Skimmer advice for new setup

[dnreef]

I am looking for some feedback on the following skimmers. I am trying to make a decision on which to go with. The system will be a 75 gallon reef tanks with corals and fish and a 40 gallon sump. I figure that it will hold approximately 100 gallons of water when all is said and done. And yes, I want to be able to ultimately load this tank to the gills.

Just out of curiosity is there any difference between the SWC and Reef Octopus Skimmers? They look like the same thing to me and even use the same pumps.

Here's the list im looking at.

• Reef Octopus Extreme 160
• Reef Octopus Extreme 200
• SWC Xtreme 160
• SWC Xtreme 200
• ASM G2
• MRC - MR1
• Precision Marine - Bullet 1

Most of these skimmer are priced around 300 +/-. I've read some pretty good reviews on most of these products. I'm looking for some real life experience from the members in regard to this list. Thanks in advance for the input.

 

[ClosetFishGeek]

I only have experience with the mrc. Beckets are beasts if you pair it up with the right pump. A tad power hungry but does the job well...I am also playing around with a cone skimmer that is showing great promise. Its called I-tech. So far very very good.....

 

[dnreef]

I looked at the cone skimmers also but they won't fit in my setup. I only have 24inches of space which means I can't get a skimmer with more the 23 inch height.

 

[ClosetFishGeek]

look at the mini itech....it will fit....or just fit...call them....:splitspin

 

[NYreefNoob]

personally i like the euroreef better then asm, got both. as ive had a few skimmer's, a small foot print killer skimmer is the etss sump buddy 60, had the 40 and loved it just a tad on the noise side { not as loud as a beckett } and since tank is next to bedroom door had to go

 

[dnreef]

Thanks for the input so far. As for footprint. I have an overall space of 13 x 16 for my skimmer with a 4x4 area loss for the sock fitting. This is why I'm intrigued by the Octopus 200. It has an 8 inch barrel. With a mesh mod, that thing should create some serious dwell time. Then again, the reason I posted this is to get a sense of other people's experience.

NYreeNoob

personally i like the euroreef better then asm, got both

Could you give me an idea of size of system, bioload, mods (if any) and why you like the one better than the other. Thanks again.

 

[NYreefNoob]

i have a 60g cube, your actual water volume from what ya describe will really only be about 75g, i have 40+ sps, a carpet few lps 8 fish. and have had 5 skimmer on the same tank, etss,2x euroreef, asm, bermuda. asm and euroreef about same, but i personally lke the build of euroreef better, why iam putting the er back on, if you have the space id get a er 135, everyone has opinions whats the best skimmer, usually what they own, out of all the skimmer's ive had would i say one just kills the other ? nope. some more efficient , some louder. never owned a a junk skimmer, but also never felt the need to drop a grand for a skimmer either

 

[artie1209]

I am currently running thr asm g3 and i love it. Can't beat it for the price right out of the box. also has readily available replacement parts. Im would highly recomend it

 

[dnreef]

artie1209

I am currently running thr asm g3 and i love it. Can't beat it for the price right out of the box. also has readily available replacement parts. Im would highly recomend it

G3 fits in my footprint but is doesn't quite fit height wise for me. What's your system size, bioload, etc?
Thanks.

 

[Alex]

I only have experience with the mrc. Beckets are beasts if you pair it up with the right pump. A tad power hungry but does the job well...I am also playing around with a cone skimmer that is showing great promise. Its called I-tech. So far very very good.....

I had an MRC MR2 which was a beast in skimming my system,excellent skimmer but I wanted to get an in sump so I got an I tech 400 a bit much for your setup but you could look at the 100

 

[ReeferMadness99]

Bubble King is the way to go if you have the $$. They are made compact but efficient. Pretty much the elite skimmer out there and they're small so it should fit your space.

Also, I just picked up a Hydor Performer 1000 for my 180AGA+55sump. Its surprisingly running really well. Its pulling out a ton of gunk from my tank. They're on sale online, check it out.

 

[artie1209]

G3 fits in my footprint but is doesn't quite fit height wise for me. What's your system size, bioload, etc?
Thanks.

120 mixed reef Heavily stocked with Leathers and LPS 10 chromis, 3 small tangs, 4 anthis, 6 line wrasse, 1 Banggaii Cardinal