120 Gallon build need skimmer input

Chris Lakies · 03/25/2014, 08:36 PM

Hey guys, i decided to upgrade to a 120 gallon display and either keep my current sump which has a 12x11 skimmer area or getting a larger sump with a 12x15 area.

Total water volume will probably be about 140-145 gallons. Plan on Moderate fish stocking and mostly SPS.

I currently run a SRO 1000 Int and like it however i'm looking for something a bit better as i know this skimmer is too small.

I'm open to any suggestions but was looking at the higher end models with a ceiling of about $800-900. (i wouldn't mind saving some $ though)

I am really looking for something that is basically set and forget and don't have to adjust it all the time.

I was looking at Bubble King, ATI powercone, ATB, Vertex and so on.

Drae · 03/25/2014, 09:17 PM

Atb 840v2 is an all time favorite for your size system.

Chris Lakies · 03/26/2014, 06:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drae

Atb 840v2 is an all time favorite for your size system.

No problems with startup on these pumps? I believe it uses Sicce?

This was the one i was thinking about getting.

Ron99 · 03/26/2014, 06:49 PM

I'm building upa 120 right now and will be using a Vertex Omega 150

Chris Lakies · 03/26/2014, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron99

I'm building upa 120 right now and will be using a Vertex Omega 150

I was also considering this but thought it may not be enough?

Drae · 03/26/2014, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Lakies

No problems with startup on these pumps? I believe it uses Sicce?

This was the one i was thinking about getting.

Not on the v2. The v1.5 used a sicce psk2500 I believe that was problematic but the v2 is rock solid.

krzyphsygy · 03/26/2014, 10:01 PM

Reef Dynamics skimmers....looking at the XRC180 right now for my 125. I like the external skimmers best because they have more contact time in the chamber than in sump and any other design.

nly04 · 03/26/2014, 11:10 PM

SRO-XP2000 will be perfect, if not RO-PS-2000 will do.

wildman926 · 03/27/2014, 05:55 AM

AquaMaxx EM200, or EM300. They are workhorses on my tanks, and they are truly set it and forget it.

Down · 03/27/2014, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wildman926

AquaMaxx EM200, or EM300. They are workhorses on my tanks, and they are truly set it and forget it.

I've had both the EM300 and now the EM200 and I wholeheartedly agree.

wildman926 · 03/27/2014, 09:48 AM

BTW - Here are some pics of my EM200 I took today. It always looks like thise before I clean it weekly. It is currently on my 90g, and was on my 110g. I could easily use it on my 150g if I did not already have the EM300. -

Chris Lakies · 03/27/2014, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wildman926

BTW - Here are some pics of my EM200 I took today. It always looks like thise before I clean it weekly. It is currently on my 90g, and was on my 110g. I could easily use it on my 150g if I did not already have the EM300. -

Dang Wildman looks like its doing well for you! I wonder how it compares with the ATB 840 V2.0. How is the build quality and does it clean easily? How long have you had it? BTW thanks for the info and pics.

wildman926 · 03/27/2014, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Lakies

Dang Wildman looks like its doing well for you! I wonder how it compares with the ATB 840 V2.0. How is the build quality and does it clean easily? How long have you had it? BTW thanks for the info and pics.

I don't know of anyone that has not been happy with the performance of the AquaMaxx EM series skimmers. They are truly a set it and forget it skimmer. Very consistent, quiet, balanced, and easy to maintain with dependable quality Sicce pumps. To answer your questions -

compares with the ATB 840 V2.0 - ?? I just know it flat out skims, at half the price

How is the build quality - I would say upper middle quality, not a Bubble King, but definitely not an Eshopps

does it clean easily - Yes, completely disassembles for cleaning.

How long have you had it - Since they came out early last year

I have had the EM100, and currently also have the EM300 on my 150g. It flat out skims, set it and forget it. Here is some pics of it -

McPuff · 03/27/2014, 01:33 PM

My recommendation is simply to get a recirculating skimmer. I modified my Warner Marine and saw vastly more skimmate production. You can even save money by going with an ASM G-series skimmer and doing the mods... they work quite well!

erickcooper · 03/27/2014, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Lakies

I'm open to any suggestions but was looking at the higher end models with a ceiling of about $800-900. (i wouldn't mind saving some $ though)

Wow!! I didn't even know they came that expensive!! I'm very happy with my $230 reef octopus... For $800, I hope it cleans itself.

Chris Lakies · 03/27/2014, 07:56 PM

Well guys now i'm looking at Reef Dynamics. I've been watching LA fishguys episodes with Jeff. He knows his stuff. Been looking at either the INS150 Protein Skimmer w/ Ehiem Pump or the INS135E Protein Skimmer. I like that they are built in the US also.

Drae · 03/27/2014, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Lakies

Well guys now i'm looking at Reef Dynamics. I've been watching LA fishguys episodes with Jeff. He knows his stuff. Been looking at either the INS150 Protein Skimmer w/ Ehiem Pump or the INS135E Protein Skimmer. I like that they are built in the US also.

I've ran aquamaxx and euro reef skimmers and I prefer AM to be honest. Eheim pumps aren't that great on skimmers and the needle wheel assembly is ridiculously priced also. The shark pumps in the AM skimmers are better. Jeff is great and an excellent customer service guy though.

wildman926 · 03/27/2014, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Lakies

I like that they are built in the US also.

Don't get all hung up about that. Not worth it.

Chris Lakies · 04/06/2014, 03:13 PM

So.....I go to pull the trigger on the EM 200 and well out of stock...

wildman926 · 04/06/2014, 03:50 PM

Sorry to hear that. You can purchase one, and be put on the waiting list. They sell out fast.

03/25/2014, 08:36 PM	#1
Chris Lakies Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Grand Blanc Michigan Posts: 1,446	120 Gallon build need skimmer input Hey guys, i decided to upgrade to a 120 gallon display and either keep my current sump which has a 12x11 skimmer area or getting a larger sump with a 12x15 area. Total water volume will probably be about 140-145 gallons. Plan on Moderate fish stocking and mostly SPS. I currently run a SRO 1000 Int and like it however i'm looking for something a bit better as i know this skimmer is too small. I'm open to any suggestions but was looking at the higher end models with a ceiling of about $800-900. (i wouldn't mind saving some $ though) I am really looking for something that is basically set and forget and don't have to adjust it all the time. I was looking at Bubble King, ATI powercone, ATB, Vertex and so on. __________________ CL Current Tank Info: 50 breeder, 2 x XR15w pro (G4), 1 x MP40wQD, Apex JR, Ehiem-Jager 200 watt heater, Jabao DC6000 return, Reef Octo 150 elite SSS skimmer

03/27/2014, 05:55 AM	#9
wildman926 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: CTX Posts: 2,904	AquaMaxx EM200, or EM300. They are workhorses on my tanks, and they are truly set it and forget it. __________________ Beware of recommendations by those who don't actually use their recommendation!! The search function actually works quite well!! Tanks:Planet Aquarium 150g LPS, Planet Aquarium 90g Softie

03/27/2014, 09:48 AM	#11
wildman926 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: CTX Posts: 2,904	BTW - Here are some pics of my EM200 I took today. It always looks like thise before I clean it weekly. It is currently on my 90g, and was on my 110g. I could easily use it on my 150g if I did not already have the EM300. - __________________ Beware of recommendations by those who don't actually use their recommendation!! The search function actually works quite well!! Tanks:Planet Aquarium 150g LPS, Planet Aquarium 90g Softie

03/27/2014, 07:56 PM	#16
Chris Lakies Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Grand Blanc Michigan Posts: 1,446	Well guys now i'm looking at Reef Dynamics. I've been watching LA fishguys episodes with Jeff. He knows his stuff. Been looking at either the INS150 Protein Skimmer w/ Ehiem Pump or the INS135E Protein Skimmer. I like that they are built in the US also. __________________ CL Current Tank Info: 50 breeder, 2 x XR15w pro (G4), 1 x MP40wQD, Apex JR, Ehiem-Jager 200 watt heater, Jabao DC6000 return, Reef Octo 150 elite SSS skimmer

04/06/2014, 03:13 PM	#19
Chris Lakies Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Grand Blanc Michigan Posts: 1,446	So.....I go to pull the trigger on the EM 200 and well out of stock... __________________ CL Current Tank Info: 50 breeder, 2 x XR15w pro (G4), 1 x MP40wQD, Apex JR, Ehiem-Jager 200 watt heater, Jabao DC6000 return, Reef Octo 150 elite SSS skimmer

03/25/2014, 09:17 PM	#2
Drae RAIDER NATION! Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: City of sin... Posts: 3,476	Atb 840v2 is an all time favorite for your size system.

03/26/2014, 06:49 PM	#4
Ron99 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: White Rock, BC, Canada Posts: 176	I'm building upa 120 right now and will be using a Vertex Omega 150

03/26/2014, 10:01 PM	#7
krzyphsygy Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 2,148	Reef Dynamics skimmers....looking at the XRC180 right now for my 125. I like the external skimmers best because they have more contact time in the chamber than in sump and any other design.

03/26/2014, 11:10 PM	#8
nly04 Registered Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: Union City, SF bay area Posts: 1,062	SRO-XP2000 will be perfect, if not RO-PS-2000 will do.

03/27/2014, 01:33 PM	#14
McPuff Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,735	My recommendation is simply to get a recirculating skimmer. I modified my Warner Marine and saw vastly more skimmate production. You can even save money by going with an ASM G-series skimmer and doing the mods... they work quite well!

04/06/2014, 03:50 PM	#20
wildman926 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: CTX Posts: 2,904	Sorry to hear that. You can purchase one, and be put on the waiting list. They sell out fast. __________________ Beware of recommendations by those who don't actually use their recommendation!! The search function actually works quite well!! Tanks:Planet Aquarium 150g LPS, Planet Aquarium 90g Softie