another Skimmer recommendation thread

[njudson]

Hi All,

For the past year and a half I have been running an SWC 120 cone on my 60g cube. When it works this skimmer seems pretty solid but I have had constant issues with the atman 1100 that powers it. Seems my third is now dead and this has me considering a new skimmer.

Should I be looking into something like a

1) Seaside Aquatics with a Sicce pump?
2) Super Reef Octopus with a Bubble Blaster?
3) Vertex Omega which is a Sicce also I think?
4) Something with a DC pump?

I am willing to spend the money on something better and have come to think that it's all about the pump. I would like something with the latest features 'wine bottle' shape etc. I worry that I will do a small upgrade to something with say a Sicce pump and wish I had gone further. Thoughts and recommendations appreciated.

Thanks,
Nick

[RarefiedAir24]

I'm going to chime in, I just purchased the Super Reef Octupus 1000int with bubble blaster, you can't even hear this thing is on, the only way you know it's even on is from looking at it working. It replaced my eShopps PSK-75 hang-on the back skimmer..

I was a little nervous at first because after initially setting it up I would get TONS of foam and water, no skim mate at all, my immediate thought was great, dropped a ton of money on a water/foam puller. I mean with the eShopp it was pulling skim within about 4hrs of break in..

So after doing lots of research and getting myself all worked up I decided I'd just let it be and see what happens, I attached the overflow hose to the collection cup so the water went back into my sump went, this went on for 2 days, yesterday which was the 3rd day I checked the unit, low and behold the foam had subsided and there was no overflow in the cup! so I then took to adjusting the flow, I tinkered with it for about an hour because even the slightest turn to increase would seem to send it to start overflowing again, I adjusted it to where I was comfortable, with foam going up the neck about half-way or less and went to bed. First thing I did this AM, I anxiously checked to see if there was any overflow, was I amazed to see the collection cup filled with some of the darkest, foul looking skim mate. This beast is amazing and I HIGHLY recommend it, just be cautious of the 48-72hr break in period, you won't be disappointed in the results.. I probably can get away with slightly increasing the flow now as it had calmed down even more overnight. So when I get home, I'll try to adjust it and see what happens..

Also, depending on where you plan on putting it, i.e.. sump, external, etc..
I had to go out yesterday and get an ATO to keep the water depth in my sump constant. With the hang-on the back skimmer I would just manually top off every couple of days, but with this super reef octopus I didn't want to chance the fluctuating water levels causing this thing to go bananas.. So unless you're going to put it in an area where the water level remains constant I also recommend investing in an ATO...

I can't wait to get home and see the results!

Frank

[wildman926]

AquaMaxx EM100. Has a sicce pump, and is good for up to 120g. I have it on my 90g with a 30g sump. Works perfect, quite, no overflows. You can see where I did a little review on it when it was on my 110g with the same sump HERE. It replaced an SRO 2000.

[klwheat]

I have the SRO 5000 sss in my 300 gallon system. You can hear it a bit, but it's massive, and I've had NO issues with the BB pump in it.
I also have a seaside aquatics (forget the number) in my 90 gallon, no issues there either.

[njudson]

bump

I was expected more people to defend their 'high end' pumps like the red dragon and bubble blaster.

[ridetheducati]

Please do not stir the pot. There are enough catty "Housewive" style threads on this site.

It does not matter what brand skimmer you buy, get the appropriate size. For that matter, consider going skimmerless.