Skimmer Choices...What makes a good skimmer? Give me your take

[skyrne_isk]

So I know SOMEWHERE on here there are discussions, ad nauseum, about the various virtues of every skimmer under the sun. What I want to know, which is why I posted this thread, is which skimmer would the best for my setup. So I am wondering what the more knowledgeable of you would recommend based on the following criteria....if you could tell me why you are recommending your choice, well that would be swell. I am not new to skimmers, or this hobby, but I know that understanding skimmer performance really comes down to using one for yourself.

Since I haven't used any of the potential skimmers I am looking to purchase for a 55 BTA tank, I would really appreciate feedback input from those of you who have. And I am looking to get the most bang for the buck, like all of us, and would rather err on getting away with spending less and sacrificing some performance. Obviously, the more I am spending the more performance I am likely to get - we all know that rule. It's just that at this point, I REALLY don't feel like taking a gamble, hating the skimmer, and then going BACK to buy another. I want to get it right from the start.

The choices I am looking at are:

1. Vertex 80 ----- $180 (Or I could get the Vertex 100 for $200)
2. Octo DNW 100 ---- $125 (the recirc model)
3. Auqa Euro PS55 ---- $105

So it comes down to the fact that I have never used a skimmer with a bubble plate (Vertex), so I don't know how much the reduction in turbulence will improve production. I also have never used a recirc skimmer, so I don't know how hard it is to dial in the flow-through rate and I also don't know how much the recirculation within the chamber is an improvement over the traditional skimmer setup. I know nothing of Aqua Euro or their products. I am concerned the reactor chamber is on the small side for the Aqua Euro.

I have mesh modded an Octopus NW-200, which is running on a 110G and am stoked with it's performance. And I would have no problem modding the Octo 110. But at the end of the day, there are too many variables to control for.With the giving and taking between my options, I would like some of the more knowledgeable of you out there to give me your $.02.

Much Thanks

[GSMguy]

bubble magnus 155

http://www.nuocean.com/skimmers/bubb...115v-60hz.html

[skyrne_isk]

for the record, nick has without a doubt, the greatest avatar on here. i laugh every time i see his post. thanks for the input.

No one else cares to give me their input here?

[Poorcollegereef]

if you want input, here is mine with zero potential worth... :P
It sounds like you have the knowledge at hand and are approaching things rationally.

well, if you want cheap and you like octo, then it is easy, and I would say octo. Maybe upsize to the 150, but the 100 is fine.

You could try the vertex if you want something new... and always mod afterwards...

the aquaeuro (in my experiences reading around) has been a slight underperformer... but cheap and small

the bubble magnus is good, but nearly 3X the price of some others.

I had been helping a friend for a 45 gallon system and these were the options we found for him... you mentioned many already

http://www.marinesolutionsinc.com/ca...duct_info.html
http://www.marinesolutionsinc.com/ca...duct_info.html
http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merch...Code=TUNZESKIM
http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merch...y_Code=Octopus
http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merch...y_Code=es-skim
http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merch...ry_Code=Vertex
http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merch...Code=Clearance

[XCrunnr36]

I'm a personal fan of the ASM g1-x. i run one on my 125 gal display tank at my store.

Skims well and is reliable.


however, is a fair bit more expensive.



good luck with your decision!

[hairyman1]

Hey you already sucessfully modified your other octo so the practical solution is to continue along that route. Sometimes I think some of us here wish others to spend lots of someone elses money so they can have the same experiences rather than learn from them.

[skyrne_isk]

hairyman, that's a good point. this tank is not my pride and joy....it's more of a glorified QT so I don't really have the desire to go all out. plus, my wife is KILLING me about how much i spend on my tanks (and she's got a point....it's kinda bad). what i wanted to get into a discussion about was which aspects of a skimmer's design seemed to be the most "VALUE ADDING". Many MFGs slap their label on an acrylic cylinder, add a aerated pump, and sell it as a skimmer. With all the tweaks coming on to the basic skimmer design (bubble plate, recirc, etc), I am trying to get an understanding from those who have used them which tweaks make the biggest difference in performance.

poorcollege: to be honest, I think the Octo is probably where I am heading, mostly because I have used them before and know that the easily performed mods make ALL the difference. However, I always have a push to try something new - but not if I am going to regret it.

And with the price, it did seem to me like the AquaEuro would be an underperformer - if it at all skims at the level of the AquaC Remora/Urchin then you can count me out. I know there are people who rave about how great these HOB skimmers are (and for an HOB skimmer they are probably among the very best) but compared to standard, in sump skimmers they just don't hold a candle.

Plus I know people in the hobby are every day making decisions about what skimmer/equip to purchase. A referendum on some of the usual suspects for the budget conscious should always be helpful. I would rather spend 125 on a decent skimmer than spend 20 bucks less for an underperformer. Obviously, throwing money at equipment will help minimize the potential to end up with junk, but I refuse to concede that successful reefkeeping is predicated on big $$$$$.