Protein skimmer help.

[zma21]

Hey guys,

I'm about 60% done on my 25 gallon cube project. All that is left to buy is the material for a stand, plumbing, return pump and protein skimmer.

This whole time I've been set on the eshopps psk-75 skimmer. Well, recently looking at the eshopps thread, it seems some of them are falling apart. I'd really like to only buy one skimmer, as I'm sure you understand.

I've been looking hard at the Reef Octopus, and it seems to be solid. I'm interested in the 110 model.

Here's my problem, I'm only going to have room for a 10 gallon sump under my tank. The 10 gal sump is 10" wide, and apparently so is the Reef Octopus. With other equipment I've owned, the footprint is usually about .25 of an inch over-exaggerated.

Do you think I should opt for the Reef Octopus NWB-110, or stay with the Eshopps psk-75, which will easily fit in the sump?

Thanks, and merry christmas!

[zma21]

I forgot to add that this is going to be an SPS/ LPS (acan) dominated tank, with a pair of clowns, Coral Beauty Angel, and possibly a goby of some sort.

With that large of a bioload, I feel that I need to compensate with a boss skimmer that will keep the water sparkling.

[oscar.millan]

I would go with the Octopus, but if space constraints prevent you from doing it, then you have your answer.

[mojo~]

sro 1000 will be a little large but the BM nac3.5 would be great

[frgrasso]

Use the skimmer that will fit , I personally like the octopus

[zma21]

I think im going to try and get the octopus. It will fit somehow in my sump. I like the bubble magus too, but seems like a toy next to the octopus. Roughly the same price too.

[mr.maroonsalty]

I wouldn't discount jumping on a used Tunze if you see one. Mine has no problem expelling a nice dry foam out the small slits where the cup cover attaches. Here's a year old picture of my 10g sump. As you may see I think all those overunder chambers are a wee bit of a waste.


My two pumps each feed their own Rx hob-ing the dt

[zma21]

I appreciate your suggestion of the tunze.

I feel that the octo will be more friendly to an upgrade in the future.

Well, If I get the octopus, worst case scenario I run out of room for a good fuge in my small sump. Would a good GFO/Carbon reactor somewhat make up for this? I know running both is optimal, but just shooting out ideas.

[zma21]

Big update.

After more research, I've all but settled on the Bubble Magus 3.5 cone skimmer. It fits all my needs, will easily fit in the 10 gal sump, and skims very efficiently.

I've found it for $179 being the cheapest, and then on fish-street.com for $80 +$50 shipping.

Should I stay away from fish-street? It's a chinese based company. Will that version run at a different voltage than US models?