Skimmer Suggestions

[scootman]

I recently posted a thread called "Yet Another Hair Algae Thread" and several of you supplied me with some great ideas and suggestions towards solving my hair algae problem. One issue discussed was improving my skimmer. Can anyone provide me with suggestions on a good, yet affordable skimmer for my 75 gal.? I know everyone's idea of affordable is different, but I'm looking to stay under $300 if possible. I noticed a used Aqua C for sale, anyone have any experience with these? Again, I'm looking for suggestions based on your experience. I've spent a lot of Moo-Lah replacing inadequate equipment, so I'm trying to avoid making the same mistakes.

[scoop]

I am using the Octopus NW-200 on my 75. It is pulling a lot of skimmate and I don't even have my critters in the tank yet, just the live rock. It's pretty big and it only costs ~$200 ( but you could add ~$50 for the gate wheel mod - I bought the mod kit from Marine Solutions) If this is too big for your sump, you could look at the NW-150 which is smaller and less expensive, but should still be good for a 75.

[scootman]

This is a picture of my current set-up. Note that I'm dealing with limited space:

[hng]

Wow, that's a small sump. First, get rid of the bioballs before someone gets on your case about it. You really don't have much room to work with since most of the good skimmers are also quite large. I have heard good things about the Tunze DOC skimmers. They are relatively small but apparently work very well.

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_Aquari...o_classic.html

[Fat Tony]

the new Xtreme Octopus skimmers are shorter but are a little expensive, depending on which version you get, but are the best value for both what you get and size...

I just purchased my Octopus NW200 and received it today... you have no idea how large it is until you actually put your hands on one... if you have the room that is what i suggest getting... either the NW200 or the new Xtreme 150 from Marine Solutions... how much room do you have to work with (height wise)???

[DevilBoy]

Just a heads up, i really reconsider buying from marine solutions, i have heard on more then one ocassion how bad the costumer service is from them. I own a NW200 but i also bought mine from a very good sponsor that belongs to TRT.

I am in no way knocking the skimmer. the skimmer works great

[scootman]

hng,
yeah, I've actually began pulling out the bio-balls. I was told to do this slowly in order to avoid kicking the tank back into a cycle mode. I just finished doing a 10% water change and pulled out approx 10% of the bio balls as well. Next week, I'll do the same.

Tony,
My cabinet's height is 21.5 inches. Due to the pump in my sump, I'm left with 8 x 8 inches remaining inside the sump to work with. I know there is a lot of negative chat about using a hanging skimmer outside the sump, but I'm preferring to keep one inside the sump if possible.

Thanks for the feedback so far. Right now I have 2 votes for the Octopus NW 200 (or 150 if space doesn't allow), and 1 vote for the Tunze DOC.

Anyone familiar with the Aqua C brand?

[reefgeek84]

My vote is for the ATI BM 160...
http://www.reefgeek.com/filtration/P...Skimmer_by_ATI

or wait it out and get the octopus xtreme as they supposidly come with the same pumps as the ATI does...

I was not impressed with Octopuses NW series, when I had one.

Something to think about anyways

something to think about anyways.

[hng]

You don't have enough room for the octopus nw200 - they are huge, but they are also one of the absolute best values in skimmers available. One other thing to consider is a re-circ skimer which can be used outside of the sump, but would require extra plumbing work. The Tunze would fit inside the sump though, depending on your dimensions (obvious statement!).

[Lutrah]

You won't be dissappointed in the AquaC. They are pump hungry, so facter that into the cost as well.

[scootman]

You're right, the Octopus skimmers are too tall for my cabinet. Bummer, I was actually leaning that way. The ATI BM 160 is rather expensive, so the Tunze DOC 9005 appears to now be the main contender.

[Fat Tony]

i will have a Octopus Dual HOB skimmer available very soon... it works great as a HOB but kinda mediocre if you use it in the sump... i will let go fairly cheap if interested

[seasalt dreams]

I just put a Coralife Venturi220 with a QuietOne 3000 driving it on my 75g. So far is working awsome and it cost me under $300! I had a Tunze 9005 in there first, it was garbage, will never get another Tunze skimmer again. This one is much much better.

[Loverotties]

I love my Coralife too!

[partobe]

I have a aquac 180 and love it. I bought it from Salty supplies hes a sponser here Richard is great guy