The 160 series gives you some extra capacity in case you need it. The 200 would almost be too much and a 250 series is definitely too much.

[marineduud]

I would go with the 200 and have a skimmer that can handle pulling out the extra waste if needed, so you can feed your tank properly and not have to worry about it. I have a SPS dominant tank with 30 fish and feed heavy 2 times a day. And I'm waiting on the 300 to get here and I will still use my modded Euro.