RLSS 6i Overkill on a 60g Cube?

[Reefer94]

I've always gone oversized. But a thread (Drae) the other day got me thinking... why do I keep doing this? Initially I did it for a few reasons. One, I went with cheap manufacturers who overly exaggerated their ratings and I stopped trusting them. Two, I always imagined upgrading to a bigger tank so wanted to save the trouble of buying a new one. Well, the first issue is basically null with the better manufacturers, and the second issue... I always buy new stuff for new tanks anyway so it's getting stupid.

Anyway, setting up a gorgeous 60g cube I had custom-made, 24x24x24 with external overflow. Using a standard 20g tank for the sump, so looking at about 65-75 gallons total water volume after accounting for rock and hardware.

So, in short, is the RLSS 6i too much? I'm in the $350 range, but the right skimmer is more important. Was also considering the Vertex Omega 150, but it has about the same rating. I'm having trouble finding a well-made, reliable skimmer for under 100g tanks. Open to suggestions.

[ReefRockerLive]

I have the R6-i model on a 67g display, totaling about 75g including sump and after displacement. The skimmer has been performing above my expectations and I think the skimmer is perfect for tanks within the 60-90 gal range.

[Drae]

I think you'll be alright like said above. If it were me I'd opt for a 5" diameter skimmer like the sea side aquatics cs 5.5 for optimum performance or the Aquamaxx em 100. But that's just my opinion. I really like the rlss r6 and I think it might be the one 6" diameter skimmer with a sweet spot as large as it has ( 70 to 130+ gallons).

[Drae]

Originally Posted by ReefRockerLive

I have the R6-i model on a 67g display, totaling about 75g including sump and after displacement. The skimmer has been performing above my expectations and I think the skimmer is perfect for tanks within the 60-90 gal range.

Do you run your skimmer in full blast?

[Reefer94]

Thanks for the input so far. I'll do some homework on your other recommendation. RLSS seems to be one of the few that I've found very few (if any) bad reviews on.

[TimeConsumer]

All three skimmers mentioned are high quality, reliable units that should get the job done. The RLSS is a little large, but since it is adjustable that should allow you to dial it in to your bioload. But, if it were my tank I would go with the EM100 or the CS5.5 for the pricetag. And I'm also pretty sure nobody has the R6-I in stock right now.

[Reefer94]

Guess that brings it down to RLSS R6i, EM100, or CS5.5 - the RLSS would give me room for expansion but the other two might be more optimum for the current tank. Decisions, decisions. Not worried about the skimmer not being is stock, I'm in for a long build

[ReefRockerLive]

Originally Posted by Drae

Do you run your skimmer in full blast?

Not quite. I've been running it at about 80% and noticed that full blast produced watered down skimmate.

[Drae]

Originally Posted by ReefRockerLive

Not quite. I've been running it at about 80% and noticed that full blast produced watered down skimmate.

That's the beauty of the rlss r6 imo. It's got multiple sweet spots. I bet at 80% it's pulling about 600 lph of air.

[Reefer94]

I can see the big difference in the two appears to be the pump and the overall air intake. EM100 looks to come with the Sicce 1.5 "silent" pump and pulls around 360LPH air intake, whereas the SeaSide CS5.5 is running the SK400 and pulls 450LPH. I'm new to really investigating skimmers (in the past I just sort of blindly by suggestion).

Is there anything you can tell me regarding these two pumps and whether or not 'd benefit by the SK400 vs 1.5? Also how much of a difference the LPH air intake should make? Sorry for all the noob questions.

[Drae]

Is there anything you can tell me regarding these two pumps and whether or not 'd benefit by the SK400 vs 1.5? Also how much of a difference the LPH air intake should make? Sorry for all the noob questions.[/QUOTE]

Somehow aquamaxx walks that fine line of almost perfect balance. 360 lph is not much but that skimmer is so balanced it works very well. The bigger sk400 gives you room to valve the air down if needed. I personally like the Aquamaxx better but sea side aquatics are very decent Budget skimmers with great pumps. Either skimmer will skim your tank well at a very decent price point with a great Italian pump. Hope this helps.

[Reefer94]

Originally Posted by Drae

Somehow aquamaxx walks that fine line of almost perfect balance. 360 lph is not much but that skimmer is so balanced it works very well. The bigger sk400 gives you room to valve the air down if needed. I personally like the Aquamaxx better but sea side aquatics are very decent Budget skimmers with great pumps. Either skimmer will skim your tank well at a very decent price point with a great Italian pump. Hope this helps.

It does. The price point isn't as important as getting the pest possible skimmer in the right range (with exception of course, over $400 starts to scare me a bit on a tank this size). I'm also not concerned with noise, really - so any benefit of the 1.5 may be lost on me.

RLSS honestly still looks like the highest quality skimmer in my price range, the only concern I have is that of it being over-sized, even with the "throttling" options. You've been very helpful, I'll continue to research these a bit. I have plenty of time before any of these skimmers actually see the water. Sigh, decisions.

[skimmy]

RLSS 6i Overkill on a 60g Cube?

NO