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Skimmer size...

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by Fultsreef, Mar 19, 2013.

  1. Mar 19, 2013 #1
    Fultsreef

    Fultsreef Inactive User

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    Next on my list of upgrades is a new skimmer...i have a 120 that i plan on having 15-18 various sized fish (most fall in the 3" range)...i also plan on a heavy bio load of various corals...my skimmer now is fine its an eshopps thats rated for i think the 150 gallon range...it takes about a week to fill the collection cup. I believe when my tank is heavily stocked that that skimmer will not be sufficient.

    I like the reviews of the reef octopus skimmers...i have no more the 23" of clearance...well i could have more if i do some modifications to my drain pipes to raise them up higher above my sump...so my question is...i want a oversized skimmer for a heavy bio load...what size and what series of reef octopus would be a excellent choice?

    What size or series would be overkill in the skimming department?

    Also does sump depth have alot of effect on the skimmer performance...my sump water level is about 9" deep and i see that octopus brand skimmers suggests sump levels of anywhere from 5 to 7 inches in depth...are their modifications to make to operate those skimmers in 9" of water since my sump wont function on less then approx 8" of water?

    Thanks in advance for any advice!
     
  2. Mar 19, 2013 #2
    Fultsreef

    Fultsreef Inactive User

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    Also...are there any other comparable or better choices then reef octopus? Looking to stay below $700 range.
     
  3. Mar 19, 2013 #3
    nickbuol Marion, IA

    nickbuol Here fishy, fishy, fishy...

    718
    Marion, IA
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    I have a Reef Octpus and love it for my 120 gallon with 40 gallon sump. Not quite the level of skimmer that you are willing to pay for, but it is amazing and rated for 260 gallons per the manufacturer (which will all know manufaturers "overrate" their skimmers - real world is about 160 gallons). My sump has 9" of water in it and an option is to just make a small shelf out of eggcrate to raid it up to the depth that you want. I still have mine sitting in the full 9" of water, but I too wonder if I can get even better performance by going to 8" or even 7". Much more than that and I will have a hard time getting the collection cup out.

    Now, with that said, this lower level skimmer (NWB200) that I have is already over 23" tall and just over 24" once you factor in the thickness of the glass on the bottom of my sump.

    So your real problem will be finding a big enough skimmer that can be raised up in the sump water to a desired depth and still fit.

    A recirculating skimmer would eliminate the water depth issue, but then you need space next to your sump instead of in it.

    You have an interesting delemna. I am sure that someone will have some other suggestions.
     
  4. Mar 19, 2013 #4
    xroads La Porte City, IA

    xroads Veteran Reefkeeper Vendor

    8,015
    La Porte City, IA
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    Food for thought

    What I do at home is run two medium sized skimmers instead of one big one. Lots of benefits, more skimming, you can alternate cleaning them, and so on.

    Reef Octopus all the way in my opinion
     
  5. Mar 19, 2013 #5
    Reefman

    Reefman Inactive User

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    I 2nd that on Reef Octopus Skimmers..
     
  6. Mar 19, 2013 #6
    dead fish Iowa City

    dead fish Dead Fish

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    Iowa City
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    I have an Eshopps S-200 cone skimmer in my 180. I like it pretty well and it is a comparable design to RO and other cone skimmers. I get a good bit of gunk from it and it was hundreds cheaper than other comparable skimmers.

    The advice I've heard that seems good to me is go one level up with a skimmer if you can, so if you have 150 gal of total water volume, go to the next highest rated skimmer.
     
  7. Mar 19, 2013 #7
    Fultsreef

    Fultsreef Inactive User

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    Thank you everyone for the advice and opinions. Looks now as though i will have to re-route a drain pipe to get enough clearance to increase my options or go with two medium sized skimmers in my sump...xroads what two reef octopus skimmers would be the best to go with the method you use and described? Do you sell them at ac&c or are able to get them?

    If i had a little more clearance i was considering thevsuper reef octopus 3000...not sure if that is to much skimmer but i want to make sure that i am covered very well in that area.
     
  8. Mar 19, 2013 #8
    Big John

    Big John Inactive User

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    A Reef Octo NWB200 is a great skimmer, they claim they're rated for 250 gal but I think that's a bit high, I'd say up to 200 gal. It's just under 24" tall at 23.75".
    Yes we (AC&C) would be able to get you one, there are a lot of RO options, come on in and we'll be happy to help.
     
  9. Mar 19, 2013 #9
    nickbuol Marion, IA

    nickbuol Here fishy, fishy, fishy...

    718
    Marion, IA
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    Yup Big John that is what I've got and the same place I got mine from. :D
    It is also less than half of the budget, so savings can be had too.
    - Posted via Tapatalk
     
  10. Mar 20, 2013 #10
    Fultsreef

    Fultsreef Inactive User

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    Thanks Big John...when it comes time for me to upgrade i will stop in...i may stop in before then though for some more frags. wish i had my allowance saved up more as it seems you guys will be having a great sale on frags coming up in the next few days /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default//emoticons/smile.gif

    thank you to everyone else as well...i have some time to decide as i probably wont be purchasing anything until fall/winter of this year...i appreciate the advice and help.
     

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