What Skimmer do you use? 120 gallonish tanks

RobNJ · 01/03/2007, 01:05 PM

I am in the progress of my next tank build and am looking at a few different protein skimmers. I was curious for all those out there with tanks in the rank of 120g what skimmer are you using? I will have a 29g Sump under the stand.

All comments are welcome as I am trying to choose a good skimmer for my system.

I think I would prefer external to the sump vs. in sump. comments and opinions on that aspect would be appreciated as well.

Thanks
Rob

rreddick · 01/03/2007, 02:10 PM

I run both an AquaC EV series and a Percision Marine Bullet 2. Both work very well, easy to adjust and pull out some nasty gunk. best of all they will not break the bank

Ron

RobNJ · 01/03/2007, 02:24 PM

Can they run outside the Sump? What model AquaC

fishdoc11 · 01/03/2007, 02:36 PM

I use an MR3 on my 120 and like it very much.

rreddick · 01/03/2007, 02:39 PM

The AquaC EV400 is what I have on the 180G, external to the sump but the drian need to have a horizontal run back to the sump, no back pressure. The make a smaller unit which would be fine for the 120

Ron

dkh0331 · 01/03/2007, 02:43 PM

H&S A150-F2001 skimmer on a 110 gal tank with about 50 gal in the sump. It can be run either in or out of sump. I run mine in sump with a direct feed from my drain line. It replaced an ER 6-2+.

Here is a link to the H&S skimmer club thread. http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...ighlight=H%26S

HTH

David

RobNJ · 01/03/2007, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rreddick
The AquaC EV400 is what I have on the 180G, external to the sump but the drian need to have a horizontal run back to the sump, no back pressure. The make a smaller unit which would be fine for the 120

Ron

So the unit would need to be higher then the sump so the water would drain back to the sump?

RobNJ · 01/03/2007, 03:08 PM

How do the Coralife Needle Wheel Super Skimmers run? They have one for up to 220g for about $170....

Any thoughts?

neotekz · 01/03/2007, 03:15 PM

some people had good results with the coralifes but other including me didn;t have much luck with it. it skimmed great when it worked but most of the time it didn;t do much. i find you need to constantly adjust it. they are also prone to overflowing when the air inlet clogs up.

you can get a used euroreef here on teh selling forums for not too much more for a proven skimmer.

McCrary · 01/03/2007, 03:20 PM

I run an H&S 200-1260 on my 110, it is in my 30 gallon sump. The H&S A200-1260 would be the external model.

RobNJ · 01/03/2007, 03:23 PM

I thought the needle wheel didn't use air injection?

newsalt · 01/03/2007, 03:24 PM

Built my own Beckett.

jer77 · 01/03/2007, 03:59 PM

I've experienced that the CSS's work much better outside the sump than in. There is the problem of overflowing, and it must be turned off to change the skimmate. I have the small 65g CSS with the needlewheel impeller, and yes they need air injection from somewhere to make the bubbles, and it worked horribly in the sump, but works good hanging on the side. It works better than my aqua-C EV, i mean it pulls out more junk than the aqua-c.

RobNJ · 01/03/2007, 04:05 PM

How did you stop the overflowing?

Quote:

Originally posted by jer77
I've experienced that the CSS's work much better outside the sump than in. There is the problem of overflowing, and it must be turned off to change the skimmate. I have the small 65g CSS with the needlewheel impeller, and yes they need air injection from somewhere to make the bubbles, and it worked horribly in the sump, but works good hanging on the side. It works better than my aqua-C EV, i mean it pulls out more junk than the aqua-c.

auto_loader · 01/03/2007, 05:15 PM

MRC-2

oceandrops · 01/03/2007, 06:56 PM

I like LifeReef VS2-24S in-sump, but they also make HOB version.

mattls · 01/03/2007, 07:34 PM

Just switched from an ASMG3 to a new Euroreff RC180 with the new Eheim pump and needle wheel. It works great so far. ER 's quality is very good. I have a 50G sump and 15 gallon refugium. The G3 I did not think was enough. Hope this helps

SDguy · 01/03/2007, 07:37 PM

MRC2 with two injectors. Very happy with it.

ct_vol · 01/03/2007, 07:45 PM

I use an ASM g4+ on my 120g w/ 40g sump... Love the way it performs, but its not heavily stocked with fish...

nhlives · 01/03/2007, 07:49 PM

Quote:

So the unit would need to be higher then the sump so the water would drain back to the sump?

I have been looking at the EV180 for a 120. The drain sits 9 inches above the bottom of the skimmer. As long as the sump water level is no higher than 9 inches you are O.K. Or raise the skimmer inside of the sump.

weap0n_X · 01/03/2007, 08:23 PM

I use a ASM G3 on my 120g w/29g sump. Works really well.

drstupid · 01/03/2007, 08:44 PM

i'm running an mrc mr-1 externally on my 120, with a genx pcx-40. it's does a great job getting gunk out when it's skimming right, which is about 90% of the time now, but i'm still learning the skimmer. it's probably a good beckett setup to start with, they are tricky to tune and you need to get some experience with them to work them right. i can't imagine managing multiple injectors right now.

you can get this combination for a reasonable package price through mrc, and i think it's a good starter choice to experiment.

as someone already mentioned, all of andy's stuff is really well made, and there's no reason to expect to not get excellent resale value if you eventually decide you love becketts and want to go massive, or that you'd prefer a set-it-and-forget-it skimmer.

timespinner · 01/03/2007, 08:52 PM

I'm using an external Deltec on my 110g + ~100g sump and I love it. I had a ER before, and I had to constantly tune it in order to keep it skimming properly.

RobNJ · 01/03/2007, 08:57 PM

So many Skimmers to choose from!!! Thanks for the suggestions. If anyone else has anymore comments regarding skimmers for a 120 please feel free...

Thanks
Rob

mattls · 01/04/2007, 07:33 AM

First you really should decide whether you want to go with a Beckett style like the MRC or the Needle wheel style like ER,ASM,Deltec,H&S. THis might make your decision a little easier. THe needle wheel skimmers from all these manufacturers I just mentioned are pretty much plug and play not much fine tuning needed. WHere the BEcketts could be a little more tricky to tune and operate especially first getting started with that style.
skimmer.

You have a nice size tank I wouldn;t skimp on the skimmer though. Make sure you get a good quality skimmer 1 time and you won;t regret it even if it means spending a few more dollars than you planned. Therefor I would not use a Coralife skimmer on this size tank but that just my opinion. Get an ER,ASM, Deltec, or an MRC and I am sure you will be very happy. THey all make quality skimmers.

01/03/2007, 01:05 PM	#1
RobNJ Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Hasbrouck Heights, NJ Posts: 945	What Skimmer do you use? 120 gallonish tanks I am in the progress of my next tank build and am looking at a few different protein skimmers. I was curious for all those out there with tanks in the rank of 120g what skimmer are you using? I will have a 29g Sump under the stand. All comments are welcome as I am trying to choose a good skimmer for my system. I think I would prefer external to the sump vs. in sump. comments and opinions on that aspect would be appreciated as well. Thanks Rob

01/03/2007, 02:36 PM	#4
fishdoc11 catch and release Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Old Hickory,TN Posts: 13,237	I use an MR3 on my 120 and like it very much. __________________ "Try to learn something about everything and everything about something" -- Thomas H. Huxley Current Tank Info: 70 gallon mixed reef

01/03/2007, 02:43 PM	#6
dkh0331 Es gibt keinen ersatz Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Close to the edge, down by a river Posts: 3,581	H&S A150-F2001 skimmer on a 110 gal tank with about 50 gal in the sump. It can be run either in or out of sump. I run mine in sump with a direct feed from my drain line. It replaced an ER 6-2+. Here is a link to the H&S skimmer club thread. http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...ighlight=H%26S HTH David __________________ Just found out that grandpa has a drug addiction. He is addicted to viagra. No one is taking it harder than grandma.

01/03/2007, 03:20 PM	#10
McCrary Can't Stop Time Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 3,079	I run an H&S 200-1260 on my 110, it is in my 30 gallon sump. The H&S A200-1260 would be the external model. __________________ Matt Patience is the best remedy for every trouble. Titus Maccius Plautus (254 BC - 184 BC), Rudens

01/03/2007, 03:23 PM	#11
RobNJ Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Hasbrouck Heights, NJ Posts: 945	I thought the needle wheel didn't use air injection? Last edited by RobNJ; 01/03/2007 at 03:33 PM.

01/03/2007, 02:10 PM	#2
rreddick Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Brewster, MA Posts: 224	I run both an AquaC EV series and a Percision Marine Bullet 2. Both work very well, easy to adjust and pull out some nasty gunk. best of all they will not break the bank Ron

01/03/2007, 02:24 PM	#3
RobNJ Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Hasbrouck Heights, NJ Posts: 945	Can they run outside the Sump? What model AquaC

01/03/2007, 02:39 PM	#5
rreddick Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Brewster, MA Posts: 224	The AquaC EV400 is what I have on the 180G, external to the sump but the drian need to have a horizontal run back to the sump, no back pressure. The make a smaller unit which would be fine for the 120 Ron

01/03/2007, 03:08 PM	#8
RobNJ Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Hasbrouck Heights, NJ Posts: 945	How do the Coralife Needle Wheel Super Skimmers run? They have one for up to 220g for about $170.... Any thoughts?

01/03/2007, 03:15 PM	#9
neotekz Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: ottawa, Ontario Posts: 698	some people had good results with the coralifes but other including me didn;t have much luck with it. it skimmed great when it worked but most of the time it didn;t do much. i find you need to constantly adjust it. they are also prone to overflowing when the air inlet clogs up. you can get a used euroreef here on teh selling forums for not too much more for a proven skimmer.

01/03/2007, 03:24 PM	#12
newsalt Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: NJ Posts: 1,143	Built my own Beckett.

01/03/2007, 03:59 PM	#13
jer77 Phish Lover Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 2,642	I've experienced that the CSS's work much better outside the sump than in. There is the problem of overflowing, and it must be turned off to change the skimmate. I have the small 65g CSS with the needlewheel impeller, and yes they need air injection from somewhere to make the bubbles, and it worked horribly in the sump, but works good hanging on the side. It works better than my aqua-C EV, i mean it pulls out more junk than the aqua-c. __________________ - Jonny -, 120g 5 Year Old Reef w/ SPS, BTA, Zoos & some Softies. 40g Frag Tank. 40g Sump. Super Reef Octopus XP 3000 External Cone Skimmer. 250W Radiums. TaoTronics LED. PanWorld 200PS w/SQWD

01/03/2007, 05:15 PM	#15
auto_loader Premium Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Rochelle, IL Posts: 585	MRC-2

01/03/2007, 06:56 PM	#16
oceandrops Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 139	I like LifeReef VS2-24S in-sump, but they also make HOB version.

01/03/2007, 07:34 PM	#17
mattls Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: New Jersey Posts: 452	Just switched from an ASMG3 to a new Euroreff RC180 with the new Eheim pump and needle wheel. It works great so far. ER 's quality is very good. I have a 50G sump and 15 gallon refugium. The G3 I did not think was enough. Hope this helps

01/03/2007, 07:37 PM	#18
SDguy Fish heads unite! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: San Diego Posts: 23,384	MRC2 with two injectors. Very happy with it. __________________ Peter SDMAS member Marine tanks since 1989. ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸><((((º> ·´¯`·.¸. , . .·´¯`·.. ><((((º> Current Tank Info: 240g butterfly and angel FOWLR. 15g QT.

01/03/2007, 07:45 PM	#19
ct_vol Reefing On My Mind Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Kempton, IL Posts: 8,083	I use an ASM g4+ on my 120g w/ 40g sump... Love the way it performs, but its not heavily stocked with fish... __________________ Randy Volunteers, Blackhawks, Titans, Cubs!!!! Current Tank Info: 185g waiting to be built, 120g SPS/Anemone Reef, 120g SCA in the works, 58g mixed reef w/ 6x39w T5, 125g grow out w/ Reef Breeders

01/03/2007, 08:23 PM	#21
weap0n_X Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: N. Virginia Posts: 393	I use a ASM G3 on my 120g w/29g sump. Works really well.

01/03/2007, 08:44 PM	#22
drstupid Aquarist emeritus Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Narberth, PA Posts: 760	i'm running an mrc mr-1 externally on my 120, with a genx pcx-40. it's does a great job getting gunk out when it's skimming right, which is about 90% of the time now, but i'm still learning the skimmer. it's probably a good beckett setup to start with, they are tricky to tune and you need to get some experience with them to work them right. i can't imagine managing multiple injectors right now. you can get this combination for a reasonable package price through mrc, and i think it's a good starter choice to experiment. as someone already mentioned, all of andy's stuff is really well made, and there's no reason to expect to not get excellent resale value if you eventually decide you love becketts and want to go massive, or that you'd prefer a set-it-and-forget-it skimmer. __________________ i'm not a real doctor, i just play one on tv. Current Tank Info: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2429266

01/03/2007, 08:52 PM	#23
timespinner Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Coast, CA Posts: 123	I'm using an external Deltec on my 110g + ~100g sump and I love it. I had a ER before, and I had to constantly tune it in order to keep it skimming properly.

01/03/2007, 08:57 PM	#24
RobNJ Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Hasbrouck Heights, NJ Posts: 945	So many Skimmers to choose from!!! Thanks for the suggestions. If anyone else has anymore comments regarding skimmers for a 120 please feel free... Thanks Rob

01/04/2007, 07:33 AM	#25
mattls Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: New Jersey Posts: 452	First you really should decide whether you want to go with a Beckett style like the MRC or the Needle wheel style like ER,ASM,Deltec,H&S. THis might make your decision a little easier. THe needle wheel skimmers from all these manufacturers I just mentioned are pretty much plug and play not much fine tuning needed. WHere the BEcketts could be a little more tricky to tune and operate especially first getting started with that style. skimmer. You have a nice size tank I wouldn;t skimp on the skimmer though. Make sure you get a good quality skimmer 1 time and you won;t regret it even if it means spending a few more dollars than you planned. Therefor I would not use a Coralife skimmer on this size tank but that just my opinion. Get an ER,ASM, Deltec, or an MRC and I am sure you will be very happy. THey all make quality skimmers.