Cheap but reliable skimmers?

Stephen Hiatt · 07/21/2016, 07:59 AM

Being in school, money doesn't come easily. Are there any reliable skimmers in the $100-150 price range? I was looking at this coralife skimmer. My tank is a 65g.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Does anyone have experience with skilters? The price looks too good to be true for what it claims to do.

https://www.amazon.com/Supreme-Danne...9109514&sr=1-6

tjm9331 · 07/21/2016, 08:09 AM

Honestly if it were me I would spend the extra $40 and get this Reef Octopus 1000

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005FG1QF2...A1BNS86D4V4GO1

I don't have any experience with the Coralife skimmer but from what I've heard and read they are not all that great.

And as far as the "skilter" goes I wouldn't bother it is most likely too good to be true, just look at the reviews for it, 2.5 stars...can't be that great. Performance wise you'd be better off getting a separate skimmer and power filter than going with a combo like that.

Stephen Hiatt · 07/21/2016, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjm9331

Honestly if it were me I would spend the extra $40 and get this Reef Octopus 1000

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005FG1QF2...A1BNS86D4V4GO1

I don't have any experience with the Coralife skimmer but from what I've heard and read they are not all that great.

And as far as the "skilter" goes I wouldn't bother it is most likely too good to be true, just look at the reviews for it, 2.5 stars...can't be that great. Performance wise you'd be better off getting a separate skimmer and power filter than going with a combo like that.

I'm going to use a sump. I was just asking about the skilter for a friend who got banned from rc.

Stephen Hiatt · 07/21/2016, 08:37 AM

Is there a difference between these two skimmers? From what I see they look the same other than where the pump is located. They're both rated for 100 gallons, but one is $40 cheaper.

https://www.amazon.com/Reef-Octopus-...ef+octopus+hob

https://www.amazon.com/CoralVue-Tech...ef+octopus+hob

tjm9331 · 07/21/2016, 08:43 AM

I'm fairly certain the classic 100 has a smaller pump and also goes inside the tank where as the 1000 has a bigger more efficient pump that is on the outside of the tank therefore not adding any heat to the water.

I have to ask though if you're going to be using a sump why not go with something like one of these skimmers? That way you don't have a bulky skimmer hanging off the back of your tank. Any one of these would be a fairly decent skimmer.

https://www.amazon.com/Coral-Vue-Tec...6%3A2661615011

https://www.amazon.com/Bubble-Magus-...6%3A2661615011

Sk8r · 07/21/2016, 08:44 AM

THe coralife can be hyped into a stronger action by NoPoX---I get black skimmate out of mine---and the impeller is tough flexible stuff that doesn't break. But left to itself, it is not the strongest skimmer on the market. I've not used the other.

Stephen Hiatt · 07/21/2016, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjm9331

I'm fairly certain the classic 100 has a smaller pump and also goes inside the tank where as the 1000 has a bigger more efficient pump that is on the outside of the tank therefore not adding any heat to the water.

I have to ask though if you're going to be using a sump why not go with something like one of these skimmers? That way you don't have a bulky skimmer hanging off the back of your tank. Any one of these would be a fairly decent skimmer.

https://www.amazon.com/Coral-Vue-Tec...6%3A2661615011
https://www.amazon.com/Bubble-Magus-...6%3A2661615011

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/fo...ersion.670905/

Stephen Hiatt · 07/21/2016, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sk8r

THe coralife can be hyped into a stronger action by NoPoX---I get black skimmate out of mine---and the impeller is tough flexible stuff that doesn't break. But left to itself, it is not the strongest skimmer on the market. I've not used the other.

Is that a reef central member or an item?

AlSimmons · 07/21/2016, 08:50 AM

If you haven't already, you might want to look into the Eshopps skimmers.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...shopps+skimmer

Stephen Hiatt · 07/21/2016, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlSimmons

If you haven't already, you might want to look into the Eshopps skimmers.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...shopps+skimmer

The reef octopus is 2" shorter, which I see as a plus considering that I need my skimmer to be hob.

Stephen Hiatt · 07/21/2016, 09:10 AM

Is there anything I should know about having, running, and maintaining a skimmer? I'm coming from freshwater, and this will be my first reef.

billdogg · 07/21/2016, 10:02 AM

IMHO, finding a place in the sump for a skimmer is a no-brainer. Skimmers overflow from time to time. If it is external (or HOB), it is going to overflow onto your floor. If it is in the sump, it will just go back into the water column - not ideal, but WAY BETTER than on your floor. An overflowing external skimmer also has the potential to drain a significant amount of water from your system. If you use a ATO as many do, that lost water will be replaced with fresh water, decreasing the salinity and potentially nuking your tank in the process.

I had a coralife super skimmer back in the day. IME, they are junk. Spend a couple $$ more and get a good one.

And FWIW - the name "Skilter" is the punchline to many, many bad jokes. I know - I had one of them way back in the day as well.

I understand that this is not an inexpensive hobby. Research first, and buy the very best you can afford. It will pay for itself in the long run.

Stephen Hiatt · 07/21/2016, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billdogg

IMHO, finding a place in the sump for a skimmer is a no-brainer. Skimmers overflow from time to time. If it is external (or HOB), it is going to overflow onto your floor. If it is in the sump, it will just go back into the water column - not ideal, but WAY BETTER than on your floor. An overflowing external skimmer also has the potential to drain a significant amount of water from your system. If you use a ATO as many do, that lost water will be replaced with fresh water, decreasing the salinity and potentially nuking your tank in the process.

I had a coralife super skimmer back in the day. IME, they are junk. Spend a couple $$ more and get a good one.

And FWIW - the name "Skilter" is the punchline to many, many bad jokes. I know - I had one of them way back in the day as well.

I understand that this is not an inexpensive hobby. Research first, and buy the very best you can afford. It will pay for itself in the long run.

I know it's not cheap too... I found that out after deciding to get a freshwater 210 and make a 75g sump. Hopefully this will be cheaper than the 210.

Since the tank is a lobster tank (traded $150 worth of items to get it, good deal imo), the sump is closed off. That is why I need a hob skimmer.

Stephen Hiatt · 07/21/2016, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stephen Hiatt

I know it's not cheap too... I found that out after deciding to get a freshwater 210 and make a 75g sump. Hopefully this will be cheaper than the 210.

Since the tank is a lobster tank (traded $150 worth of items to get it, good deal imo), the sump is closed off. That is why I need a hob skimmer.

The tank also came with a Red Sea ozonator, which would have been a good trade just by itself.

madweazl · 07/21/2016, 10:28 AM

I had an AquaC Remora on a 40g years ago that worked quite well. It was a bit noisy and difficult to thoroughly clean (not the cup). Ran for at least five years with no issues (had it plumbed to a mag 7 I believe).

MuShu · 07/21/2016, 10:30 AM

If you can afford it, get the Reef Octopus with the external pump. I just installed the cheaper one, which gets fabulous reviews, but it is one more thing in my tank. The part that hangs off the back is pretty unobtrusive, but the part that is inside my tank is pretty noticeable.

Japsican · 07/21/2016, 10:42 AM

What about an SCA skimmer? Certainly not the best as far as components, but they are inexpensive and will get the job done.

bdunn12 · 07/21/2016, 10:48 AM

I have been using the Coralife 125 and have had no issues so far. Knock on wood. It also skims very well IMO.

Stephen Hiatt · 07/21/2016, 10:54 AM

What would be the difference between these two? They're both rated for 100 gallons.

https://www.amazon.com/CoralVue-Tech...rotein+skimmer

https://www.amazon.com/Reef-Octopus-...rotein+skimmer

Stephen Hiatt · 07/21/2016, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Japsican

What about an SCA skimmer? Certainly not the best as far as components, but they are inexpensive and will get the job done.

I already looked at one of those, and it seemed to have good reviews on amazon. The only problem was that it wasn't hob.

Potatohead · 07/21/2016, 10:58 AM

Eshopps PSK100, maybe a touch more money, but actually a pretty darn good skimmer overall. Otherwise an Octopus Classic 110 is hard to beat but maybe a few more bucks still.

Stephen Hiatt · 07/21/2016, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Potatohead

Eshopps PSK100, maybe a touch more money, but actually a pretty darn good skimmer overall. Otherwise an Octopus Classic 110 is hard to beat but maybe a few more bucks still.

I already looked at the Eshopps skimmer. I want to stay with the hob reef octopus because it isn't as tall.

ReefsandGeeks · 07/21/2016, 12:12 PM

I know it's already ben mentioned, but I've been using an Eshopps HOB skimmer for years and it's never given me even a hint of a problem. Runs quiet, I can keep an ULN tank and although it may be taller than some other skimmers, I think most of that height is down low, meaning other skimmers will be just as tall from the top of the tank to the top of the skimmer, but the eshopps hangs down lower. I have mine on my 65g tank, and all I can see from the front of the tank is the cup, and a little bit of the cone shaped neck.

tjm9331 · 07/21/2016, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stephen Hiatt

What would be the difference between these two? They're both rated for 100 gallons.

https://www.amazon.com/CoralVue-Tech...rotein+skimmer

https://www.amazon.com/Reef-Octopus-...rotein+skimmer

The main difference between these 2 skimmers is the body shape, the BH90 is obviously cylindrical and might be a bit more noticeable behind the tank and also might require a bit more space between the tank and the wall. The BH1000 has a more compressed, boxy design which may help it be less noticeable and allow you to get the tank further back towards the wall. they both use the same pump so no difference there and they both have the ability to skim the surface which is a plus for any HOB skimmer.

I'd say pick your poison, rectangle or circle, either one of these skimmers would do a good job for you.

Stephen Hiatt · 07/21/2016, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjm9331

The main difference between these 2 skimmers is the body shape, the BH90 is obviously cylindrical and might be a bit more noticeable behind the tank and also might require a bit more space between the tank and the wall. The BH1000 has a more compressed, boxy design which may help it be less noticeable and allow you to get the tank further back towards the wall. they both use the same pump so no difference there and they both have the ability to skim the surface which is a plus for any HOB skimmer.

I'd say pick your poison, rectangle or circle, either one of these skimmers would do a good job for you.

I'll try out the BH1000. From what I've seen the skimmer has a larger amount of space to hold bubbles, and the cup is very easy to remove.

07/21/2016, 07:59 AM	#1
Stephen Hiatt Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Posts: 98	Cheap but reliable skimmers? Being in school, money doesn't come easily. Are there any reliable skimmers in the $100-150 price range? I was looking at this coralife skimmer. My tank is a 65g. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...=ATVPDKIKX0DER Does anyone have experience with skilters? The price looks too good to be true for what it claims to do. https://www.amazon.com/Supreme-Danne...9109514&sr=1-6

07/21/2016, 08:44 AM	#6
Sk8r RC Mod Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 34,628 Blog Entries: 55	THe coralife can be hyped into a stronger action by NoPoX---I get black skimmate out of mine---and the impeller is tough flexible stuff that doesn't break. But left to itself, it is not the strongest skimmer on the market. I've not used the other. __________________ Sk8r Salinity 1.024-6; alkalinity 8.3-9.3 on KH scale; calcium 420; magnesium 1300, temp 78-80, nitrate .2. Ammonia 0. No filters: lps tank. Alk and cal won't rise if mg is low. Current Tank Info: 105g AquaVim wedge, yellow tang, sailfin blenny,royal gramma, ocellaris clown pair, yellow watchman, 100 microceriths, 25 tiny hermits, a 4" conch, 1" nassarius, recovering from 2 year hiatus with daily water change of 10%.

07/21/2016, 10:02 AM	#12
billdogg Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Grove City, Ohio Posts: 10,806	IMHO, finding a place in the sump for a skimmer is a no-brainer. Skimmers overflow from time to time. If it is external (or HOB), it is going to overflow onto your floor. If it is in the sump, it will just go back into the water column - not ideal, but WAY BETTER than on your floor. An overflowing external skimmer also has the potential to drain a significant amount of water from your system. If you use a ATO as many do, that lost water will be replaced with fresh water, decreasing the salinity and potentially nuking your tank in the process. I had a coralife super skimmer back in the day. IME, they are junk. Spend a couple $$ more and get a good one. And FWIW - the name "Skilter" is the punchline to many, many bad jokes. I know - I had one of them way back in the day as well. I understand that this is not an inexpensive hobby. Research first, and buy the very best you can afford. It will pay for itself in the long run. __________________ I'll try to be nice if you try to be smarter! I can't help that I grow older, but you can't make me grow up! Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef with 40b sump, RO 150 skimmer, AI Sol Blue x 2, and a 60g Frag Tank with 100g rubbermaid sump. 2 x Kessil A360w lights, BM curve 5 skimmer

07/21/2016, 08:09 AM	#2
tjm9331 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 340	Honestly if it were me I would spend the extra $40 and get this Reef Octopus 1000 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005FG1QF2...A1BNS86D4V4GO1 I don't have any experience with the Coralife skimmer but from what I've heard and read they are not all that great. And as far as the "skilter" goes I wouldn't bother it is most likely too good to be true, just look at the reviews for it, 2.5 stars...can't be that great. Performance wise you'd be better off getting a separate skimmer and power filter than going with a combo like that.

07/21/2016, 08:37 AM	#4
Stephen Hiatt Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Posts: 98	Is there a difference between these two skimmers? From what I see they look the same other than where the pump is located. They're both rated for 100 gallons, but one is $40 cheaper. https://www.amazon.com/Reef-Octopus-...ef+octopus+hob https://www.amazon.com/CoralVue-Tech...ef+octopus+hob

07/21/2016, 08:43 AM	#5
tjm9331 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 340	I'm fairly certain the classic 100 has a smaller pump and also goes inside the tank where as the 1000 has a bigger more efficient pump that is on the outside of the tank therefore not adding any heat to the water. I have to ask though if you're going to be using a sump why not go with something like one of these skimmers? That way you don't have a bulky skimmer hanging off the back of your tank. Any one of these would be a fairly decent skimmer. https://www.amazon.com/Coral-Vue-Tec...6%3A2661615011 https://www.amazon.com/Bubble-Magus-...6%3A2661615011

07/21/2016, 08:50 AM	#9
AlSimmons Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: California Posts: 2,482	If you haven't already, you might want to look into the Eshopps skimmers. http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...shopps+skimmer

07/21/2016, 09:10 AM	#11
Stephen Hiatt Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Posts: 98	Is there anything I should know about having, running, and maintaining a skimmer? I'm coming from freshwater, and this will be my first reef.

07/21/2016, 10:28 AM	#15
madweazl Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: NOVA Posts: 774	I had an AquaC Remora on a 40g years ago that worked quite well. It was a bit noisy and difficult to thoroughly clean (not the cup). Ran for at least five years with no issues (had it plumbed to a mag 7 I believe).

07/21/2016, 10:30 AM	#16
MuShu Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Georgia Posts: 322	If you can afford it, get the Reef Octopus with the external pump. I just installed the cheaper one, which gets fabulous reviews, but it is one more thing in my tank. The part that hangs off the back is pretty unobtrusive, but the part that is inside my tank is pretty noticeable.

07/21/2016, 10:42 AM	#17
Japsican Beans&Rice Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Corona, CA Posts: 341	What about an SCA skimmer? Certainly not the best as far as components, but they are inexpensive and will get the job done.

07/21/2016, 10:48 AM	#18
bdunn12 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Bossier City, LA Posts: 79	I have been using the Coralife 125 and have had no issues so far. Knock on wood. It also skims very well IMO.

07/21/2016, 10:54 AM	#19
Stephen Hiatt Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Posts: 98	What would be the difference between these two? They're both rated for 100 gallons. https://www.amazon.com/CoralVue-Tech...rotein+skimmer https://www.amazon.com/Reef-Octopus-...rotein+skimmer

07/21/2016, 10:58 AM	#21
Potatohead Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Vancouver Posts: 1,596	Eshopps PSK100, maybe a touch more money, but actually a pretty darn good skimmer overall. Otherwise an Octopus Classic 110 is hard to beat but maybe a few more bucks still.

07/21/2016, 12:12 PM	#23
ReefsandGeeks Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 1,708	I know it's already ben mentioned, but I've been using an Eshopps HOB skimmer for years and it's never given me even a hint of a problem. Runs quiet, I can keep an ULN tank and although it may be taller than some other skimmers, I think most of that height is down low, meaning other skimmers will be just as tall from the top of the tank to the top of the skimmer, but the eshopps hangs down lower. I have mine on my 65g tank, and all I can see from the front of the tank is the cup, and a little bit of the cone shaped neck.