Skimmer Upgrade - With a Catch

[customdusty]

I'm looking to upgrade my skimmer on my 90 gal mixed reef.

Looking for the best possible performance while cost does not matter much - realistically, I would like to stay around $500 or less.

The only catch is that I would like it to have the smallest possible foot print - I'm also trying to consolidate space to make room for a calcium reactor.

I've looked at some of the Tunze 9010.00 - but haven't been able to find many reviews or testimonials on the performance.

Any other suggestions?

Thanks

[btb72]

what do you have now?

[customdusty]

Octopus Extreme ps-int-150 with modded needle wheel

[hansmatt]

I also have a 90g, and space is at a premium in my 40 sump. The ones that I am considering are the BK 180 (or 160), I really like the ATB's (they have a new, econo line) and there will be a new Warner Marine out in the next month or two. The Warner and the BK's are both around 8" square, the ATB's have external pumps, so larger. I have an ER 5-3 mesh mod/gate valve that is pulling out stuff like mad, but probably maxed out. Sounds like we have similar tanks, though I've got about 30%sps. I love the tunze equipment, but think you would want a more powerful skimmer. I'll likely save the extra/commit to the extra & get the warner or BK...That said, the octopus pro skimmers look pretty nice for the $

[customdusty]

I've been thinking about the BK, and although I'm sure it is definately worth the money, I'm having a hard time pulling the trigger on it because of the cost.

If I could get my hands on a used one - that would work out great.

Would it be equal in performance to using a larger capacity skimmer that has a compact design - like one for a 300-400 gal tank on my 90 gal?

[frenchie]

only small footprint skimmers that i know are mrc oceanforce skimmers, bubble king mini, msx 160.

[frenchie]

my reef creation ocean force

[frenchie]

swc 160

[customdusty]

I appreciate the links...

The mrc is too tall - won't fit, and the swc is no smaller than my existing Octo - although the performance may be better.

[customdusty]

AquaC EV180 ?

[frenchie]

that 160 would outperform that 150 big time i'm currently tryin to sell exact same skimmer you have. I had mine on a 125 gallon with the new pinwheel impellar and upgraded to vertex in sump 180.

[frenchie]

some like aqua C but i've heard more people complain about messin with skimmer constantly to perform or it flooded the floor but i know a few that really like them.

[customdusty]

Anybody have any experience with Tunze DOC 9010.00 or 9015.00 ???

[luvreefs23]

I vote to spend the xtra cash and get a BK Mini 160, i bought the BK mini 200 for my 180 im setting up and it is very compact with tiny footprint. The thing i like most about it is the collection cup is made with so much material it just sits on the body of the skimmer...theres no neck to unscrew or fight with just lifts off and the skimmer isnt tall either. I was once interested in a tunze skimmer and when i asked about it at my lfs they told me id get better performance from a euroreef for less money. They sold both skimmers and could have easily sold me the tunze but chose euroreef instead. I am running a euroreef rs135 on my 90 now, pulls alot and for 300 bux i couldnt be happier.

Dennis

[customdusty]

I can't fit the Euro-Reef rs135

I'd like to be roughly 8x8 in a square footprint and in a rectangle, maybe 10x6.

[customdusty]

Looks like I may be on the hung for a BK

I have been really interested in the Tunze because the footprint is sooooo small - but so far nobody has confidently told me I would be any better off with the Tunze over my modded Octopus.

Any thoughts on that?

[ajones51]

Check out the bubble magus skimmers. I just got one and the footprint is 6.7"x10". They have aquabee pumps and there are some good reviews on here about them.

[frenchie]

why such a small area for skimmer thats one of most important thing for your tank, i would build a new sump be cheaper than buying a bk skimmer you could build new sump and buy a good skimmer like msx or vertex.

[GSMguy]

I'd rather have an old sump and a BK than a new sump and a Cheap vertex skimmer.

[stanlalee]

ATI bubble master 160 is pretty compact and under $500

[frenchie]

of course anyone would rather have a bk skimmer but at start of post if you read it says 500 or less. Nothing wrong with vertex not everyone is gonna spend a grand on skimmers just cause you do gsmguy. Just try to help out with advise i say msx or vertex if it was someone lookin to spend more i would atb or bk

[Jeremy Blaze]

Anyone have any expereince with the SWC Xtreme 160 Protein Skimmer?

[frenchie]

only thing cheap about vertex is pump plus one guy already shows pulling 31 on air meter stock thats not bad at all, but any good diy'er can add a different pump, i can machine a new adapter for pump outlet to work.

[frenchie]

Originally posted by Jeremy Blaze
Anyone have any expereince with the SWC Xtreme 160 Protein Skimmer?

here is link to octopus extreme thread which is same skimmer just different name

for the most part swc and msx and octo extreme 160 are the same.

[Jeremy Blaze]

Thanks for the link!