Unique skimmer question

[BoisBlancBoy]

These are the skimmers I'm looking at:

http://www.aquacave.com/Tunze-Master...P3005C629.aspx

http://www.aquacave.com/Tunze-DOC-90...P1209C629.aspx

http://www.aquacave.com/SKIMZ-SM-201...P3238C662.aspx

http://www.aquacave.com/Turboflotor-...P1500C616.aspx

http://www.aquacave.com/Eshopps-S-20...P3320C649.aspx

My question is: Anyone that has any personal experience with any of these skimmers I want to know how much space do you need to remove the collection cup?

I am VERY tight for space, all of these skimmers will fit in my stand but I really need to know if I will be able to get the cup off.

Thanks everyone.

[BoisBlancBoy]

Ttt

[cpllongjk]

I own the tunze 9010 which is similar to the 9016, it takes about 3-4 inches at least to remove the skimmer cup.

Eshopps isnt worth the money imo, although you can remove the skimmer cup with only an inch or so.

The skimz is only about an inch or so as well.

How much of a space do you have to work with? Are you looking for a "cheaper" bubbleking mini basically? Small, compact, and great workhorse?

I would suggest checking out these bad boys if so, they are a great value for your dollar and the pumps have a 3 year warranty. I have always wished my pumps had a warranty, Ive had a few lemons in the past.

Super Reef Octopus 3000sss

http://www.reefspecialty.com/virtuem...n-skimmer.html

Super Reef Octopus XP 3000sss
http://www.reefspecialty.com/virtuem...n-skimmer.html

These are just two examples. The former is a partial cone and they have smaller versions and larger ones which are cheaper/more expensive.

The later is a full cone design with larger and smaller options. The full cone is of course more expensive but is also one seamless piece of acrylic as opposed to several welded together.

If it were me I would be giving a serious look to the Super Reef Octopus line of skimmers. Something has to be said about their value.

Hope this helps any,

Merry X-Mas

[cpllongjk]

With as much as you're looking to spend you could always hunt for a bit and find a used Bubbleking mini 180-200 on here for about 600-1000 dollars. As close to 600 the better though!

[BoisBlancBoy]

Thanks for the ideas. My problem is I have 23 1/2" of total height in my stand. So whatever skimmer I can find to fit in this area I also need enough room to get the cup off.

I'm in a very tight box lol.

[mark54321]

I personally own the Skimz SM-201 and it is a great skimmer. Just measured it and it is exactly 21.5 in. tall. With your 23.5 space in your stand, it is going to be very easy to remove the collection cup as you really only need about 1 in. maybe little less. Also nice thing about this skimmer is that you can take it apart completely to clean it. The unique output design located under the skimmer also doesn't release any bubbles in to the sump. Very easy and precise to adjust water level and air intake too.

[BoisBlancBoy]

Mark,

Thanks a ton for doing that. I really appreciate it!

If anyone else has anything to add on any or all of the skimmers please do. I just want to do as much research as I can before making my choice.

[j tavares]

I use aquamedic multis work greAT FOR ME IN HANGON OR IN SUMP MODE.

[r-balljunkie]

you should look at the bubble magus lineup.

the chinese pumps are the achilles heel of the lower end units.

the higher end units run the aquabee, which is german made.

ive ran two of them, best bang for the buck, although the SR series is a good bargain too.
bubble king is a bit overratted in my book. they've had some performance issues with their pumps and the warranty/service is iffy, from what ive read.

[BoisBlancBoy]

Thanks for all the help so far on this subject. I can't wait to get my 240 gal tank switched from its current freshwater over to salt.

[swcc]

Originally Posted by BoisBlancBoy

Thanks for all the help so far on this subject. I can't wait to get my 240 gal tank switched from its current freshwater over to salt.

while I know the companies rate these skimmers for a tank around your size, you will find they all may be a little small to keep organics nice and low...
the skimz and s-200 will allow for collection cup removal...but... I personally would want something a little larger. http://atbskimmers.com/atb-1050a-v1-5/
the cup need about 1/2" or so to get off.

[BoisBlancBoy]

I so agree with you that anything rated tends to be a bit high compared to actual results.

With whatever skimmer I choose, my tank will never be highly stocked. I always have played that safe. I do plan on going heavy with rock and light on fish. And little peaceful fish at that. There will be a sump/fuge too, as big as I can fit in the stand.

I've been doing freshwater for a long time now and am completely over the big aggressive fish.

Thanks for looking out, much appreciated.

[swcc]

Originally Posted by BoisBlancBoy

I so agree with you that anything rated tends to be a bit high compared to actual results.

With whatever skimmer I choose, my tank will never be highly stocked. I always have played that safe. I do plan on going heavy with rock and light on fish. And little peaceful fish at that. There will be a sump/fuge too, as big as I can fit in the stand.

I've been doing freshwater for a long time now and am completely over the big aggressive fish.

Thanks for looking out, much appreciated.

Ok... the s-200 is not bad and the skimz will be good too. The skimz is a little more powerful so I might lean that way, low bioload even. I had to mod the bubble plate of an s-200 to get it to work much better. Stock, the bubble plate is too restrictive.

[azjohnny]

The ratings the companies come out with should be taken with a grain of salt especially the "up to" rating, they usually rate the skimmer for a light bio load so if you have a higher than light bioload take that into consideration.

I usually have tanks that are high bioload so what ever the company rates the skimmer I would divide that by 2 and that is my rating