What skimmer on 150g reef tank?

[sps_reefer]

I just bought a 150g tank and I am looking for recommendations for a skimmer. Tank will be sps dominated with some lps and zoas with a medium bioload. What do you recommend? Why? Thanks.

[Dolmo5000]

I have a reef octopus diablo xs 160 on my 55g mixed tank. Its rated for 160 but the most common practice is to buy larger than your tank is. I'm sure some will say that a 160 rated on my little 55g is to much but after the sump and fug I'm actually at around 100g. Any how, I just went through the process of looking and purchasing a skimmer and its all in your budget. There are several brands out there that are affordable and will provide a good skimmer for modest prices (for your size, I would estimate $250-$500). My octo diable was $300. There is a model rated for 200g which is $325 at bulkreefsuply. These are EXTREMELY good skimmers. All the reef octo are. I would not personally go down in quality much from this range. Take into account that the model I got and have been talking about is specially designed for a small footprint. There are several brands that will cost from this price range up to what ever you want to spend. Look at a few of the large tank build threads and you will see. I would have purchased one of these brands but $300 was my limit, as well as space.

If you would like a more specific recommendation, how about some more details on your system. Hope this little rant helped. Good skimmer hunting.

[solitude127]

What's the budget?

[Monroereef]

Originally Posted by solitude127

What's the budget?

+1. There are so many choices in the market today. I think Reef Octopus and SWC are both very good skimmers if they are in your price range.

Sunny

[audacious1]

swc 160 or 180 is extremely good

[wildman926]

Run what you have until it can't keep up. You will know that if it is always dumping into the collection cup.

I have a SRO 2000 on my 150g. Until I see the need for it, I will say with it.

[sps_reefer]

OK, so budget is a concern, but I understand that the skimmer is one of the most important pieces of equipment. I am not looking to spend $1,000, but maybe upwards of $500-$600 if I have to. I am also willing to buy a used one to get a little better deal. I currently have a SWC 150 BMK on my 40 breeder. It works well, but I'm not sure if I will buy another SWC for the bigger tank. I want a skimmer that has a better pump than the Atman.

[waterman78]

Reef Octopus Extreme skimmer is AWESOME. I have the Diablo 200 - which is rated for a 200 gallon on my 110 gallon aquarium. However, for your aquarium, I would go larger than my current skimmer. You will not be sorry you did!!!

Good luck in your purchase.

Larry

[EthanKyle]

Aqua C 240 would be and is my choice on the same set up.

[sps_reefer]

thanks guys. keep the ideas and recommendations coming.

[Jeff_NJ]

SRO2000... great product and perfect for that tank.

[solitude127]

Take a look at the Warner Marine Skimmers. They're very similar to the Skimz skimmers but with a little twist. The WM skimmers have a little different bubble plate as well as a different knob for the for the water height

[juice79]

SRO 2000 would be my vote as well...I ran one on my 175 for awhile with no issues. I only got rid of it because I upgraded to the SRO3000. They can be had new for around $450

[Cleaner Shrimp]

I'd go the Reef Octopus (reputable brand) or Avast DIY skimmer route (I've purchased Avast products before with good results, plus it's cheaper).

[sps_reefer]

i like the SRO skimmers and I think I will go with the SRO 2000. Thanks everyone for the input!

[James77]

Originally Posted by sps_reefer

i like the SRO skimmers and I think I will go with the SRO 2000. Thanks everyone for the input!

You'll love it....one of the 2 best skimmers I have owned. One week of skimming......

[James77]

Originally Posted by juice79

SRO 2000 would be my vote as well...I ran one on my 175 for awhile with no issues. I only got rid of it because I upgraded to the SRO3000. They can be had new for around $450

I've always been doubting the 2000 as opposed to the 3000....my tank is goign to be heavy bioload SP. It is a 120 gallon with a small sump.

What are your thoughts on the switch you made?

[wildman926]

James77,

Don't let the volume of that cup determine whether or not you need to upgrade. Attach a waste container from Coralvue or Avast and let her fill it up. I empty mine every week, but I skim very wet.

[sps_reefer]

should i go with the Super reef octopus XP2000 or 3000?

[mojo~]

on a 150 the Sro 2000 xp would be a great fit. its slightly larger than the 2000 int but not as large as the 3000 int.
So I would say the 2000xp or the JNS sk3. Both will work well. I would actually go with the JNS sk3 over the SRO.

[A sea K]

Originally Posted by mojo~

I would actually go with the JNS sk3 over the SRO.

mojo, what can you tell me about the pump that is used on the JNS skimmer? I've been out of the loop for awhile and have not heard of this skimmer until now.