Let's Talk About Skimmers

InsaneClownFish · 08/28/2009, 05:45 PM

So I'm thinking of upgrading my skimmer in the upcoming months, but I feel a bit removed from the skimmer game.

What's the latest and greatest? What are people having success with?
I'll most likely be looking for an in sump version.

My current custom Euroreef is just fine, but to be honest it fills the cup maybe once every month to sometimes even two months. I have close to 200 gallons of total water volume, so I should be getting more poo poo.

The other issue that I have is that I suspect the big sedra 3500 leaks current. So it has seen its time.

I'm interested in learning more about all those cone skimmers that are out there. Is it worth the extra money for something that looks like an upside down ice cream cone?!

Also, there are so many skimmers that are touting those sicce pumps that are supposed to create loads of cfm for very lil wattage...any experience?

markywmson · 08/28/2009, 07:38 PM

I've got a MSX 250 that has 2 Sicce pumps on it. I'm running the pinwheel (comes with a meshwheel also) and it does a far better job than my old Octopus skimmer. I've heard nothing but good things about the cone skimmers, and there are plenty of them out there.

I certainly can't say anything bad about the 250 though for the price.

Lam Ly · 08/28/2009, 08:53 PM

Get the BK Skimmer, I used alot of different kind of skimmers I think the BK skimmer is the best out there IMO
I am using the BK 400EXT. on my 120G and it works nice.
You can't go wrong with BK skimmer.

Good Luck

hans1976 · 08/28/2009, 09:16 PM

I am planning on one of he new cone skimmer while down at MACNA. Just haven't decided which one to get.

InsaneClownFish · 08/29/2009, 04:19 PM

mark, I've heard nothing but good things about the MSX. In fact I think they have cone versions now too..yum.

LAM I know little about BK skimmers, but I'll take a look into them.

Jeff, lmk how you make out....were you thinking ATB?

hans1976 · 08/29/2009, 05:55 PM

Looking at the BK.

Going to MACNA next month and will buy it there.

InsaneClownFish · 08/29/2009, 06:17 PM

ahhh By BK you mean Bubble King...gottcha. Man what nice skimmers but what a price tag!

Jeff keep in mind I just read they were having all kinds of problems and recalls on the gen 2 red dragon pumps....the 1st series are the bullet proof ones.

Lam Ly · 08/29/2009, 07:03 PM

Hey ISC,

The second generation pump is running DC not AC.
I am using the first series red dragon 2500 and it's only 68watts.
I think it's very low wattage and runs very quiet. you don't even know it runs unless you feel it.

fishkid6692 · 08/29/2009, 09:20 PM

BK are the best skimmers made IMO. i have a BK mini 200 on my 230g system but i may look into getting a bigger one at macna. once it's fully stocked i think the mini 200 will be enough to handle my tank but it doesn't hurt to go bigger.

Rwinfrey · 08/30/2009, 02:14 PM

I like ATB you can't beat Victor he will go above and beyond to make sure you are happy.Also his pump and replacemet parts cost less than BK.

pecan2phat · 08/30/2009, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Lam Ly
Get the BK Skimmer, I used alot of different kind of skimmers I think the BK skimmer is the best out there IMO
I am using the BK 400EXT. on my 120G and it works nice.
You can't go wrong with BK skimmer.

Good Luck

Holy crap Lam, talk about oversizing your skimmer

08/28/2009, 05:45 PM	#1
InsaneClownFish Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 5,069	Let's Talk About Skimmers So I'm thinking of upgrading my skimmer in the upcoming months, but I feel a bit removed from the skimmer game. What's the latest and greatest? What are people having success with? I'll most likely be looking for an in sump version. My current custom Euroreef is just fine, but to be honest it fills the cup maybe once every month to sometimes even two months. I have close to 200 gallons of total water volume, so I should be getting more poo poo. The other issue that I have is that I suspect the big sedra 3500 leaks current. So it has seen its time. I'm interested in learning more about all those cone skimmers that are out there. Is it worth the extra money for something that looks like an upside down ice cream cone?! Also, there are so many skimmers that are touting those sicce pumps that are supposed to create loads of cfm for very lil wattage...any experience?

08/28/2009, 08:53 PM	#3
Lam Ly Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Piscataway NJ Posts: 725	BK Skimmer Get the BK Skimmer, I used alot of different kind of skimmers I think the BK skimmer is the best out there IMO I am using the BK 400EXT. on my 120G and it works nice. You can't go wrong with BK skimmer. Good Luck

08/28/2009, 09:16 PM	#4
hans1976 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Middletown, CT Posts: 3,239	I am planning on one of he new cone skimmer while down at MACNA. Just haven't decided which one to get. __________________ Jeff PAST CTARS President Past MASNA Treasurer

08/29/2009, 04:19 PM	#5
InsaneClownFish Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 5,069	mark, I've heard nothing but good things about the MSX. In fact I think they have cone versions now too..yum. LAM I know little about BK skimmers, but I'll take a look into them. Jeff, lmk how you make out....were you thinking ATB? __________________ 7 Years Reefing and Many Fresh 8 Foot Envisions

08/29/2009, 05:55 PM	#6
hans1976 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Middletown, CT Posts: 3,239	Looking at the BK. Going to MACNA next month and will buy it there. __________________ Jeff PAST CTARS President Past MASNA Treasurer

08/28/2009, 07:38 PM	#2
markywmson Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Bristol, CT Posts: 303	I've got a MSX 250 that has 2 Sicce pumps on it. I'm running the pinwheel (comes with a meshwheel also) and it does a far better job than my old Octopus skimmer. I've heard nothing but good things about the cone skimmers, and there are plenty of them out there. I certainly can't say anything bad about the 250 though for the price.

08/29/2009, 06:17 PM	#7
InsaneClownFish Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 5,069	ahhh By BK you mean Bubble King...gottcha. Man what nice skimmers but what a price tag! Jeff keep in mind I just read they were having all kinds of problems and recalls on the gen 2 red dragon pumps....the 1st series are the bullet proof ones. __________________ 7 Years Reefing and Many Fresh 8 Foot Envisions

08/29/2009, 07:03 PM	#8
Lam Ly Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Piscataway NJ Posts: 725	BK Hey ISC, The second generation pump is running DC not AC. I am using the first series red dragon 2500 and it's only 68watts. I think it's very low wattage and runs very quiet. you don't even know it runs unless you feel it.

08/29/2009, 09:20 PM	#9
fishkid6692 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: danbury, CT Posts: 3,193	BK are the best skimmers made IMO. i have a BK mini 200 on my 230g system but i may look into getting a bigger one at macna. once it's fully stocked i think the mini 200 will be enough to handle my tank but it doesn't hurt to go bigger. __________________ ~matt~ Current Tank Info: 180g - 4' by 3' by 2'. bubbleking mini 180, apex controller, (2) vortech mp40's, phosban reactor, geissmen moonlight fixture

08/30/2009, 02:14 PM	#10
Rwinfrey Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Oakdale,Ct. Posts: 2,772	I like ATB you can't beat Victor he will go above and beyond to make sure you are happy.Also his pump and replacemet parts cost less than BK. __________________ FUPA jealous;) Current Tank Info: Wish I had one building a house