Skimmer Q&A Thread

UncleJT · Jul 29, 2009

Looking at cone skimmers in the $400 to $700 price range that can fit inside a 20L sump and handle light bio-loads up to 100G-ish. Current system is a 40 Breeder thus the small sump but thinking of skimmer for now and my next upgrade. Any suggestions?

I am currently running an Octopus NW-200 (I like big skimmers) but it does not fit as comfortably as I'd like in the 20 Long.

cherokee_dude · Jul 29, 2009

Hey MOJO! Thanks for all of your input!
I have a Precision Marine Bullet1 with a Sedra 9000(p) (Rated for 150+g)
I'm supposed to be getting a Tunze 9010 (Rated for 200+g) Which one would you run on a 100g lightly stocked tank? Any experience with either? or mods for either?

TIA - Cherokee_Dude

mojo · Jul 30, 2009

cherokee_dude said:
Hey MOJO! Thanks for all of your input!
I have a Precision Marine Bullet1 with a Sedra 9000(p) (Rated for 150+g)
I'm supposed to be getting a Tunze 9010 (Rated for 200+g) Which one would you run on a 100g lightly stocked tank? Any experience with either? or mods for either?

TIA - Cherokee_Dude

The Tunze is so much easier to use and keep dialed in. Nice product.
Mojo~

helfrichgolby · Jul 30, 2009

i have a jbj nano 28 gallon. Not running a skimmer but tryin to find an affordable hang on the back one that is also quiet.

iunknown · Jul 30, 2009

helfrichgolby,
New one I was looking at. Might have to look around to see who has it in stock. Have no experience with it though,

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica][SIZE=-1]Eshopps Hang-on Protein Skimmer w/pump - up to 75g Tank[/SIZE][/FONT]

twisted · Jul 30, 2009

anyone have any xp on the octopus line? i need a hang on and am looking at the 1000...i think thats the one...it has the filter/skimmer up to 100 gal

mojo · Jul 31, 2009

look at the warner marine hx2 and the bermuda rogue

luke33 · Jul 31, 2009

cherokee_dude said:
Hey MOJO! Thanks for all of your input!
I have a Precision Marine Bullet1 with a Sedra 9000(p) (Rated for 150+g)
I'm supposed to be getting a Tunze 9010 (Rated for 200+g) Which one would you run on a 100g lightly stocked tank? Any experience with either? or mods for either?

TIA - Cherokee_Dude

The bullet is much more wattage but i'd take it any day of the week over the tunze. Especially for a 100g tank.

luke33 · Jul 31, 2009

UncleJT said:
Looking at cone skimmers in the $400 to $700 price range that can fit inside a 20L sump and handle light bio-loads up to 100G-ish. Current system is a 40 Breeder thus the small sump but thinking of skimmer for now and my next upgrade. Any suggestions?

I am currently running an Octopus NW-200 (I like big skimmers) but it does not fit as comfortably as I'd like in the 20 Long.

Why are you wanting to waste 400-700bux for a 40g breeder when you can get away with less than 150bux. I'd get a bubblemagnus for round 100bux and it would be waaay plenty.

Pinstripes · Jul 31, 2009

Mojo, how did you like the Bubble King 160? Im looking for a premier in sump skimmer!thanks

luke33 · Jul 31, 2009

For the price the bk mini's are a joke imo.

helfrichgolby · Aug 1, 2009

iunknown said:
helfrichgolby,
New one I was looking at. Might have to look around to see who has it in stock. Have no experience with it though,

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica][SIZE=-1]Eshopps Hang-on Protein Skimmer w/pump - up to 75g Tank[/SIZE][/FONT]

This was more in my price range theno rogue or the marine. But why are those 200$ more?. being quiet is very important as my tank is in my bedroom.

mojo · Aug 1, 2009

luke33 said:
For the price the bk mini's are a joke imo.

Hi Luke, Performance on the 160 is good. you are paying a lot for build quality on the 160 as there are other skimmer that perform as well.Not much bang for the buck on the 160. I really like it as its quiet and the built solid. but at almost $900 new it will have a hard time against a atb 840 at $650.

Now the BK mini 180 is about twice the skimmer as the 160. Drawing 1200lph of air to the 160's 600. And pulling 2000lph of water to the 160's 1000lph of water.

THe things I do like about the mini's.
Silient, you havea hard time hearing them at all.
Built really well, Thickest material on any skimmer I have seen.
Cup easy to remove, you can pull it off with one hand. It rest on the cylinder. The weight of the cup holds the o ring against the chamber. I have had skimmer weigh less than the collection cup on my mini 180.

So with that said. THe 160 is pretty weak for the price point. I really like it and if you want the best little skimmer you an get then ok. but I would say a heavy stocked 90 is its limit. I would run one on my 57g rimless.

By the end of the year their will be some other really nice skimmers out that will be less than $500 and will be built really well too. Te days of $1000 skimmers are over for most of us. The alpha 170 is only $649, the ATB 840 1.5 is the same. Octo is coming out with their cone too. We will have to see.

For me I am using my research and going back to the budget skimmers. lol I will probably run a vertex in 100 on my 57 g i just got. Then maybe put on a new warner marine skimmer this fall. Or maybe a atb multi or something. No hurry.
Nice to hear from you Luke.

Poseidon · Aug 1, 2009

Mojo, thanks for putting up a great thread! Luke, welcome to R2R!

You both make a welcome addition to the board for sure. (Now I am going to watch the bubbles on my WM K-2! LOL!!!!)

143gadgets · Aug 1, 2009

Poseidon said:
Mojo, thanks for putting up a great thread! Luke, welcome to R2R!

You both make a welcome addition to the board for sure. (Now I am going to watch the bubbles on my WM K-2! LOL!!!!)

AGREED!!!

And I'm gonna go watch the bubbles on my Alpha 200....

mojo · Aug 1, 2009

lol, you all go watch your bubbles. I went to premium aquatics today and picked up my new tank. 57g rimless oceanic starphire. picked up a vertex in 100 to get me by until I get something to else for it.