Best Skimmer for 400-500$ on 120+60sump

darkiss · 05/22/2013, 08:39 AM

Hey I am looking at skimmers for my system that I am setting up.

I have 400-500$ to spend on a great skimmer for a 120g with 60g sump. Size of the skimmer does not matter since my sump is huge and so are the baffles that I just finished gluing in =]

Any advice would be great, I asked this questions over 6months ago and I know that things(price/skimmers) have changed since then.

Also if there is a skimmer that is less than 400-500$ that is great! then that is more than great as well, because I would buy a second RO/DI unit but I already have one for the time being =]~

AFord · 05/22/2013, 02:01 PM

Reef Octopus. My personal favorite manufacturer, although there are many great ones out there.

Look at these models:
NWB 200
EXT 200
DCS 200

Those are three different price points to give you an idea of your options.

Laborator · 05/22/2013, 02:08 PM

I'm using the Skimz sm 201 and it works great!

klwheat · 05/22/2013, 02:09 PM

SRO 2000 int would be my recommendation. Rated for 180gallons. My sro5000 absolutely rocks.

AFord · 05/22/2013, 02:14 PM

If you do go the Reef Octopus route, get the self cleaning head attachment, you will thank yourself later.

I'm not sure which RC sponsor sells the SCH, but I'm sure a quick search could show you.

klwheat · 05/22/2013, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AFord

If you do go the Reef Octopus route, get the self cleaning head attachment, you will thank yourself later.

I'm not sure which RC sponsor sells the SCH, but I'm sure a quick search could show you.

Which model do u have? I've been considering getting that attachment for mine...just haven't dropped the cash yet...lol
Any experiences with it to share?

AFord · 05/22/2013, 02:25 PM

I use the NWB 150 and the octopus cleaner 150 attachment. I'm more than pleased with the performance. I paid right at $160.00 for the SCH and it has more than paid for itself just by reducing my maintenance.

It cut my skimmer maintenance to just emptying the cup very few days and a full skimmer cleaning every 6 months.

I'm still trying to decide if I want to pay for the skimmate collector or just rig up a milk jug.

klwheat · 05/22/2013, 02:38 PM

Well, if this lid stops overflows as well, I might look into a larger collection. Otherwise I'd be worried about that occasional overflow...that could lose a LOT of water if it wasn't confined to my sump.

darkiss · 05/30/2013, 07:26 AM

nice ya, Reef Octopus is probably what I am going to go with since that SCH does sound like a good idea and have seen it in action at a friends house.

cap032 · 05/30/2013, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AFord

I use the NWB 150 and the octopus cleaner 150 attachment. I'm more than pleased with the performance. I paid right at $160.00 for the SCH and it has more than paid for itself just by reducing my maintenance.

It cut my skimmer maintenance to just emptying the cup very few days and a full skimmer cleaning every 6 months.

I'm still trying to decide if I want to pay for the skimmate collector or just rig up a milk jug.

Ive got the Reef Octo auto waste collector and I really like it. My SRO 2000int went nuts a while back and when the collector filled, it shut off the skimmer like it was supposed to. With anything else, I would have had a mess to clean up. Really wish I had that neck cleaner as well. My neck gets gunked up every couple of days.

Arkayology · 05/30/2013, 07:43 AM

Reef Octo and Vertex skimmers are my favorites.

downbeach · 05/30/2013, 07:48 AM

I'm running a 180 w/40 gal sump, with a decent load, i.e. some large fish, bio-pellets, etc. I bought this one a few month's ago, and am very happy. @ $265, it's a tough act to follow.

darkiss · 05/30/2013, 07:54 AM

that Hero looks really cheap. Plus I am not sure if it has the ability to have a SCH, and that is something that I want to have in the future, just not now. Heck, I don't even need a skimmer right now since my new tank is still cycling, but the skimmer is the final piece to the puzzle so might as well finish it off and spend that money.

Just bought the Super Reef Octopus XP 2000SSS for 548.99$ shipped in 1-5 days!

Hope it is enough for my tank, but my tanks typically are more coral than fish, since fish I don't like as much =]~

NeilFox · 05/30/2013, 08:11 AM

There are alot of great skimmers forb way less than you are wanting to spend. You should find a realy good one for <$300 even less than $200.

downbeach · 05/30/2013, 08:20 AM

If, by cheap, you mean inexpensive, then yes it's a great price. I know of two well known retailers that sell it for $400. If, by cheap, you mean poorly made, it's not, in fact it's really well made, and uses a Sicce PSK 1000 skimmer pump. Bubble Magus does make a head cleaning device, that sells for around $100.00.

Palting · 05/30/2013, 08:29 AM

EDIT. Saw you already bought a skimmer, so I deleted my recommendation. Enjoy the new skimmer!

darkiss · 05/30/2013, 08:36 AM

who knows if they will send me the skimmer though, since you should not be able to edit the price on Reef Octopus stuff since all the prices are fixed. So your recommendation might still apply.

Palting · 05/30/2013, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darkiss

who knows if they will send me the skimmer though, since you should not be able to edit the price on Reef Octopus stuff since all the prices are fixed. So your recommendation might still apply.

LOL!! Okay. The Reef Octopus line of skimmers are excellent. They are quite popular, and are a definite name brand. However, IMO, you pay a premium for their popularity and for the name. There are skimmers out there that are just as excellent in build quality and performance, but are "cheaper" because they are not as popular. They also don't carry bragging rights, as in "I have the $$$$$ model___________".

I have the Marineland Pro 300 skimmer. Have had t for 3 years on my 150gal DT + 50gal sump/refugium system. At about $270.00 with free shipping, you pay for the skimmer, not for the name nor for popularity. I recommend this skimmer to anyone.

It consistently pulls out thick skim the way I want it to be, and has been running for 3 years for me. No affiliation with any store or manufacturer, just a contented user. Here is 5 days worth of skim:

darkiss · 05/31/2013, 07:19 AM

wow that looks nice.

The guy emailed me yesterday and said that he was out of stock of the xp2000sss so he is going to send me the xp3000sss for the same price. Sounds too good to be true so, perhaps if I get the xp3000sss I will just sell it and then buy the skimmer that you're talking about, plus some additional items lol

darkiss · 05/31/2013, 07:31 AM

okay now he called me up and saying he is going to send the SRO-3000SSS haha okay that would make more sense for the price match lol

jaynigz · 05/31/2013, 07:51 AM

have you tried looking at the Reef Octopus POV DC-1?

oscarinw · 05/31/2013, 11:20 AM

There's also an RLSS line of skimmers that use the Waveline DC pumps made by H2o and I am veeeery curious to try one...
I was so happy to see Palting's picture because I also run the Marineland 300 in my 100+40 system and I must say it does its job and it does it well... I went running to grab my camera to share a picture. It's very seldom you get to show-off your Marineland line of products LOL

This is mine with 3 days of having been cleaned on a light load system... It pulls some gunk!

I though this was a noob skimmer!

05/22/2013, 08:39 AM	#1
darkiss Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 569	Best Skimmer for 400-500$ on 120+60sump Hey I am looking at skimmers for my system that I am setting up. I have 400-500$ to spend on a great skimmer for a 120g with 60g sump. Size of the skimmer does not matter since my sump is huge and so are the baffles that I just finished gluing in =] Any advice would be great, I asked this questions over 6months ago and I know that things(price/skimmers) have changed since then. Also if there is a skimmer that is less than 400-500$ that is great! then that is more than great as well, because I would buy a second RO/DI unit but I already have one for the time being =]~

05/22/2013, 02:01 PM	#2
AFord Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Hilton Head Island, SC Posts: 94	Reef Octopus. My personal favorite manufacturer, although there are many great ones out there. Look at these models: NWB 200 EXT 200 DCS 200 Those are three different price points to give you an idea of your options. __________________ - Allen Current Tank Info: Building 150 in-wall with a 40 breeder DIY sump and a 40 breeder display fuge.

05/22/2013, 02:09 PM	#4
klwheat Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 676	SRO 2000 int would be my recommendation. Rated for 180gallons. My sro5000 absolutely rocks. __________________ 180 Gallon Mixed reef President/Co-founder Running4Trisomy A Butterfly's Touch

05/22/2013, 02:14 PM	#5
AFord Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Hilton Head Island, SC Posts: 94	If you do go the Reef Octopus route, get the self cleaning head attachment, you will thank yourself later. I'm not sure which RC sponsor sells the SCH, but I'm sure a quick search could show you. __________________ - Allen Current Tank Info: Building 150 in-wall with a 40 breeder DIY sump and a 40 breeder display fuge.

05/22/2013, 02:25 PM	#7
AFord Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Hilton Head Island, SC Posts: 94	I use the NWB 150 and the octopus cleaner 150 attachment. I'm more than pleased with the performance. I paid right at $160.00 for the SCH and it has more than paid for itself just by reducing my maintenance. It cut my skimmer maintenance to just emptying the cup very few days and a full skimmer cleaning every 6 months. I'm still trying to decide if I want to pay for the skimmate collector or just rig up a milk jug. __________________ - Allen Current Tank Info: Building 150 in-wall with a 40 breeder DIY sump and a 40 breeder display fuge.

05/22/2013, 02:08 PM	#3
Laborator Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Pleasant hill, Ca Posts: 467	I'm using the Skimz sm 201 and it works great!

05/22/2013, 02:38 PM	#8
klwheat Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 676	Well, if this lid stops overflows as well, I might look into a larger collection. Otherwise I'd be worried about that occasional overflow...that could lose a LOT of water if it wasn't confined to my sump. __________________ 180 Gallon Mixed reef President/Co-founder Running4Trisomy A Butterfly's Touch

05/30/2013, 07:26 AM	#9
darkiss Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 569	nice ya, Reef Octopus is probably what I am going to go with since that SCH does sound like a good idea and have seen it in action at a friends house.

05/30/2013, 07:43 AM	#11
Arkayology Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: SoCal Posts: 1,597	Reef Octo and Vertex skimmers are my favorites. __________________ -Matt in between tanks

05/30/2013, 07:48 AM	#12
downbeach Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Smyrna, Delaware Posts: 3,767	I'm running a 180 w/40 gal sump, with a decent load, i.e. some large fish, bio-pellets, etc. I bought this one a few month's ago, and am very happy. @ $265, it's a tough act to follow.

05/30/2013, 07:54 AM	#13
darkiss Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 569	that Hero looks really cheap. Plus I am not sure if it has the ability to have a SCH, and that is something that I want to have in the future, just not now. Heck, I don't even need a skimmer right now since my new tank is still cycling, but the skimmer is the final piece to the puzzle so might as well finish it off and spend that money. Just bought the Super Reef Octopus XP 2000SSS for 548.99$ shipped in 1-5 days! Hope it is enough for my tank, but my tanks typically are more coral than fish, since fish I don't like as much =]~

05/30/2013, 08:11 AM	#14
NeilFox Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: DuPont, WA Posts: 947	There are alot of great skimmers forb way less than you are wanting to spend. You should find a realy good one for <$300 even less than $200.

05/30/2013, 08:20 AM	#15
downbeach Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Smyrna, Delaware Posts: 3,767	If, by cheap, you mean inexpensive, then yes it's a great price. I know of two well known retailers that sell it for $400. If, by cheap, you mean poorly made, it's not, in fact it's really well made, and uses a Sicce PSK 1000 skimmer pump. Bubble Magus does make a head cleaning device, that sells for around $100.00.

05/30/2013, 08:29 AM	#16
Palting Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Ohio Posts: 6,912	EDIT. Saw you already bought a skimmer, so I deleted my recommendation. Enjoy the new skimmer! __________________ Anything I post is just an opinion. One of many in this hobby. Believe and follow at your own risk of rapid and complete annihilation of all life in your tank :) Current Tank Info: Incept 3/2010, 150 RR, 50g sump, 20g fuge, 150w 15K MH x3, T5 actinics x8, moonlight LED x6, 1400gph return, Koralia 1400 x4, 300 g skimmer, 4 tangs, 2 mandarins, 2 perc, 6 line, 3 cardinals, 2 firefish, SPS, LPS, zoas, palys, shrooms, clam

05/30/2013, 08:36 AM	#17
darkiss Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 569	who knows if they will send me the skimmer though, since you should not be able to edit the price on Reef Octopus stuff since all the prices are fixed. So your recommendation might still apply.

05/31/2013, 07:19 AM	#19
darkiss Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 569	wow that looks nice. The guy emailed me yesterday and said that he was out of stock of the xp2000sss so he is going to send me the xp3000sss for the same price. Sounds too good to be true so, perhaps if I get the xp3000sss I will just sell it and then buy the skimmer that you're talking about, plus some additional items lol

05/31/2013, 07:31 AM	#20
darkiss Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 569	okay now he called me up and saying he is going to send the SRO-3000SSS haha okay that would make more sense for the price match lol

05/31/2013, 07:51 AM	#21
jaynigz Registered Member. Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: St Pete and Orlando Posts: 357	have you tried looking at the Reef Octopus POV DC-1?

05/31/2013, 11:20 AM	#22
oscarinw Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Western Massachusetts Posts: 1,091	There's also an RLSS line of skimmers that use the Waveline DC pumps made by H2o and I am veeeery curious to try one... I was so happy to see Palting's picture because I also run the Marineland 300 in my 100+40 system and I must say it does its job and it does it well... I went running to grab my camera to share a picture. It's very seldom you get to show-off your Marineland line of products LOL This is mine with 3 days of having been cleaned on a light load system... It pulls some gunk! I though this was a noob skimmer! Last edited by oscarinw; 05/31/2013 at 11:32 AM.