Is Aquamaxx HOB Skimmer too small for 75g?

C5Chad · 02/18/2017, 07:44 AM

Hey guys... like the title says... is the aquamaxx hob Protein Skimmer too small for a 75 gallon tank? I saw it's only rated up to a 75g and I've heard it's usually good to buy everything at least slightly larger than what they are rated for. I do not have a sump setup and won't be having one for a long time.

If that's too small what would you guys personally recommend? New to this stuff and especially new to skimmers. I want to avoid any skimmers that has more potential of overflowing and pouring water out onto my newly finished hardwood floors and freshly painted walls lol. And hopefully one that is somewhat quiet as my tank is set up in my living room. I also have 5" of space from back of my tank to the wall.

Would love to hear your guys suggestions on a good Skimmer. I need to get one ASAP....

E.intheC · 02/18/2017, 08:19 AM

I had the Warner Marine (same company as Aquamaxx) HOB and it would be too small for a 75 gallon. I used a similar skimmer on a 34 and a 36 gallon tank and it worked well, but not big enough for a normally stocked 75 gallon IMO.

C5Chad · 02/18/2017, 08:23 AM

That's what I was afraid of. And it seems like for hang on back skimmers that's one of the best as far as noise, not overflowing onto the floor, and just overall. I originally wanted a reef octopus 2000 but from what I've heard they no longer make it.

Does anyone have any suggestions on a hob Skimmer that will work well for my 75 gallon??

E.intheC · 02/18/2017, 08:30 AM

I have moved away from HOB skimmers because I'm getting more and more OCD about water leaks (I don't trust the acrylic and water outside the tank, to be honest). I'm probably over cautious, but I'm OK with that.

On my current tank I'm running a Tunze 9004, an in-tank skimmer, and I like it a ton. It's pretty quiet (not silent, but not terrible, and I'm acutely aware of noises coming from my tank). I'd recommend taking a look at the Tunze 9012. It's a similar design but larger.

Unless something new and different has come out recently, I think it will be tough getting a solid performing HOB skimmer for a 75 gallon tank, unfortunately.

HOB skimmers have typically been aimed at the sub 40 gallon tank market, at least in years past.

fisher99 · 02/18/2017, 08:31 AM

I have a 90 gal tank with only live rock[Tampa bay Saltwater] and only a protein skimmer for filtration.
I had no problems with my old skimmer but it being 8 years old I figured with all of the new advances out there that there was something better for the health of my tank.
After much research I decided on the Aquamaxx cone s HOB. I've had it for about 10 days now and it's kicking butt.
I couldn't believe what the old skimmer was missing as I had them both running at the same time while the Aquamaxx was breaking in.

I didn't have enough room to hang it behind the tank so I had to put it on an end.
If you have room for it I would highly recomend that one as it also makes hardly any noise, as I have my tank in the living room and my old skimmer made a lot of noise.

C5Chad · 02/18/2017, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fisher99

I have a 90 gal tank with only live rock[Tampa bay Saltwater] and only a protein skimmer for filtration.
I had no problems with my old skimmer but it being 8 years old I figured with all of the new advances out there that there was something better for the health of my tank.
After much research I decided on the Aquamaxx cone s HOB. I've had it for about 10 days now and it's kicking butt.
I couldn't believe what the old skimmer was missing as I had them both running at the same time while the Aquamaxx was breaking in.

I didn't have enough room to hang it behind the tank so I had to put it on an end.
If you have room for it I would highly recomend that one as it also makes hardly any noise, as I have my tank in the living room and my old skimmer made a lot of noise.

How much room is needed for that aquamaxx to fit? I have maybe at best a hair over 5" of space to fit it in. Unless I hang it on the side which I really
Am against wanting to do

C5Chad · 02/18/2017, 09:46 AM

Are in-tank skimmers for sump designs? I'm not familiar at all with in tank skimmers. Or do they just take up a lot more room inside your aquarium?

Dealseer · 02/18/2017, 10:10 AM

Aquamaxx hob will be great for a lightly stocked 75. Maybe up to a moderately stocked as well as mine is.

C5Chad · 02/18/2017, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dealseer

Aquamaxx hob will be great for a lightly stocked 75. Maybe up to a moderately stocked as well as mine is.

I'd love to get that aquamaxx if it would work well for me. At most my tank would be maybe pushing moderately stocked. Between light to moderate. All the reviews on it make it sound to be one of the best hob skimmers from what it seems. But I'd love to hear others opinions on it or other recommendations as well.... really want to make the right choice, minus going sump

fisher99 · 02/18/2017, 11:14 AM

I measured mine and it is almost 5 and a half inches behind the tank.

C5Chad · 02/18/2017, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fisher99

I measured mine and it is almost 5 and a half inches behind the tank.

I'm about a half inch too close to the wall for that one then... unless I can get my tank and stand to budge without ruining my floor and breaking my back lol

Flagg37 · 02/18/2017, 01:37 PM

Which Aquamaxx HOB are you guys talking about? I just measured mine and it's less than 3-1/2" from the outside face of the tank to the outside face of the HOB. I would buy it again. It's my only means of nutrient export (other than WC's) and it keeps up on my 30 gallon. Imo I would only lightly stock a 75 gallon with it but it depends. It probably won't keep up if you're doing an UNLS with SPS or if you're a heavy feeder. I'd give it a shot though; if it's lacking then you can always stick a second one on.

C5Chad · 02/18/2017, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flagg37

Which Aquamaxx HOB are you guys talking about? I just measured mine and it's less than 3-1/2" from the outside face of the tank to the outside face of the HOB. I would buy it again. It's my only means of nutrient export (other than WC's) and it keeps up on my 30 gallon. Imo I would only lightly stock a 75 gallon with it but it depends. It probably won't keep up if you're doing an UNLS with SPS or if you're a heavy feeder. I'd give it a shot though; if it's lacking then you can always stick a second one on.

The aquamaxx I was originally referring to is the one rated up to 75 gallons. Think it's called aquamaxx hob-1 or something. I can't remember off the top of my head. But then the other he was referring to is a cone style aquamaxx.

I may consider trying the aquamaxx I was referring to unless someone knows for sure that it won't do me any good. I do know that my tank won't be heavily stocked. Light to moderate I'd say.

Diana A · 02/18/2017, 04:09 PM

Reef Octopus classic 90 will fit and Eshopps PSK-100H

ComforablyNumb · 02/19/2017, 06:19 AM

Reef Octopus HOB skimmers have a great reputation.

Recommended for your size tank and is 3.5" wide:
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/reef-o...skimmer-2.html

NYCBOB · 02/19/2017, 07:21 AM

if u r worried about leaks and all, the aquamaxx hob is good. it is a little underpowered for a 75, but it does the job. the pump is location inside the housing so no leak to worry about. an optional drain from the collection cup is a bonus. my friend has one over his 55, and he loves it.

C5Chad · 02/19/2017, 10:56 AM

Do they still make reef octopus skimmers? I thought they no longer make them? I was originally going to get a reef octopus 2000 but then came to find out through a a few things I read and a member in here that they no longer make them?
Hopefully I'm wrong about that because I thought that would have been my best choice and the aquamaxx was my second choice.

gmlee · 02/19/2017, 12:35 PM

That aquamax cone HOB looks pretty sweet.

xCry0x · 02/19/2017, 01:56 PM

When choosing a skimmer it really comes down to this:

1) A skimmer that is too big won't skim well at all because it won't be able to keep a foam head.
2) A skimmer that is too small will skim great, but won't be as effective as it could be since it doesn't move enough volume.

So in reality, you need a skimmer that can move enough water volume AND matches your tank stocking.

I have a Aquamaxx on my rsm-250 (66g tank) and for me it works really well in that it maintains a solid foam head and removes really foul smelling skimmate. I originally had it on my 25g nano and it did not work well due to point #1.

I originally bought the aquamaxx because I felt it was the best designed hob skimmer and I still stand by that; it produces great bubbles and foam and the design makes it consistent as well.

C5Chad · 02/19/2017, 03:04 PM

I guess at this point after reading all of the comments I'm stuck on deciding between the Aquamaxx HOB-1 which is rated up to 75g and the Reef Octopus Classic 1000 hob which is rated up to 100g for my 75 gallon tank which will have probably no more than 4 fish and then some snails and crabs and light to moderately stocked on corals, although specifically what I'm not sure.

Any thoughts from the you all in the reef central community on which may be the better of the 2 skimmers for me?

Opus123 · 02/19/2017, 08:07 PM

Deltecs are the best but of course you pay for the best.

ComforablyNumb · 02/20/2017, 06:56 AM

I have no experience with the Aquamax, but the Reef Octopus 1000 is a champ. Alot of units were sold... and most owners rated it quite highly. They have a good rep as a quality product.

02/18/2017, 08:19 AM	#2
E.intheC Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Long Island NY Posts: 5,373	I had the Warner Marine (same company as Aquamaxx) HOB and it would be too small for a 75 gallon. I used a similar skimmer on a 34 and a 36 gallon tank and it worked well, but not big enough for a normally stocked 75 gallon IMO. __________________ -Eric

02/18/2017, 08:30 AM	#4
E.intheC Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Long Island NY Posts: 5,373	I have moved away from HOB skimmers because I'm getting more and more OCD about water leaks (I don't trust the acrylic and water outside the tank, to be honest). I'm probably over cautious, but I'm OK with that. On my current tank I'm running a Tunze 9004, an in-tank skimmer, and I like it a ton. It's pretty quiet (not silent, but not terrible, and I'm acutely aware of noises coming from my tank). I'd recommend taking a look at the Tunze 9012. It's a similar design but larger. Unless something new and different has come out recently, I think it will be tough getting a solid performing HOB skimmer for a 75 gallon tank, unfortunately. HOB skimmers have typically been aimed at the sub 40 gallon tank market, at least in years past. __________________ -Eric

02/18/2017, 01:37 PM	#12
Flagg37 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Posts: 119	Which Aquamaxx HOB are you guys talking about? I just measured mine and it's less than 3-1/2" from the outside face of the tank to the outside face of the HOB. I would buy it again. It's my only means of nutrient export (other than WC's) and it keeps up on my 30 gallon. Imo I would only lightly stock a 75 gallon with it but it depends. It probably won't keep up if you're doing an UNLS with SPS or if you're a heavy feeder. I'd give it a shot though; if it's lacking then you can always stick a second one on. Last edited by Flagg37; 02/18/2017 at 01:38 PM. Reason: Punctuation

02/18/2017, 04:09 PM	#14
Diana A Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: New Jersey Posts: 682	Reef Octopus classic 90 will fit and Eshopps PSK-100H __________________ diana

02/19/2017, 01:56 PM	#19
xCry0x Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Martinez, CA Posts: 1,116	When choosing a skimmer it really comes down to this: 1) A skimmer that is too big won't skim well at all because it won't be able to keep a foam head. 2) A skimmer that is too small will skim great, but won't be as effective as it could be since it doesn't move enough volume. So in reality, you need a skimmer that can move enough water volume AND matches your tank stocking. I have a Aquamaxx on my rsm-250 (66g tank) and for me it works really well in that it maintains a solid foam head and removes really foul smelling skimmate. I originally had it on my 25g nano and it did not work well due to point #1. I originally bought the aquamaxx because I felt it was the best designed hob skimmer and I still stand by that; it produces great bubbles and foam and the design makes it consistent as well. __________________ Red Sea Max 250

02/18/2017, 07:44 AM	#1
C5Chad Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Cincinnati,OH Posts: 109	Is Aquamaxx HOB Skimmer too small for 75g? Hey guys... like the title says... is the aquamaxx hob Protein Skimmer too small for a 75 gallon tank? I saw it's only rated up to a 75g and I've heard it's usually good to buy everything at least slightly larger than what they are rated for. I do not have a sump setup and won't be having one for a long time. If that's too small what would you guys personally recommend? New to this stuff and especially new to skimmers. I want to avoid any skimmers that has more potential of overflowing and pouring water out onto my newly finished hardwood floors and freshly painted walls lol. And hopefully one that is somewhat quiet as my tank is set up in my living room. I also have 5" of space from back of my tank to the wall. Would love to hear your guys suggestions on a good Skimmer. I need to get one ASAP....

02/18/2017, 08:23 AM	#3
C5Chad Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Cincinnati,OH Posts: 109	That's what I was afraid of. And it seems like for hang on back skimmers that's one of the best as far as noise, not overflowing onto the floor, and just overall. I originally wanted a reef octopus 2000 but from what I've heard they no longer make it. Does anyone have any suggestions on a hob Skimmer that will work well for my 75 gallon??

02/18/2017, 08:31 AM	#5
fisher99 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Cape Coral FL Posts: 62	I have a 90 gal tank with only live rock[Tampa bay Saltwater] and only a protein skimmer for filtration. I had no problems with my old skimmer but it being 8 years old I figured with all of the new advances out there that there was something better for the health of my tank. After much research I decided on the Aquamaxx cone s HOB. I've had it for about 10 days now and it's kicking butt. I couldn't believe what the old skimmer was missing as I had them both running at the same time while the Aquamaxx was breaking in. I didn't have enough room to hang it behind the tank so I had to put it on an end. If you have room for it I would highly recomend that one as it also makes hardly any noise, as I have my tank in the living room and my old skimmer made a lot of noise.

02/18/2017, 09:46 AM	#7
C5Chad Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Cincinnati,OH Posts: 109	Are in-tank skimmers for sump designs? I'm not familiar at all with in tank skimmers. Or do they just take up a lot more room inside your aquarium?

02/18/2017, 10:10 AM	#8
Dealseer Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Posts: 241	Aquamaxx hob will be great for a lightly stocked 75. Maybe up to a moderately stocked as well as mine is.

02/18/2017, 11:14 AM	#10
fisher99 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Cape Coral FL Posts: 62	I measured mine and it is almost 5 and a half inches behind the tank.

02/19/2017, 06:19 AM	#15
ComforablyNumb Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: New Brunswick Canada Posts: 627	Reef Octopus HOB skimmers have a great reputation. Recommended for your size tank and is 3.5" wide: http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/reef-o...skimmer-2.html

02/19/2017, 07:21 AM	#16
NYCBOB Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: NYC Posts: 1,768	if u r worried about leaks and all, the aquamaxx hob is good. it is a little underpowered for a 75, but it does the job. the pump is location inside the housing so no leak to worry about. an optional drain from the collection cup is a bonus. my friend has one over his 55, and he loves it.

02/19/2017, 10:56 AM	#17
C5Chad Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Cincinnati,OH Posts: 109	Do they still make reef octopus skimmers? I thought they no longer make them? I was originally going to get a reef octopus 2000 but then came to find out through a a few things I read and a member in here that they no longer make them? Hopefully I'm wrong about that because I thought that would have been my best choice and the aquamaxx was my second choice.

02/19/2017, 12:35 PM	#18
gmlee Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Canada Posts: 387	That aquamax cone HOB looks pretty sweet.

02/19/2017, 03:04 PM	#20
C5Chad Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Cincinnati,OH Posts: 109	I guess at this point after reading all of the comments I'm stuck on deciding between the Aquamaxx HOB-1 which is rated up to 75g and the Reef Octopus Classic 1000 hob which is rated up to 100g for my 75 gallon tank which will have probably no more than 4 fish and then some snails and crabs and light to moderately stocked on corals, although specifically what I'm not sure. Any thoughts from the you all in the reef central community on which may be the better of the 2 skimmers for me?

02/19/2017, 08:07 PM	#21
Opus123 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: North Texas Posts: 605	Deltecs are the best but of course you pay for the best.

02/20/2017, 06:56 AM	#22
ComforablyNumb Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: New Brunswick Canada Posts: 627	I have no experience with the Aquamax, but the Reef Octopus 1000 is a champ. Alot of units were sold... and most owners rated it quite highly. They have a good rep as a quality product.