best skimmer for around $500 or less

reefanatik · 05/20/2012, 08:54 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.

Reefahholic · 05/20/2012, 09:10 PM

I would double up on skimmer size. Wish I would have.

Get a skimmer rated for up to 240/g for your 125.

$499
This would be a good skimmer for you at your price.

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/...n-skimmer.html

Reefing Newbie · 05/20/2012, 09:16 PM

For my 125 gallon tank I am using a SRO-XP2000I skimmer. I got it used for $300... Keep an eye out for people selling them in your local club and in the classifieds on here.

Bigcefa · 05/20/2012, 09:17 PM

I'd look into reef octopus or vertex IN 250

reefanatik · 05/20/2012, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reefahholic

I would double up on skimmer size. Wish I would have.

Get a skimmer rated for up to 240/g for your 125.

$499
This would be a good skimmer for you at your price.

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/...n-skimmer.html

That skimmer would do the job but I would worry about problems with two pumps and cost for replacements.

reefanatik · 05/20/2012, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reefing Newbie

For my 125 gallon tank I am using a SRO-XP2000I skimmer. I got it used for $300... Keep an eye out for people selling them in your local club and in the classifieds on here.

I know someone who was trying to sell me a reef octopus xp 2000 cone for 350. I was just worried about buying used. He wanted $350 and that seemed a bit high for a used skimmer. What do u think about the price newbie

jake koppen · 05/20/2012, 09:47 PM

If it had the bubble blaster pump on it, get it. Those pumps make all the difference

reefanatik · 05/20/2012, 09:50 PM

Does anyone have any experience or knowledge of the reef octopus xp2000sss super space saver. I am curious as to if the design of the pump under the skimmer has any setbacks or if it doesn't make a difference. It seems Luke a good skimmer but I don't want to spend $500 and then it'd just not up to par

reefanatik · 05/20/2012, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jake koppen

If it had the bubble blaster pump on it, get it. Those pumps make all the difference

Yes it had the bubble blaster pump. I am still not sure about paying $350 for used skimmer. I know I've read mostly great reviews but every once in a while I read about problems with pump start up and am worried about replacing a pump with no warranty

Alex T. · 05/20/2012, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reefanatik

Yes it had the bubble blaster pump. I am still not sure about paying $350 for used skimmer. I know I've read mostly great reviews but every once in a while I read about problems with pump start up and am worried about replacing a pump with no warranty

You're going to read about problems/advantages/disadvantages regarding every skimmer on the market. I'd just pick a trusted name with good support and buy more than I need. If this means buying used, I wouldn't hesitate. Good quality skimmers last, and have good product support to boot.

jake koppen · 05/21/2012, 01:25 AM

I'd buy it. I buy just about all of my equipment used. just look it over well

jake koppen · 05/21/2012, 01:36 AM

Those sell for 500 new, 350 is a fair deal and it'll handle the 120gal size

Metal Man 1221 · 05/21/2012, 01:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jake koppen

Those sell for 500 new, 350 is a fair deal and it'll handle the 120gal size

Ditto

And I have to second jake's comment about the BB pump.

They're extremely reliable, efficient, and quiet to top it all off. The air draw on these pumps exceeds most other pumps for a fair price.

350 is a pretty good deal IMO. Just make sure to get plenty of pictures that accurately show the condition of the body and pump, including the impeller.

markaren · 05/21/2012, 04:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reefanatik

Does anyone have any experience or knowledge of the reef octopus xp2000sss super space saver. I am curious as to if the design of the pump under the skimmer has any setbacks or if it doesn't make a difference. It seems Luke a good skimmer but I don't want to spend $500 and then it'd just not up to par

Ditto... I only have a 75G and have my eyes on them 1000 sss but wonder if the 2000sss is worth the 200 dollar difference or even needed if I have a heavy load.

reefanatik · 05/21/2012, 03:24 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.

kissman · 05/21/2012, 04:47 PM

Warner Marine MF 201

05/20/2012, 08:54 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.

05/20/2012, 09:10 PM	#2
Reefahholic Moved On Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: League City, Texas Posts: 3,974	I would double up on skimmer size. Wish I would have. Get a skimmer rated for up to 240/g for your 125. $499 This would be a good skimmer for you at your price. http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/...n-skimmer.html

05/20/2012, 09:16 PM	#3
Reefing Newbie Registered Member. Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,435	For my 125 gallon tank I am using a SRO-XP2000I skimmer. I got it used for $300... Keep an eye out for people selling them in your local club and in the classifieds on here.

05/20/2012, 09:17 PM	#4
Bigcefa Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 843	I'd look into reef octopus or vertex IN 250

05/20/2012, 09:47 PM	#7
jake koppen Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: lakewood Posts: 593	If it had the bubble blaster pump on it, get it. Those pumps make all the difference

05/20/2012, 09:50 PM	#8
reefanatik Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Oyster Creek, TX Posts: 450	Does anyone have any experience or knowledge of the reef octopus xp2000sss super space saver. I am curious as to if the design of the pump under the skimmer has any setbacks or if it doesn't make a difference. It seems Luke a good skimmer but I don't want to spend $500 and then it'd just not up to par

05/21/2012, 01:25 AM	#11
jake koppen Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: lakewood Posts: 593	I'd buy it. I buy just about all of my equipment used. just look it over well

05/21/2012, 01:36 AM	#12
jake koppen Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: lakewood Posts: 593	Those sell for 500 new, 350 is a fair deal and it'll handle the 120gal size

05/21/2012, 03:24 PM	#15
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.

05/21/2012, 04:47 PM	#16
kissman Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Lynchburg, Va Posts: 2,963	Warner Marine MF 201