Skimmer for 165 Gallon Reef with 84 gallon sump

rldcpa · 09/03/2012, 04:50 PM

For a 165 gallon mixed reef tank with a 84 gallon sump, so total volume of around 200-220 gallons, I need a properly sized skimmer.

I have looked at Vertex, Octopus and Reef Dynamics and between the 2 models that I think would be good, the price really jumps.

So, will a 8" work well or do I need a 10"?

I am looking at the Super Reef Octopus 2000 8" on the low end and 3000 10" on the high end.

I am lookng at the Vertex 180 8" but may be too small. The next step up is too expensive for me.

and I am looking at the Reef Dynamics 180 8", 250 8" and the 300 is 10".

It would be nice if the lower end skimmers would work in this situation, but I don't want to have to upgrade later, so I want to do it right the first time.

What brand and model do you suggest?

azjohnny · 09/03/2012, 05:35 PM

FYI the
SRO 2000 is a 6" body
SRO 3000 is a 8" body
SRO 5000 is a 10" body

IMO with an average bioload I would go with a SRO 3000INT or a RD INS 180

rldcpa · 09/03/2012, 06:39 PM

Are you sure....everywhere I look the 2000 is 8" and the 3000 is a 10"

•Super Reef Octopus® 10” In Sump Cone Skimmer SRO-XP3000I
•Dimensions: 14.5”x13”x22.5”
•Manufacturer rates skimmer for tanks up to 300 gallons
•BRS Recommends this skimmer for tanks up to 260 gallons
•Optimal Sump Depth: 6-6.5?
•Features the new Bubble Blaster HY3000S
•High quality machine welded cast acrylic construction
•High performance design
•3 year warranty on Bubble Blaster pump. 1 year warranty on skimmer. Lifetime warranty on support.

Is tthe SRO-xp3000I different than a SRO3000?

Pool_shark · 09/03/2012, 06:40 PM

The way I understand it, slightly bigger than what you need is good. However, too much bigger, and you won't have enough skimmate production to get forced up the neck and out into the collection cup. What type, and how many fish are/will be in the tank? Expected bio-load is a key factor.

There is a video on LA Fish Guys site with the guy from Reef Dynamics which you may find interesting. He seems to really know what he is talking about, and says he is open to phone calls if you want to talk to him directly. The people on this site seem to be very big on the SRO though... I own neither of those models, but will probably choose between those two when I upgrade. Good luck.

azjohnny · 09/03/2012, 06:59 PM

the XP are the cone models and have a sharp slant from the bottom

standard body
http://coralvue.com/sro3000int/

cone body
http://coralvue.com/xp3000i/

rldcpa · 09/09/2012, 01:29 PM

The price differentialis around $170. They are rated the same at 300 gallons. They both use the same bubble blaster component.

As I am not an expert on skimmers, can you explain why one is $170 better than the other.

azjohnny · 09/09/2012, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rldcpa

The price differentialis around $170. They are rated the same at 300 gallons. They both use the same bubble blaster component.

As I am not an expert on skimmers, can you explain why one is $170 better than the other.

They say the cone models have less back pressure on the pump and a subtle slope to the collection cup which produces less turbulence
and this makes them more efficient. I think its more advertising hype. I have heard that some users think they are less efficient.

IMO they have less volume in the chamber, therefor less contact time for DOCs to bound with bubbles. I prefer the standard body which still has a nice angle before reaching the collection cup

09/03/2012, 04:50 PM	#1
rldcpa Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 498	Skimmer for 165 Gallon Reef with 84 gallon sump For a 165 gallon mixed reef tank with a 84 gallon sump, so total volume of around 200-220 gallons, I need a properly sized skimmer. I have looked at Vertex, Octopus and Reef Dynamics and between the 2 models that I think would be good, the price really jumps. So, will a 8" work well or do I need a 10"? I am looking at the Super Reef Octopus 2000 8" on the low end and 3000 10" on the high end. I am lookng at the Vertex 180 8" but may be too small. The next step up is too expensive for me. and I am looking at the Reef Dynamics 180 8", 250 8" and the 300 is 10". It would be nice if the lower end skimmers would work in this situation, but I don't want to have to upgrade later, so I want to do it right the first time. What brand and model do you suggest?

09/03/2012, 06:40 PM	#4
Pool_shark Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: NW Chicago Posts: 147	The way I understand it, slightly bigger than what you need is good. However, too much bigger, and you won't have enough skimmate production to get forced up the neck and out into the collection cup. What type, and how many fish are/will be in the tank? Expected bio-load is a key factor. There is a video on LA Fish Guys site with the guy from Reef Dynamics which you may find interesting. He seems to really know what he is talking about, and says he is open to phone calls if you want to talk to him directly. The people on this site seem to be very big on the SRO though... I own neither of those models, but will probably choose between those two when I upgrade. Good luck. __________________ 90 gal LR reef w fish, LPS, Zoas, MH & T5 lighting and 30 gal fuge w macro and pods controlled by Apex.

09/03/2012, 05:35 PM	#2
azjohnny Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Gold Canyon Posts: 2,914	FYI the SRO 2000 is a 6" body SRO 3000 is a 8" body SRO 5000 is a 10" body IMO with an average bioload I would go with a SRO 3000INT or a RD INS 180

09/03/2012, 06:39 PM	#3
rldcpa Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 498	Are you sure....everywhere I look the 2000 is 8" and the 3000 is a 10" •Super Reef Octopus® 10” In Sump Cone Skimmer SRO-XP3000I •Dimensions: 14.5”x13”x22.5” •Manufacturer rates skimmer for tanks up to 300 gallons •BRS Recommends this skimmer for tanks up to 260 gallons •Optimal Sump Depth: 6-6.5? •Features the new Bubble Blaster HY3000S •High quality machine welded cast acrylic construction •High performance design •3 year warranty on Bubble Blaster pump. 1 year warranty on skimmer. Lifetime warranty on support. Is tthe SRO-xp3000I different than a SRO3000?

09/03/2012, 06:59 PM	#5
azjohnny Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Gold Canyon Posts: 2,914	the XP are the cone models and have a sharp slant from the bottom standard body http://coralvue.com/sro3000int/ cone body http://coralvue.com/xp3000i/

09/09/2012, 01:29 PM	#6
rldcpa Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 498	The price differentialis around $170. They are rated the same at 300 gallons. They both use the same bubble blaster component. As I am not an expert on skimmers, can you explain why one is $170 better than the other.