Use Old Skimmer or Upgrade

[Suncastle1]

I purchased a used MRC MR2 skimmer with a single beckett for my 180g. I subsequently discovered that I need a high pressure pump with at least 1100 gph. A pump would cost in the range of $200 to $350. I also discovered that becketts could be somewhat finicky. Should I just buy a different used skimmer or buy the pump? The tank will be mixed (including sps) with a normal stock of fish. Any recommedations?

 

[mr_X]

what do you have invested in the skimmer so far?

 

[Suncastle1]

$200

 

[jackson6745]

There are so many needlewheel/meshwheel skimmers out there that will skim your tank using 25% of the juice as the beckett.
I have never seen any skimmer skim better than a properly powered beckett but for 200w-300w + a lot of added pump heat, it's just not worth it IMO

 

[Suncastle1]

Rich - That seems like the way I should go. Any recommendations for what used skimmer I should be looking for my 180?

 

[jackson6745]

Not really sure what is the best bang for the buck. I'm not in the market for one and I haven't been researching all the new skimmers.

 

[Suncastle1]

Does anybody else have an opinion or recommendation?

 

[rgun2515]

I have a 125G display with a 15G frag tank and a 50G sump. I use a Bermuda Aquatics BPS-5C. Works excellent with my high bio-load!

Yellow Tang
Brown Tang
Hippo Tang
Clown Tang
swallowtail angelfish
flame angelfish
2 clowns


This could also work for you, but if you over-stock on fish, you may want a BPS-8C

 

[cali_reef]

Dump the MR2, it sucks a$$ and not air.

Look for something that uses a Sicce or Askoll needle wheel pump, I find them pretty good at the $500 price range skimmer.

 

[nyfynest22]

i use to own a vertex 250 skimmer, they were outstanding skimmer built like a tank

 

[caad3]

I have heard some positive reviews on the new cone type skimmers (xp2000 reef octopus etc...) Saving my pennies for one myself.

 

[Tarazed]

I'm setting up a 220 and will use a euro-reef 180 for a while, until I can save up for a reef octopus. Have you considered one of those for your 180?

 

[Suncastle1]

I"m using a euro reef rs80 temporarily Had it on my 75g and it was fine.