Good inexpensive skimmer?

jeff@zina.com · 08/01/2010, 08:03 AM

I'm looking at buying a skimmer for a 40gal breeder, reef with light fish load, with a 20L sump that the skimmer needs to fit in (Height not a big issue, base footprint is). Budget conscious, so the $100 range is preferable to the $500 range, but I'm over cheap crap that doesn't work. If I get a decent brand/model recommendation I can always look for it used.

I like the LifeReef skimmer I've seen, it fits the sump size well and will allow me a decent fuge size. But it was $400+ and out of my budget for this tank build. I'm not big on the cheap Octopus skimmers, but mostly for noise reasons and this tank isn't where noise is an issue. I'd like to stay away from Coral Life skimmers, nobody I know seems to keep them long (not sure why). I really don't want an off-brand eBay skimmer that is a total waste of shipping.

When I search on skimmers here, there are so many recommendations it's hard to find what would apply to my specifics, so I'm sorry for repeating an oft-asked question. Kinda wish there was a decent skimmer review page that rated skimmers based on tank size.

Thanks for recommendations,

Jeff

Toadally · 08/01/2010, 09:44 AM

Bubble Magus NA6

mfinn · 08/01/2010, 10:30 AM

http://saltwaterconnection.com/index...roducts_id=115

Ynotme4886 · 08/01/2010, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toadally

Bubble Magus NA6

+1

best bang for your buck. Had one on my 70 gal and loved it. Wished it was big enough for my 120. Person I sold it to is really happy with it too.

bvoss · 08/01/2010, 02:12 PM

I have one of these and love it. Local reefers run the company and they do a real nice job. By gluing the kit up yourself, you save a lot of money.

http://www.avastmarine.com/ssc/do/pr...ne-Skimmer-Kit

scolylover · 08/01/2010, 02:30 PM

I love the g3

moondoggy4 · 08/01/2010, 03:19 PM

Try Reef Dynamics they have some Euro Reef RS8o skimmers for under 150,

NyReefNoob · 08/01/2010, 06:28 PM

the swc 120 cone would be about a perfect fit for that or a vertex in 80

canesfan44 · 08/01/2010, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bvoss

I have one of these and love it. Local reefers run the company and they do a real nice job. By gluing the kit up yourself, you save a lot of money.

http://www.avastmarine.com/ssc/do/pr...ne-Skimmer-Kit

wow, that's a great deal, but it will be too big for the OP's tank. I agree with most that the SWC 120 is a great option, but I think you should reconsider an SRO-XP1000SSS. I've seen them working and they work great. There are a lot of great skimmers out there compared to 7 or 8 years ago, and if you're willing to spend $500, you have tons of options. I've seen a couple ATB multi-use cones on the for sale section lately and that would be a great fit for your aquarium (if you can get it for a good price) and a couple Bubble King Mini 160 gen 2's. I think the best you could do is get a good condition, used BK Mini 160 Gen 2.

Johnny C · 08/01/2010, 09:15 PM

I would consider the SWC 120 or Bubble Magus NAC6. If you can afford it, the SRO-1000 would be my first choice! All will work flawlessly on a 40BR.

ooja3k · 08/01/2010, 09:17 PM

Bubble Magus NAC6

Incredible skimmer!

Topbloke72 · 08/01/2010, 09:27 PM

+1 Bubble Magus NAC6

Best bang for the buck.

jeff@zina.com · 08/02/2010, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by canesfan44

wow, that's a great deal, but it will be too big for the OP's tank.

I was about to say the same thing, thanks.

The footprint of 11" x 14" would be tough to fit in many sumps that use a standard aquarium. Though if I ever go to building an acrylic sump, this looks like a really good deal. Especially since a DIY skimmer is outside my fabrication abilities.

Thanks,

Jeff

jeff@zina.com · 08/02/2010, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Topbloke72

+1 Bubble Magus NAC6

So, is the Bubble Magus club answering this question of mine...?

It actually looks like a great option at a good price. I may try to find one used to shave some money, but if I can cut back on something else this is still in the affordable range. Anyone have a good US supplier for these?

Jeff

Ynotme4886 · 08/02/2010, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeff@zina.com

So, is the Bubble Magus club answering this question of mine...?

It actually looks like a great option at a good price. I may try to find one used to shave some money, but if I can cut back on something else this is still in the affordable range. Anyone have a good US supplier for these?

Jeff

LOL I am no longer in the BM club and kinda miss it.

There are a few suppliers of these. I got mine at nuocean but I am sure you can find others. Check the sponsor forums and there is a vendor there called Bubble Magus & Progressive Reef that carries them.

WTyson · 08/02/2010, 11:56 AM

depending on where you are located, this might be a good option

http://www.austinreefclub.com/topic/...in-skimmer-90/

also the Vertex IN skimmers are pretty good, i have a IN100 on my 40 breeder and it works great.

here is a link to where i bought mine
http://socaltropicalfishoutlet.com/c...n-c-21_52.html

psykobowler · 08/02/2010, 12:08 PM

Another vote on the vertex in skimmer. I used an in-80 on the same setup mentioned and it worked great.

08/01/2010, 08:03 AM	#1
jeff@zina.com Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Naples, FL Posts: 3,345	Good inexpensive skimmer? I'm looking at buying a skimmer for a 40gal breeder, reef with light fish load, with a 20L sump that the skimmer needs to fit in (Height not a big issue, base footprint is). Budget conscious, so the $100 range is preferable to the $500 range, but I'm over cheap crap that doesn't work. If I get a decent brand/model recommendation I can always look for it used. I like the LifeReef skimmer I've seen, it fits the sump size well and will allow me a decent fuge size. But it was $400+ and out of my budget for this tank build. I'm not big on the cheap Octopus skimmers, but mostly for noise reasons and this tank isn't where noise is an issue. I'd like to stay away from Coral Life skimmers, nobody I know seems to keep them long (not sure why). I really don't want an off-brand eBay skimmer that is a total waste of shipping. When I search on skimmers here, there are so many recommendations it's hard to find what would apply to my specifics, so I'm sorry for repeating an oft-asked question. Kinda wish there was a decent skimmer review page that rated skimmers based on tank size. Thanks for recommendations, Jeff

08/01/2010, 09:44 AM	#2
Toadally Registered Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Mount Holly, NC Posts: 986	Bubble Magus NA6 __________________ _Michael "Who was the first person to look at a cow and say, "I think I'll squeeze these dangly things here, and drink whatever comes out?" Reef Aquarium Society of Charlotte (RASOC) Treasurer Current Tank Info: 57gal. Illuminata, Bubble Magus Skimmer, Tek Elite 6x39w, 40gal. Breeder, 2x A150w Kessil LED

08/01/2010, 10:30 AM	#3
mfinn Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Olympia. WA. Posts: 8,648	http://saltwaterconnection.com/index...roducts_id=115 __________________ 240 gallon soft coral tank 50 gallon lps tank

08/01/2010, 06:28 PM	#8
NyReefNoob skimmer freak Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: peekskill, ny Posts: 1,209	the swc 120 cone would be about a perfect fit for that or a vertex in 80 __________________ custom 45g cube all in one, ai hydra 26, 2 mp10w, ac jr. ,bubble magnus triple doser, bm nac5 hob skimmer My dad always said the only stupid questions are the ones not asked Current Tank Info: custom 45g cube AIO

08/01/2010, 09:15 PM	#10
Johnny C Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 4,140	I would consider the SWC 120 or Bubble Magus NAC6. If you can afford it, the SRO-1000 would be my first choice! All will work flawlessly on a 40BR. __________________ "...the sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonders forever" -Jacques Cousteau

08/01/2010, 02:12 PM	#5
bvoss Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Alexandria, VA Posts: 795	I have one of these and love it. Local reefers run the company and they do a real nice job. By gluing the kit up yourself, you save a lot of money. http://www.avastmarine.com/ssc/do/pr...ne-Skimmer-Kit

08/01/2010, 02:30 PM	#6
scolylover Moved On Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 51	I love the g3

08/01/2010, 03:19 PM	#7
moondoggy4 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: menifee So cal Posts: 11,042	Try Reef Dynamics they have some Euro Reef RS8o skimmers for under 150,

08/01/2010, 09:17 PM	#11
ooja3k The Reef Producer Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Costa Mesa Posts: 1,192	Bubble Magus NAC6 Incredible skimmer! __________________ -Ryan PBITAWA

08/01/2010, 09:27 PM	#12
Topbloke72 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 59	+1 Bubble Magus NAC6 Best bang for the buck.

08/02/2010, 11:56 AM	#16
WTyson Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: New York City Posts: 240	depending on where you are located, this might be a good option http://www.austinreefclub.com/topic/...in-skimmer-90/ also the Vertex IN skimmers are pretty good, i have a IN100 on my 40 breeder and it works great. here is a link to where i bought mine http://socaltropicalfishoutlet.com/c...n-c-21_52.html

08/02/2010, 12:08 PM	#17
psykobowler Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Roseville, CA Posts: 2,137	Another vote on the vertex in skimmer. I used an in-80 on the same setup mentioned and it worked great. __________________ Guitar playing reefer Current Tank Info: 300g & 90g display, 90g fragtank, 34g fuge, 120g sump1 w/ RO Xp-5000, 20g sump2 , 5 (2x54wattT5 retrofits) 3 radion xr15pros, 5mp60s, 4tunze6255s, Apex, WXM, KnopCaRx, Avast KalkRx

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Does there exist a good, inexpensive skimmer?	GoBigOrGoHome	Lighting, Filtration & Other Equipment	13	10/06/2008 06:38 PM
Good Digital Timer? Where can I get a good inexpensive one?	Kaiser Tang	Reef Discussion	5	05/10/2006 12:46 PM
Please help me build a good, inexpensive aquarium setup!	Insalubrious	New to the Hobby	6	04/16/2006 09:06 AM
Good Inexpensive RO Units	JoshHarpst	Lighting, Filtration & Other Equipment	1	01/26/2006 02:18 PM
Where can purchase a good inexpensive Calcium Reactor	CMDRAPER	New to the Hobby	7	01/17/2006 09:16 AM