Skimmer for a 46 bowfront

lightningfront · 12/05/2008, 10:10 PM

I need some help with a skimmer for a new tank I'm setting up. It's going to be a 46 gallon bowfront tank with a 20 gallon tall tank as a sump. I found a great deal on a used Berlin venturi hang on back skimmer and was going to hang it on the back of the sump, but it will not fit under the stand. I could put it in the sump I think but it's going to take up a lot of room.

Is this skimmer too large for my system?

What is a good skimmer for this size tank that does not take up a lot of space?

JCTewks · 12/05/2008, 10:27 PM

The Berlin is not too large for that system. If anything it is not nearly enough skimmer for that system. Check out the MSX160, they are designed for sumps with minimal space for a skimmer.

I see you are in Cincy, Marine Solutions sells the MSX and they are just north of you in Waynesville. You can get their addy at www.marinesolutionsinc.com if you want to go check out the store and see the 160 in person. They are knowledgeable about SW systems, been doing it for a long time if you need some help too

Also, check out www.cincyreef.com , they are the local reef club to you.

Welcome aboard, this is a great hobby to be in!

Guygettnby · 12/06/2008, 12:23 AM

i agree, that skimmer is not going to be enough at all. what is your price range on a new skimmer?

lightningfront · 12/06/2008, 07:43 AM

Skimmer Not enough? It's says rated for a 250 gallon tank.

If I was to get a new one i'd like to stay under $200

Nereaga · 12/06/2008, 12:46 PM

Look into the Octopus line of skimmers.... Best bang for your buck most say....

I just got a Reef Octopus NW150 for my 75g display. It is rated up to 150g I think. It also has a small footprint of 10''x9'', I paid $189 shipped to my door.

http://www.aquacave.com/reef-octopus...immer-749.html

Brad

ordy1 · 12/06/2008, 04:17 PM

I bought a Euro-Reef CS 8-3 for $144.00 on ebay. It was used but looked barely used. Pump is still churning massive amounts of gunk. Not a bad deal. Thing stands 30" with a 8" diameter. Almost "set it and forget it". Empty the gunk once a week.

I have it on a 46 gallon bow.

ordy1 · 12/06/2008, 04:19 PM

Correction CS-6-3. Six inch diameter riser.

JCTewks · 12/06/2008, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by lightningfront
Skimmer Not enough? It's says rated for a 250 gallon tank.

If I was to get a new one i'd like to stay under $200

Yes, it "says" it is rated for 250g...a seaclone also says rated fro 150g, and I wouldn't put that on anything larger than a 10g. Really, A LOT of companies out there have NO IDEA how to rate a skimmer.

MOST skimmers are rated high (well, rated for low-med bio load systems), while most users have a med-high bio load system.

What is your budget for a skimmer (if you have one)? Personally, I would throw the berin in the trash, or put it in the closet for future use in a DIY project as parts(DON'T try to sell it so that someone else will have a POS skimmer

)

Get your self a decent in-sump skimmer...a middle of the road can be had for under $150-200 (Octopus), or you can get a kick butt skimmer for under $300 (the MSX), or is you are wealthy you can spend up to $2k on a skimmer (BK, ATB are GREAT skimmers, but VERY pricey)

cveverly · 12/07/2008, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by JCTewks

Get your self a decent in-sump skimmer...a middle of the road can be had for under $150-200 (Octopus), or you can get a kick butt skimmer for under $300 (the MSX)

The MSX / MSO skimmers are the same as the Octopus line. Shop for the best price because they are the same skimmer.

I also agree a sump skimmer is the best way to go. Look into the the Octopus or MSX extreme 160. Small foot print great skimmer for the money. I have a 46 gallon tank and that would be my choice if I had room for a sump. I was forced to go HOB so I am using the Octopus 800S.

JCTewks · 12/07/2008, 10:08 PM

FWIW, the MSX are cheaper than the Octo extreme.

If price is no object and you want a HOB, the new ATB multi is out now...cone body, eheim pump, Hob or internal, at $499!!!

otrlynn · 12/08/2008, 05:35 AM

Do you have a link for the ATB multi? I was unable to locate it on their website.

Hungriee · 12/08/2008, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by cveverly
The MSX / MSO skimmers are the same as the Octopus line. Shop for the best price because they are the same skimmer.

I also agree a sump skimmer is the best way to go. Look into the the Octopus or MSX extreme 160. Small foot print great skimmer for the money. I have a 46 gallon tank and that would be my choice if I had room for a sump. I was forced to go HOB so I am using the Octopus 800S.

Will the Octopus Extreme 160 be too powerful for a 46g tank?

I'm looking into this skimmer as well since I've heard real good things about this. I have a 37G DT & a 20g Long sump which totals about 50g of water.

My bioload is quite heavy so I want to make sure my skimmer will do its job.

JCTewks · 12/08/2008, 10:36 PM

It all depends on your husbandry method and bio-load. I run an MSX 200 on a 26g DT with 29g sump....but I have a high bioload, run an ULNS using Brightwell's NeoZeo method, and feed A LOT.

IMO, the 160 is not "too much" skimmer for either of those systems...but I like lots of skimmer as you can tell

12/05/2008, 10:10 PM	#1
lightningfront Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Cincinnati, Oh Posts: 86	Skimmer for a 46 bowfront I need some help with a skimmer for a new tank I'm setting up. It's going to be a 46 gallon bowfront tank with a 20 gallon tall tank as a sump. I found a great deal on a used Berlin venturi hang on back skimmer and was going to hang it on the back of the sump, but it will not fit under the stand. I could put it in the sump I think but it's going to take up a lot of room. Is this skimmer too large for my system? What is a good skimmer for this size tank that does not take up a lot of space?

12/08/2008, 05:35 AM	#11
otrlynn Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Chester County PA Posts: 1,508	Do you have a link for the ATB multi? I was unable to locate it on their website. __________________ Lynn 1 horse, 1 dog, 2 cats, small pond with a few koi. The fish tank is gone.

12/05/2008, 10:27 PM	#2
JCTewks Moved On Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Wilmington, Ohio Posts: 3,040	The Berlin is not too large for that system. If anything it is not nearly enough skimmer for that system. Check out the MSX160, they are designed for sumps with minimal space for a skimmer. I see you are in Cincy, Marine Solutions sells the MSX and they are just north of you in Waynesville. You can get their addy at www.marinesolutionsinc.com if you want to go check out the store and see the 160 in person. They are knowledgeable about SW systems, been doing it for a long time if you need some help too Also, check out www.cincyreef.com , they are the local reef club to you. Welcome aboard, this is a great hobby to be in!

12/06/2008, 12:23 AM	#3
Guygettnby Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: FL Posts: 3,050	i agree, that skimmer is not going to be enough at all. what is your price range on a new skimmer?

12/06/2008, 07:43 AM	#4
lightningfront Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Cincinnati, Oh Posts: 86	Skimmer Not enough? It's says rated for a 250 gallon tank. If I was to get a new one i'd like to stay under $200

12/06/2008, 12:46 PM	#5
Nereaga Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Oley, Pa 19547 Posts: 1,513	Look into the Octopus line of skimmers.... Best bang for your buck most say.... I just got a Reef Octopus NW150 for my 75g display. It is rated up to 150g I think. It also has a small footprint of 10''x9'', I paid $189 shipped to my door. http://www.aquacave.com/reef-octopus...immer-749.html Brad

12/06/2008, 04:17 PM	#6
ordy1 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: new jersey Posts: 425	I bought a Euro-Reef CS 8-3 for $144.00 on ebay. It was used but looked barely used. Pump is still churning massive amounts of gunk. Not a bad deal. Thing stands 30" with a 8" diameter. Almost "set it and forget it". Empty the gunk once a week. I have it on a 46 gallon bow.

12/06/2008, 04:19 PM	#7
ordy1 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: new jersey Posts: 425	Correction CS-6-3. Six inch diameter riser.

12/07/2008, 10:08 PM	#10
JCTewks Moved On Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Wilmington, Ohio Posts: 3,040	FWIW, the MSX are cheaper than the Octo extreme. If price is no object and you want a HOB, the new ATB multi is out now...cone body, eheim pump, Hob or internal, at $499!!!

12/08/2008, 10:36 PM	#13
JCTewks Moved On Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Wilmington, Ohio Posts: 3,040	It all depends on your husbandry method and bio-load. I run an MSX 200 on a 26g DT with 29g sump....but I have a high bioload, run an ULNS using Brightwell's NeoZeo method, and feed A LOT. IMO, the 160 is not "too much" skimmer for either of those systems...but I like lots of skimmer as you can tell