Need a new skimmer folks - Please help ASAP

DC_40gallon · 06/13/2010, 02:43 PM

After 10 months of strong use my Eshopps HOB skimmer broke. When I mean broke I mean the motor mount to the skimmer cylinder snapped like a cheap piece of ultra thin plastic.

I was shocked when it happened because it was then that I realized how cheaply made these things are. I'm even more shocked that I only got 10 months of use out of the thing.

Anyways, I need a new skimmer so let me know of the top brands (even if they are expensive) for a HOB.

coral_killer37 · 06/13/2010, 02:56 PM

I have been through all the skimmer trends in the industry, and they change like a pair of dirty underwear. You will get all kinds of opinions but I like lifereef. They have been around 15 years, and they work. It is funny, because a lot of the skimmer companies that guys on this site were saying were the best thing to happen to the industry are out of business. That is my two cents and you can always make change. Good luck with your decision.

James404 · 06/13/2010, 03:19 PM

Not sure if all these companies make HOB models but I know some of them do. For quality I would look into: Octopus, Deltec, Bubble Magus, Lifereef, SWC

Tuscaquatics · 06/13/2010, 04:10 PM

I run a Bubble Magus. Couldn't be happier. They make a nice HOB version.

hoffy02 · 06/13/2010, 05:48 PM

x2 BUBBLE MAGUS.... Best bang for the buck.. But I heard they had an increase in price Im sure due to their popularity

lisafoster · 06/13/2010, 05:53 PM

The new hob super reef octopus skimmers are great I have one on my 125 . They have them at aquacave. They are worth the extra money.

DC_40gallon · 06/13/2010, 06:37 PM

Those lifereef skimmers look unreal. On the higher end at $469-499 for a good HOB but looks well worth it. I wish I could find some good videos or pics of how this thing looks and sets up in a tank.

coral_killer37 · 06/13/2010, 07:00 PM

there are plenty of videos of the lifereef in action on you tube and many other skimmers. I spoke with jeff at lifereef today and you can bet you will get customer support. I emailed him last night about ordering a sump and he called me on a Sunday even though it was not his normal business hours. I dont think the Chinese knockoffs will have the same support. I suggest you call him and ask him the tough questions about why you should purchase a lifereef before you decide.

DC_40gallon · 06/13/2010, 07:02 PM

thanks coral_killer37!

Hey does anyone have any advice or opinion on Aqua Medic and their Turboflotor 1000?

That youtube video I just watched a few minutes ago looked real promising.

Dustin1300 · 06/13/2010, 07:03 PM

+1 with Lisa. The SRO units are nice and look at the price/performance

Chris27 · 06/14/2010, 08:19 AM

For an HOB, Deltec is a wise choice.

06/13/2010, 02:43 PM	#1
DC_40gallon Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 1,474	Need a new skimmer folks - Please help ASAP After 10 months of strong use my Eshopps HOB skimmer broke. When I mean broke I mean the motor mount to the skimmer cylinder snapped like a cheap piece of ultra thin plastic. I was shocked when it happened because it was then that I realized how cheaply made these things are. I'm even more shocked that I only got 10 months of use out of the thing. Anyways, I need a new skimmer so let me know of the top brands (even if they are expensive) for a HOB.

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06/13/2010, 02:56 PM	#2
coral_killer37 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: hesperia, ca Posts: 198	I have been through all the skimmer trends in the industry, and they change like a pair of dirty underwear. You will get all kinds of opinions but I like lifereef. They have been around 15 years, and they work. It is funny, because a lot of the skimmer companies that guys on this site were saying were the best thing to happen to the industry are out of business. That is my two cents and you can always make change. Good luck with your decision.

06/13/2010, 03:19 PM	#3
James404 I <3 Acros Join Date: May 2010 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 2,523	Not sure if all these companies make HOB models but I know some of them do. For quality I would look into: Octopus, Deltec, Bubble Magus, Lifereef, SWC

06/13/2010, 04:10 PM	#4
Tuscaquatics Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Tuscaloosa, AL Posts: 1,324	I run a Bubble Magus. Couldn't be happier. They make a nice HOB version.

06/13/2010, 05:48 PM	#5
hoffy02 Moved On Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Crosby, TX. Posts: 399	x2 BUBBLE MAGUS.... Best bang for the buck.. But I heard they had an increase in price Im sure due to their popularity

06/13/2010, 05:53 PM	#6
lisafoster so much to learn Join Date: May 2010 Location: massachusetts Posts: 621	The new hob super reef octopus skimmers are great I have one on my 125 . They have them at aquacave. They are worth the extra money.

06/13/2010, 06:37 PM	#7
DC_40gallon Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 1,474	Those lifereef skimmers look unreal. On the higher end at $469-499 for a good HOB but looks well worth it. I wish I could find some good videos or pics of how this thing looks and sets up in a tank.

06/13/2010, 07:00 PM	#8
coral_killer37 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: hesperia, ca Posts: 198	there are plenty of videos of the lifereef in action on you tube and many other skimmers. I spoke with jeff at lifereef today and you can bet you will get customer support. I emailed him last night about ordering a sump and he called me on a Sunday even though it was not his normal business hours. I dont think the Chinese knockoffs will have the same support. I suggest you call him and ask him the tough questions about why you should purchase a lifereef before you decide.

06/13/2010, 07:02 PM	#9
DC_40gallon Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 1,474	thanks coral_killer37! Hey does anyone have any advice or opinion on Aqua Medic and their Turboflotor 1000? That youtube video I just watched a few minutes ago looked real promising.

06/13/2010, 07:03 PM	#10
Dustin1300 Reefaholic Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Carmel, IN Posts: 5,135	+1 with Lisa. The SRO units are nice and look at the price/performance

06/14/2010, 08:19 AM	#11
Chris27 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Virginia Beach, VA Posts: 4,452	For an HOB, Deltec is a wise choice.