Which skimmer is better?

Jason1520 · 10/19/2007, 08:49 AM

I am reletively new to the hobby. I am looking for a skimmer for my 75g FOWLR. I have researched and have come to three in my price range...

A coralife super skimmer. It is the cheapest, but I read that it is big, clunky, and loud.

A CPR BakPak. Is middle of the road price wise. Only rated to 65g, but a friend of mine has used it on a 75g with no problems. I read that the bio filter should be taken out and replaced with the bubble trap.

An Aqua C Remora. Is at the higher end of the price range, but is rated up to 75g. I read that it is probably the best of the three, but I have always gotten good advice from this website...

If anyone has expirience with any of these, or advice on which would be the best to purchase I would appreciate the advice!

Thanks, Jason1520

GSMguy · 10/19/2007, 09:03 AM

Tunze 9010 is what i would go with it will destroy any HOB in terms of performance and its quiet, and it will never overflow onto your floor.

luke33 · 10/19/2007, 09:26 AM

Those three skimmers are not good choices for a 75g, and the remora being the worst of the three. You have a few options. Like GS mentioned the tunze 9010, great skimmer, but its always going to be in your tank, $327, next choice is the deltec MCE600, good skimmer but may overflow, to pricey $500, next choice the bermuda rogue wave, good skimmer, has a microbubble issue they are solving and have suposedly solved, $250, the turbofloater blue 3000, brand new, possible the best hot skimmer as it pulls 30scfh....problem is its $520! Your other choice is to get a shelf behind your tank and plum a recirc behind it. Not wasting 200-300 on a remora or remora pro.........priceless!

mg426 · 10/19/2007, 09:30 AM

The three you have listed are about the biggests wastes of money you could find. I had a Remora (not much to speak of) I had a coralife (total crap). I like to shelf recirc idea.

GSMguy · 10/19/2007, 09:35 AM

i would say tunze or shelf recirc are the only responsible reccomndations

The shelf could be a sump also

if you wanted

Mr James · 10/19/2007, 10:08 AM

Nobody answered your question. Have you looked on the board for a used skimmer?? Also, you may want to post your budget. Who knows, someone may PM you with a skimmer they are trying to get rid of.

I am using the Aqua C Remora on my QT tank (40g + 29g sump) and it is mediocre.

You may want to rethink your allowance for a skimmer based on the repsonses so far. "They" say that the skimmer should be the single most important piece of equipment for your system.

luke33 · 10/19/2007, 11:55 AM

What equipment is more important than a skimmer.....were talkin equipment. The only thing i can think of is a rodi, other than that, skimmer is it. If remora's are so great why are there literally tons and tons of them for sale used on the used equipment forum.......because everyone realizes there terrible.

Mr James · 10/19/2007, 12:03 PM

His question was specific.

RO/DI is important too.

Yeah, the Remora's suck. But his question still remains, "which one of these skimmers?" I'd go with the one that sucks the least. I had read about mods one can do to the Corlaife skimmers.

You and I both know, Luke, from experience, that some day Jason will look back over the years and say, "darn, wish I would have spent a little extrea on my skimmer." But for now, I think we should answer his question and then suggest alternate routes. I went through four pieces of junk before I bought my first "good" skimmer in 2002'ish. I have worked my way up to a $550 skimmer, which back then, would have never considered!!!!

Jason1520 · 10/19/2007, 12:08 PM

Thanks for the info. I have about $200 to spend right now. All the ones mentioned are (at this time) out of my price range. I guess since I am having no problems, at this point without a skimmer, I will wait and save.

I currently have (1) sm. Lion, (2) engineer goby's, (2) sm. blue damsels, and (1) coral beauty.

I am currently using a Penguine bio wheel 350 filter (without the biowheels, based on info from this site). The water seems to be clear and ok. All the fish are healthy and eat like crazy.

I know a skimmer is crucial, but based on finances, it has had to wait. I guess it should wait a little longer, till a have more to spend.

Thanks for the info.

Jason1520

Jason1520 · 10/19/2007, 12:12 PM

Thanks Mr. James, you helped. I AM a beginner and kind of fell into the hobby for "relaxation" from a stressful job. I went big (75g.) because I found a great deal on it. The tank did not have an overflow built in for a sump (which I want). I took advice from another novice who had only been in the hobby for two years.

I am currently in an apt., and do no want to make too many big changes unitl I move into a home. Moving the tank will be a pain! Once moved, I plan on using a sump, either by creating the overflow, or using tubing. For the next year though, I wanted a decent skimmer which would help clean the tank and allow for some better/healthier fish.

luke33 · 10/19/2007, 12:24 PM

Well out of those I would suggest a different skimmer and around 150 bux. Here's the link. People have been having good luck with them. They seem to skim much better than the above skimmers you mentioned....or you can save your cash and do more frequent h2o changes. (out of your three i'd go with the bakpak or CSS, both the same to me)

http://www.aquacave.com/detail.aspx?ID=1013

Jason1520 · 10/19/2007, 12:33 PM

Thanks Luke33, that is one I had not heard of/checked out. That seems to be a possability. The octopus vs. the cpr, Ill have to read up more.

Mr James · 10/19/2007, 12:51 PM

$200 will get you a long ways, IMO, on the For Sale Forum!!

Mr James · 10/19/2007, 12:53 PM

See, check this out. At least it is better than some of the others, but it's not a HOB....http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...readid=1231641

And this one, again, an in sump model....http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...readid=1231814

Jason1520 · 10/19/2007, 01:01 PM

Due to my set up and the location, I have to have a HOB. I really dont have any other options at this time, or in the next year.

Therefore, I pose one more question:

CPR Vs. Octopus BH-100F.....?

Both of these have good reviews, and are both in my price range. a friend of mine uses the CPR and has had success with it. I am not as farmiliar with the Octopus, but after Luke33 recomended it, I looked into it. It seems like a good one.

JimKelly12203 · 10/19/2007, 01:02 PM

Does skimming really need to be that good on a FOWLR? I could be wrong, but if you don't have a lot of coral secretions in the tank, the BakPak should do the trick (even though you're pushing it).

happyface888 · 10/19/2007, 01:06 PM

The octopus is way better than the cpr imo, I have used a cpr for 7 years and recently got a octpus hob and it kills the cpr. Here a thread on it. A fellow reefer is using a octopus for his 90g and hes got some serious nasty skimmate
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...readid=1221868

Mr James · 10/19/2007, 01:07 PM

Quote:

by JimKelly12203
Does skimming really need to be that good on a FOWLR? I could be wrong....

Waste comes from more than just corals. Foods you add to the tank, fish poop - especially with a Lion fish if I read that right. Water changes are a must for you Jason. You may want to consider the HOB Octo IMO. I do know that Precision Marine used to make a pretty killer HOB skimmer in the day, but don't know what the price tag would be.

luke33 · 10/19/2007, 01:15 PM

Precision did make and still do make a decent hot skimmer, but not for a tank bigger than a 40g max. And i would agree with you 100% on the bioload being large on that tank. Fish do fine with high trates but not super high. I would definately get a skimmer for a predator tank.

Jason1520 · 10/19/2007, 01:26 PM

Thanks alot Happyface888! I think the Octo is the way to go. Have you heard anything about the Dual? I dont think I need the dual with only a 75g.!?

I am planning on gettin the single, plus customaquatic has it for $89, in stock. Have you bought anything from them? How quick and reliable is shipping?

Jason1520 · 10/19/2007, 01:29 PM

Yea I agree, Luke33. I need a skimmer. My friend has a 75g., with similar inhabitants, and his tank is much more clear. And he uses a CPR. From what I am hearing the Octo, is much better, A "CPR on steriods" someone said.

Not to mention the Octo is absolutly in my price range!

luke33 · 10/19/2007, 02:39 PM

And its only 19w if i remember correctly, and yes custom aquatics is very reliable.

slapshot · 10/19/2007, 02:54 PM

Octopus, hands down.

happyface888 · 10/19/2007, 03:47 PM

The octo is better than the cpr. The collection cup is different. If I can find my cpr I would take a pic of the cup compared to this

tacocat · 10/19/2007, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by JimKelly12203
Does skimming really need to be that good on a FOWLR? I could be wrong, but if you don't have a lot of coral secretions in the tank, the BakPak should do the trick (even though you're pushing it).

Big time. Corals produce waste, but not to the degree that fish do. Bioload should really be changed to fishload IME.

10/19/2007, 08:49 AM	#1
Jason1520 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 84	Which skimmer is better? I am reletively new to the hobby. I am looking for a skimmer for my 75g FOWLR. I have researched and have come to three in my price range... A coralife super skimmer. It is the cheapest, but I read that it is big, clunky, and loud. A CPR BakPak. Is middle of the road price wise. Only rated to 65g, but a friend of mine has used it on a 75g with no problems. I read that the bio filter should be taken out and replaced with the bubble trap. An Aqua C Remora. Is at the higher end of the price range, but is rated up to 75g. I read that it is probably the best of the three, but I have always gotten good advice from this website... If anyone has expirience with any of these, or advice on which would be the best to purchase I would appreciate the advice! Thanks, Jason1520

10/19/2007, 09:03 AM	#2
GSMguy Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Northern New Mexico Posts: 17,420	Tunze 9010 is what i would go with it will destroy any HOB in terms of performance and its quiet, and it will never overflow onto your floor. __________________ Nick. Conehead. Shallow Reef club. Current Tank Info: 48"x27"x14" Envision Acrylic rimless, 6x39w ATi Sunpower, Custom ATB Deluxe Skimmer, 4x tunze nano stream,ATB flowstar 1500, ACJR, Tunze osmolator.

10/19/2007, 09:30 AM	#4
mg426 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: maryland Posts: 6,923	The three you have listed are about the biggests wastes of money you could find. I had a Remora (not much to speak of) I had a coralife (total crap). I like to shelf recirc idea. __________________ I found a way to make a small fortune running a reef tank. Start with a large fortune. Unofficial President of the SEACLONE haters club Current Tank Info: 125 mixed reef 110 lbs LR, 1x250watt XM 20K MH 2x175watt XM 20K MH on Magetics 2X96 watt actinic PC, 220 watt VHO actinic, 30 gallon refugium, closed loop system powered by Sequence Dart MSX 200 skimmer 38 gallon sump, Oceansmotions squirt

10/19/2007, 09:35 AM	#5
GSMguy Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Northern New Mexico Posts: 17,420	i would say tunze or shelf recirc are the only responsible reccomndations The shelf could be a sump also if you wanted __________________ Nick. Conehead. Shallow Reef club. Current Tank Info: 48"x27"x14" Envision Acrylic rimless, 6x39w ATi Sunpower, Custom ATB Deluxe Skimmer, 4x tunze nano stream,ATB flowstar 1500, ACJR, Tunze osmolator.

10/19/2007, 12:53 PM	#14
Mr James Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Kernersville, NC Posts: 6,192	See, check this out. At least it is better than some of the others, but it's not a HOB....http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...readid=1231641 And this one, again, an in sump model....http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...readid=1231814 Last edited by Mr James; 10/19/2007 at 12:59 PM.

10/19/2007, 09:26 AM	#3
luke33 Moved On Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 8,375	Those three skimmers are not good choices for a 75g, and the remora being the worst of the three. You have a few options. Like GS mentioned the tunze 9010, great skimmer, but its always going to be in your tank, $327, next choice is the deltec MCE600, good skimmer but may overflow, to pricey $500, next choice the bermuda rogue wave, good skimmer, has a microbubble issue they are solving and have suposedly solved, $250, the turbofloater blue 3000, brand new, possible the best hot skimmer as it pulls 30scfh....problem is its $520! Your other choice is to get a shelf behind your tank and plum a recirc behind it. Not wasting 200-300 on a remora or remora pro.........priceless!

10/19/2007, 10:08 AM	#6
Mr James Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Kernersville, NC Posts: 6,192	Nobody answered your question. Have you looked on the board for a used skimmer?? Also, you may want to post your budget. Who knows, someone may PM you with a skimmer they are trying to get rid of. I am using the Aqua C Remora on my QT tank (40g + 29g sump) and it is mediocre. You may want to rethink your allowance for a skimmer based on the repsonses so far. "They" say that the skimmer should be the single most important piece of equipment for your system.

10/19/2007, 11:55 AM	#7
luke33 Moved On Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 8,375	What equipment is more important than a skimmer.....were talkin equipment. The only thing i can think of is a rodi, other than that, skimmer is it. If remora's are so great why are there literally tons and tons of them for sale used on the used equipment forum.......because everyone realizes there terrible.

10/19/2007, 12:03 PM	#8
Mr James Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Kernersville, NC Posts: 6,192	His question was specific. RO/DI is important too. Yeah, the Remora's suck. But his question still remains, "which one of these skimmers?" I'd go with the one that sucks the least. I had read about mods one can do to the Corlaife skimmers. You and I both know, Luke, from experience, that some day Jason will look back over the years and say, "darn, wish I would have spent a little extrea on my skimmer." But for now, I think we should answer his question and then suggest alternate routes. I went through four pieces of junk before I bought my first "good" skimmer in 2002'ish. I have worked my way up to a $550 skimmer, which back then, would have never considered!!!!

10/19/2007, 12:08 PM	#9
Jason1520 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 84	Thanks for the info. I have about $200 to spend right now. All the ones mentioned are (at this time) out of my price range. I guess since I am having no problems, at this point without a skimmer, I will wait and save. I currently have (1) sm. Lion, (2) engineer goby's, (2) sm. blue damsels, and (1) coral beauty. I am currently using a Penguine bio wheel 350 filter (without the biowheels, based on info from this site). The water seems to be clear and ok. All the fish are healthy and eat like crazy. I know a skimmer is crucial, but based on finances, it has had to wait. I guess it should wait a little longer, till a have more to spend. Thanks for the info. Jason1520

10/19/2007, 12:12 PM	#10
Jason1520 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 84	Thanks Mr. James, you helped. I AM a beginner and kind of fell into the hobby for "relaxation" from a stressful job. I went big (75g.) because I found a great deal on it. The tank did not have an overflow built in for a sump (which I want). I took advice from another novice who had only been in the hobby for two years. I am currently in an apt., and do no want to make too many big changes unitl I move into a home. Moving the tank will be a pain! Once moved, I plan on using a sump, either by creating the overflow, or using tubing. For the next year though, I wanted a decent skimmer which would help clean the tank and allow for some better/healthier fish.

10/19/2007, 12:24 PM	#11
luke33 Moved On Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 8,375	Well out of those I would suggest a different skimmer and around 150 bux. Here's the link. People have been having good luck with them. They seem to skim much better than the above skimmers you mentioned....or you can save your cash and do more frequent h2o changes. (out of your three i'd go with the bakpak or CSS, both the same to me) http://www.aquacave.com/detail.aspx?ID=1013

10/19/2007, 12:33 PM	#12
Jason1520 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 84	Thanks Luke33, that is one I had not heard of/checked out. That seems to be a possability. The octopus vs. the cpr, Ill have to read up more.

10/19/2007, 12:51 PM	#13
Mr James Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Kernersville, NC Posts: 6,192	$200 will get you a long ways, IMO, on the For Sale Forum!!

10/19/2007, 01:01 PM	#15
Jason1520 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 84	Due to my set up and the location, I have to have a HOB. I really dont have any other options at this time, or in the next year. Therefore, I pose one more question: CPR Vs. Octopus BH-100F.....? Both of these have good reviews, and are both in my price range. a friend of mine uses the CPR and has had success with it. I am not as farmiliar with the Octopus, but after Luke33 recomended it, I looked into it. It seems like a good one.

10/19/2007, 01:02 PM	#16
JimKelly12203 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Albany Posts: 205	Does skimming really need to be that good on a FOWLR? I could be wrong, but if you don't have a lot of coral secretions in the tank, the BakPak should do the trick (even though you're pushing it).

10/19/2007, 01:06 PM	#17
happyface888 Registered Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: San Francisco CA Posts: 3,987	The octopus is way better than the cpr imo, I have used a cpr for 7 years and recently got a octpus hob and it kills the cpr. Here a thread on it. A fellow reefer is using a octopus for his 90g and hes got some serious nasty skimmate http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...readid=1221868

10/19/2007, 01:15 PM	#19
luke33 Moved On Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 8,375	Precision did make and still do make a decent hot skimmer, but not for a tank bigger than a 40g max. And i would agree with you 100% on the bioload being large on that tank. Fish do fine with high trates but not super high. I would definately get a skimmer for a predator tank.

10/19/2007, 01:26 PM	#20
Jason1520 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 84	Thanks alot Happyface888! I think the Octo is the way to go. Have you heard anything about the Dual? I dont think I need the dual with only a 75g.!? I am planning on gettin the single, plus customaquatic has it for $89, in stock. Have you bought anything from them? How quick and reliable is shipping?

10/19/2007, 01:29 PM	#21
Jason1520 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 84	Yea I agree, Luke33. I need a skimmer. My friend has a 75g., with similar inhabitants, and his tank is much more clear. And he uses a CPR. From what I am hearing the Octo, is much better, A "CPR on steriods" someone said. Not to mention the Octo is absolutly in my price range!

10/19/2007, 02:39 PM	#22
luke33 Moved On Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 8,375	And its only 19w if i remember correctly, and yes custom aquatics is very reliable.

10/19/2007, 02:54 PM	#23
slapshot Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Farmington Hills, Michigan Posts: 1,791	Octopus, hands down.

10/19/2007, 03:47 PM	#24
happyface888 Registered Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: San Francisco CA Posts: 3,987	The octo is better than the cpr. The collection cup is different. If I can find my cpr I would take a pic of the cup compared to this