best skimmer for around $500 or less?

reefanatik · 05/20/2012, 08:18 PM

Hello everyone. I have a 72 gallon mixed reef with a sump about 15 gallons. I plan on upgrading in the next year or so to a 120. My question is what skimmer would work best for now and allow me to still use it when I upgrade to the 120. I currently have a mag 5 return. I mainly keep softies and lps with a few monticaps.

reefanatik · 05/20/2012, 09:13 PM

I would like to buy one of the reef octopus skimmers but they have so many I don't know which one to choose.

biecacka · 05/20/2012, 10:17 PM

ask mojo, he has a skimmer thread on here and he is full of skimmer knowledge!
corey

Zobp · 05/20/2012, 10:29 PM

Currently I use a SRO 5000 SSS on a 180 and I love it. It is way over rated for my tank size but it is working perfectly

I would looking into the SRO 3000 SSS. These bubble blaster pumps are top notch.

reefanatik · 05/20/2012, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zobp

Currently I use a SRO 5000 SSS on a 1 80 and I love it. It is way over rated for my tank size but it is working perfectly

I would looking into the SRO 3000 SSS. These bubble blaster pumps are top notch.

I was looking at the xp2000sss. I like the small space needed and am leaning toward it but i haven't heard too much about the super space saver line

karsseboom · 05/20/2012, 11:17 PM

Any of the sro line of skimmers would be your best bet.

Canadaguy · 05/20/2012, 11:53 PM

Myself I would buy a used ATB or a used Vertex Alpha cone if I had $500 to spend

reefanatik · 05/21/2012, 12:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Canadaguy

Myself I would buy a used ATB or a used Vertex Alpha cone if I had $500 to spend

Well 8 more post and I might b able to look on the 4sale forum. Lol

wildman926 · 05/21/2012, 08:54 AM

Sro 2000 int.

Guygettnby · 05/21/2012, 09:04 AM

i personally am using a SWC 160 cone in my 72g right now and so far i am loving it.

how heavy of a bio load are you planing on having? that will also make a difference in what skimmer will work best for you.

how much room do you have for the skimmer?

jfeva0049 · 05/21/2012, 09:06 AM

i have always been a fan and happy customer of euro reef/ now reef dynamics.

TRENT_G · 05/21/2012, 09:09 AM

Euro Reef rs-135 I had one on a 120 SPS tank and this guy rocked.
http://www.euro-reef.com/protein-ski...ries-rs135.asp

bongarone · 05/21/2012, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reefanatik

I was looking at the xp2000sss. I like the small space needed and am leaning toward it but i haven't heard too much about the super space saver line

I was thinking about getting this exact unit for my 110 to replace a RO NWB150.

tkeracer619 · 05/21/2012, 10:01 AM

If you can fit the internal model I would do that instead of the SSS model. If you are restricted on size then go for the SSS model.

The 2000 might be a better fit. The 3000 is a tad large but would work fine on the 120 if you have a heavier load.

reefanatik · 05/21/2012, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tkeracer619

If you can fit the internal model I would do that instead of the SSS model. If you are restricted on size then go for the SSS model.

The 2000 might be a better fit. The 3000 is a tad large but would work fine on the 120 if you have a heavier load.

Yes I am currently limited on space so was thinking of going with Sro2000sss but if the regular xp2000 is much better I have a utility room behind my tank which I could drill through the wall and relocate my sump and upgrade my sump size

wildman926 · 05/21/2012, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TRENT_G

Euro Reef rs-135 I had one on a 120 SPS tank and this guy rocked.
http://www.euro-reef.com/protein-ski...ries-rs135.asp

Reef Dynamics INS 135 would be my second choice.

reefanatik · 05/21/2012, 03:28 PM

thanks everyone for your help.. I am going to go with the XP2000. It should do great for my current setup and still be able to handle my upgrade coming next year. if the used one is sold already then i will go with the SRO XP2000SSS which will work great now with my limited space. I will post pics in a few weeks when i get it.

05/20/2012, 08:18 PM	#1
reefanatik Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Oyster Creek, TX Posts: 450	best skimmer for around $500 or less? Hello everyone. I have a 72 gallon mixed reef with a sump about 15 gallons. I plan on upgrading in the next year or so to a 120. My question is what skimmer would work best for now and allow me to still use it when I upgrade to the 120. I currently have a mag 5 return. I mainly keep softies and lps with a few monticaps.

05/21/2012, 08:54 AM	#9
wildman926 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: CTX Posts: 2,904	Sro 2000 int. __________________ Beware of recommendations by those who don't actually use their recommendation!! The search function actually works quite well!! Tanks:Planet Aquarium 150g LPS, Planet Aquarium 90g Softie

05/21/2012, 09:09 AM	#12
TRENT_G Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Oregon Posts: 501	Euro Reef rs-135 I had one on a 120 SPS tank and this guy rocked. http://www.euro-reef.com/protein-ski...ries-rs135.asp __________________ 120 (4X2X2), 2x250 Phoenix 14k MH with 2X ATI Purple Plus T5 HO, 2x Vortech MP40 ES, 400 gallon sump system. Current Tank Info: 120 gallon SPS Tank w/ 400 gallon sump......

05/21/2012, 10:01 AM	#14
tkeracer619 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 17,289	If you can fit the internal model I would do that instead of the SSS model. If you are restricted on size then go for the SSS model. The 2000 might be a better fit. The 3000 is a tad large but would work fine on the 120 if you have a heavier load. __________________ Hobby Experience: 9200ish gallons, 26 skimmers, and a handful of Kent Scrapers. Current Tank: Vortech Powered 600G SPS Tank w/ 100gal frag tank & 100g Sump. RK2-RK10 Skimmer. ReefAngel. Radium 20k.

05/20/2012, 09:13 PM	#2
reefanatik Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Oyster Creek, TX Posts: 450	I would like to buy one of the reef octopus skimmers but they have so many I don't know which one to choose.

05/20/2012, 10:17 PM	#3
biecacka Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Columbus Ohio Posts: 6,361	ask mojo, he has a skimmer thread on here and he is full of skimmer knowledge! corey

05/20/2012, 10:29 PM	#4
Zobp Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 307	Currently I use a SRO 5000 SSS on a 180 and I love it. It is way over rated for my tank size but it is working perfectly I would looking into the SRO 3000 SSS. These bubble blaster pumps are top notch.

05/20/2012, 11:17 PM	#6
karsseboom Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 2,183	Any of the sro line of skimmers would be your best bet.

05/20/2012, 11:53 PM	#7
Canadaguy Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Canada Posts: 162	Myself I would buy a used ATB or a used Vertex Alpha cone if I had $500 to spend

05/21/2012, 09:04 AM	#10
Guygettnby Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: FL Posts: 3,050	i personally am using a SWC 160 cone in my 72g right now and so far i am loving it. how heavy of a bio load are you planing on having? that will also make a difference in what skimmer will work best for you. how much room do you have for the skimmer?

05/21/2012, 09:06 AM	#11
jfeva0049 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Gilroy, CA Posts: 497	i have always been a fan and happy customer of euro reef/ now reef dynamics.

05/21/2012, 03:28 PM	#17
reefanatik Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Oyster Creek, TX Posts: 450	thanks everyone for your help.. I am going to go with the XP2000. It should do great for my current setup and still be able to handle my upgrade coming next year. if the used one is sold already then i will go with the SRO XP2000SSS which will work great now with my limited space. I will post pics in a few weeks when i get it.