best skimmer for small spaces?

montreefal · 07/30/2008, 12:07 PM

Hello all,

i need to buy a new skimmer that will fit in my sump which is located in the cabinet under the tank. THERE IS NOT MUCH CLEARANCE. a super skimmer fits well as well as an aqua c remora pro.

any recommendations would be great. the stand is a standard stand for a 4 foot long tank.

cheers

mdt178 · 07/30/2008, 04:00 PM

How much space do you have? footprint and height. Most importantly, how much are you willing to spend?

montreefal · 07/31/2008, 07:19 AM

ill get back with the height tonight... the price doesnt matter. im looking around 500$

Indyws6 · 07/31/2008, 08:49 AM

Greetings

I have a similar space constraint. Depending upon your preferences, ETSS (AETech --> http://www.superskimmer.com) sells many different models of downdraft skimmers that are roughly 24" in height. Most can be run in-sump or out, again, depending upon your preferences...

Hope this helps...

montreefal · 07/31/2008, 09:55 AM

thanks a bunch

tanker · 07/31/2008, 09:57 AM

I have 3 Aqua C Remora pro and am happy with them.

Indyws6 · 07/31/2008, 10:00 AM

Greetings...
For whatever it is worth, I currently use the ETSS Reef Devil Deluxe on my 90G. I am in the process of moving to a more heavily stocked system that will be almost exclusively SPS (currently just some softies and SPS frags...), so I am looking at the ETSS Evolution 750 and 800XR. Both will fit in my stand and should provide the level of skimming that the new tank setup will require.

Hope this helps...

Take Care

Sk8r · 07/31/2008, 10:18 AM

I was going to say the Aqua C Ev 120, which has a low profile, but it's not enough for a 90.

montreefal · 07/31/2008, 12:16 PM

im gonna look into the ETSS evolutions and see if it will fit. i have an aqua C remora pro in there now with the super skimmer but since that coralife is not so hot.

i really wanna mainly focus on SPS so i definately need good skimming

montreefal · 07/31/2008, 12:18 PM

oh also...i dont want to have to hard plumb it!

montreefal · 07/31/2008, 12:19 PM

all my plumbing is done, i want to just put it in my sump, add a powerhead if needed and baddaboom baddabing.. done.... has to be easy!

Indyws6 · 07/31/2008, 12:24 PM

Greetings Again...
Any ETSS skimmer will require more than a "powerhead". Since they are downdraft skimmers, they rely on water flow through the downdraft tube (typically across Bio-Balls) to pull-in air and create the foam. Consequently, you will need a decent pressure-rated pump for anything beyond a Reef Devil (the Evolution series, the 800XR series, etc.) - they have pump recommendations listed with the skimmers on the web site. For reference, my Reef Devil Deluxe uses a CA1800, but a Mag 7 is also recommended for optimal performance...

For the performance level of skimmer you are talking about, plumbing may be required since most of the pumps in that range are external units.

Hope this helps...

Take Care

montreefal · 07/31/2008, 12:39 PM

hmmm... so then i may have a problem since i do not have room under my tank and i dont want to start placing skimmers on the floor in the middle of living room . The lady might not like that idea so much! lol

Indyws6 · 07/31/2008, 12:42 PM

The skimmer can still fit in the sump, but you will need to (most likely - depending upon the skimmer model...) run an external pump. That's where the plumbing comes in - you need to have the pump pull water from your sump, pump it into the skimmer where it then exits back into the sump. Take a look at the ETSS website - they have some "complete system" photos that tell the story...

Take Care

seanm001 · 07/31/2008, 01:11 PM

I'm no expert when it comes to skimmers, but I've got a Tunze 9015 that has a very small footprint and beats the pants off the Coralife Mesh Wheel Super Skimmer 65 I had before. The footprint of the Tunze is very compact, it fit easily in my sump and I've got a good 6" or so of clearance inside the stand when I remove the collection cup. Got it for $300 lightly used from a fellow Reef Central user. It works great for me, but my tank isn't heavily stocked with fish or sps corals.

vthondaboi · 07/31/2008, 01:19 PM

+1 on the Tunze

For your 90 a 9010 would work well as at max load it's rated for 110G, but a 9015 FTW!

montreefal · 08/01/2008, 07:21 AM

ya i was actually looking at the small tunze units. i definately dont mind plumming a powerhead or a pump to tjhe skimmer, but i cant start cutting my PVC and plumming in a skimmer before the water hits the sump. if i would have hd no space restrictions that is what i would have done. Next tank... il lbe posting pics of my sump tonight so that you guys can see what it looks like.

Indyws6 · 08/01/2008, 09:59 AM

Greetings Again...
You don't need to "cut the PVC and plumb the skimmer before the water hits the sump...". In fact, this wouldn't work with a downdraft skimmer - the water needs to be pumped in to the skimmer with decent flow and pressure to create the foam.

The tank would drain into the sump the same as it does now. You would place the skimmer in your sump and then install a bulkhead in the side of the sump (below normal water level) that connects to the external pump. The pump would pull water from the sump, pump it into the downdraft tube of the skimmer where it would exit back into the sump through the gate valve.

It's a bit difficult to visualize from the description, but I hope this helps...

Take Care

dwilly · 08/01/2008, 10:04 AM

You could spend a little more (~$700 at premium aquatics) and go w/ the Bubble King, great skimmer, small footprint.

kvosstra · 08/01/2008, 11:48 AM

Id second the option of a BK - the mini's have a small footprint and have a very efficient pump - something you will not find with the ETSS.
I also agree that the Tunze is a good option. I would always try to go a little bigger on the skimmer than you think you need so that the water is really clean.

07/30/2008, 12:07 PM	#1
montreefal Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: montreal Posts: 14	best skimmer for small spaces? Hello all, i need to buy a new skimmer that will fit in my sump which is located in the cabinet under the tank. THERE IS NOT MUCH CLEARANCE. a super skimmer fits well as well as an aqua c remora pro. any recommendations would be great. the stand is a standard stand for a 4 foot long tank. cheers __________________ Eyor is Emo Current Tank Info: new set up 90+30g sump

07/31/2008, 07:19 AM	#3
montreefal Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: montreal Posts: 14	ill get back with the height tonight... the price doesnt matter. im looking around 500$ __________________ Eyor is Emo Current Tank Info: new set up 90+30g sump

07/31/2008, 08:49 AM	#4
Indyws6 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Anderson, Indiana Posts: 211	Greetings I have a similar space constraint. Depending upon your preferences, ETSS (AETech --> http://www.superskimmer.com) sells many different models of downdraft skimmers that are roughly 24" in height. Most can be run in-sump or out, again, depending upon your preferences... Hope this helps... __________________ "Scientology" - That's a lot of letters just to spell "Cult" Current Tank Info: Needs a refresh...

07/31/2008, 09:55 AM	#5
montreefal Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: montreal Posts: 14	thanks a bunch __________________ Eyor is Emo Current Tank Info: new set up 90+30g sump

07/31/2008, 10:00 AM	#7
Indyws6 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Anderson, Indiana Posts: 211	Greetings... For whatever it is worth, I currently use the ETSS Reef Devil Deluxe on my 90G. I am in the process of moving to a more heavily stocked system that will be almost exclusively SPS (currently just some softies and SPS frags...), so I am looking at the ETSS Evolution 750 and 800XR. Both will fit in my stand and should provide the level of skimming that the new tank setup will require. Hope this helps... Take Care __________________ "Scientology" - That's a lot of letters just to spell "Cult" Current Tank Info: Needs a refresh...

07/30/2008, 04:00 PM	#2
mdt178 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 655	How much space do you have? footprint and height. Most importantly, how much are you willing to spend?

07/31/2008, 09:57 AM	#6
tanker Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: sf bay area Posts: 3,522	I have 3 Aqua C Remora pro and am happy with them.

07/31/2008, 10:18 AM	#8
Sk8r RC Mod Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 34,628 Blog Entries: 55	I was going to say the Aqua C Ev 120, which has a low profile, but it's not enough for a 90. __________________ 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%.

07/31/2008, 12:16 PM	#9
montreefal Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: montreal Posts: 14	im gonna look into the ETSS evolutions and see if it will fit. i have an aqua C remora pro in there now with the super skimmer but since that coralife is not so hot. i really wanna mainly focus on SPS so i definately need good skimming __________________ Eyor is Emo Current Tank Info: new set up 90+30g sump

07/31/2008, 12:18 PM	#10
montreefal Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: montreal Posts: 14	oh also...i dont want to have to hard plumb it! __________________ Eyor is Emo Current Tank Info: new set up 90+30g sump

07/31/2008, 12:19 PM	#11
montreefal Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: montreal Posts: 14	all my plumbing is done, i want to just put it in my sump, add a powerhead if needed and baddaboom baddabing.. done.... has to be easy! __________________ Eyor is Emo Current Tank Info: new set up 90+30g sump

07/31/2008, 12:24 PM	#12
Indyws6 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Anderson, Indiana Posts: 211	Greetings Again... Any ETSS skimmer will require more than a "powerhead". Since they are downdraft skimmers, they rely on water flow through the downdraft tube (typically across Bio-Balls) to pull-in air and create the foam. Consequently, you will need a decent pressure-rated pump for anything beyond a Reef Devil (the Evolution series, the 800XR series, etc.) - they have pump recommendations listed with the skimmers on the web site. For reference, my Reef Devil Deluxe uses a CA1800, but a Mag 7 is also recommended for optimal performance... For the performance level of skimmer you are talking about, plumbing may be required since most of the pumps in that range are external units. Hope this helps... Take Care __________________ "Scientology" - That's a lot of letters just to spell "Cult" Current Tank Info: Needs a refresh...

07/31/2008, 12:39 PM	#13
montreefal Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: montreal Posts: 14	hmmm... so then i may have a problem since i do not have room under my tank and i dont want to start placing skimmers on the floor in the middle of living room . The lady might not like that idea so much! lol __________________ Eyor is Emo Current Tank Info: new set up 90+30g sump

07/31/2008, 12:42 PM	#14
Indyws6 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Anderson, Indiana Posts: 211	The skimmer can still fit in the sump, but you will need to (most likely - depending upon the skimmer model...) run an external pump. That's where the plumbing comes in - you need to have the pump pull water from your sump, pump it into the skimmer where it then exits back into the sump. Take a look at the ETSS website - they have some "complete system" photos that tell the story... Take Care __________________ "Scientology" - That's a lot of letters just to spell "Cult" Current Tank Info: Needs a refresh...

07/31/2008, 01:11 PM	#15
seanm001 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Maryland Posts: 300	I'm no expert when it comes to skimmers, but I've got a Tunze 9015 that has a very small footprint and beats the pants off the Coralife Mesh Wheel Super Skimmer 65 I had before. The footprint of the Tunze is very compact, it fit easily in my sump and I've got a good 6" or so of clearance inside the stand when I remove the collection cup. Got it for $300 lightly used from a fellow Reef Central user. It works great for me, but my tank isn't heavily stocked with fish or sps corals. __________________ 110X mixed reef

07/31/2008, 01:19 PM	#16
vthondaboi Premium Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 916	+1 on the Tunze For your 90 a 9010 would work well as at max load it's rated for 110G, but a 9015 FTW! __________________ 250G - 75G Sump, ATB 10.5 deluxe, ACIII, 72 Cree LEDs, 2xMP40ES and 2x6055, Eheim 1262 return, and PM Calcium Reactor Current Tank Info: 90G, Aquactinics Solar Flare, Tunze 6045, 2x6055 single controller and Nano Wavebox, Alpha Cone 170 - 75G Aquactinic TX5, Tunze 6025 & Remora

08/01/2008, 07:21 AM	#17
montreefal Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: montreal Posts: 14	ya i was actually looking at the small tunze units. i definately dont mind plumming a powerhead or a pump to tjhe skimmer, but i cant start cutting my PVC and plumming in a skimmer before the water hits the sump. if i would have hd no space restrictions that is what i would have done. Next tank... il lbe posting pics of my sump tonight so that you guys can see what it looks like. __________________ Eyor is Emo Current Tank Info: new set up 90+30g sump

08/01/2008, 09:59 AM	#18
Indyws6 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Anderson, Indiana Posts: 211	Greetings Again... You don't need to "cut the PVC and plumb the skimmer before the water hits the sump...". In fact, this wouldn't work with a downdraft skimmer - the water needs to be pumped in to the skimmer with decent flow and pressure to create the foam. The tank would drain into the sump the same as it does now. You would place the skimmer in your sump and then install a bulkhead in the side of the sump (below normal water level) that connects to the external pump. The pump would pull water from the sump, pump it into the downdraft tube of the skimmer where it would exit back into the sump through the gate valve. It's a bit difficult to visualize from the description, but I hope this helps... Take Care __________________ "Scientology" - That's a lot of letters just to spell "Cult" Current Tank Info: Needs a refresh...

08/01/2008, 10:04 AM	#19
dwilly Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Palatine, Illinois Posts: 475	You could spend a little more (~$700 at premium aquatics) and go w/ the Bubble King, great skimmer, small footprint. __________________ A little learning is a dangerous thing, but a lot of ignorance is just as bad. Bob Edwards Current Tank Info: 75 gl reef w/ 30 gl sump, Vertex In 100, 6 x 54w T5, 10 gl nano

08/01/2008, 11:48 AM	#20
kvosstra Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Philadelphia, PA Posts: 995	Id second the option of a BK - the mini's have a small footprint and have a very efficient pump - something you will not find with the ETSS. I also agree that the Tunze is a good option. I would always try to go a little bigger on the skimmer than you think you need so that the water is really clean. __________________ "To him, all good things, trout as well as eternal salvation, come by grace and grace comes by art and art does not come easy." -Norman Maclean, A River Runs Through It, 1976 Current Tank Info: recently set up my 40G sps tank again!