Skimmer Advice

[jay1513]

Hi all, I will be setting up my 120g tank this weekend (fish only for now but may be reef in the future) and I need advise on getting a in-sump skimmer. It must be below $300.

I was considering one of the following:

Aqua Medic Turboflotor 1000 Protein Skimmer
ASM G-2
Coralife Super Skimmer Needle Wheel


Thanks in advance,
Jay

 

[latino277]

I have the TF1000 as a back up skimmer. It's a good skimmer but I would know put it on anything larger that a 90G

I think you best bet would be the ASM or Euroreef. I would wait until you can find one used if you on a budget. Skimmers are (for the most part) are Items that do not wear out... Good luck.

 

[Killerdrgn]

Octopus NW-200? http://www.marinesolutionsinc.com/c...p48/Octopus-Needlewheel-200/product_info.html

 

[ZANYMASTER]

I use the Remora Urchin.In sump model.

 

[Tonyscoots84]

for a 120 gallon i would go something bigger then what you have listed.... ive used a g3 with my 120 gallon and it did not perform as i would have liked.. i currently am running a BM 250 and it really does a great job and skims the crap (literally) out of the water :lol2: its all preference but my opinion save up for a good skimmer rather then wasting your money on something that wont do the job

 

[MikeyNYC]

I use the same skimmer as Zanymaster on 93 gallon, it's called the Remora Urchin Pro, it's rated to be used on tanks ranging between 40-125 gallons. Not appropriate for your application, or even my even my tank, and I will eventually upgrade. I would continue to look at the ASM G3, and perhaps the Aqua-C EV-240. Both of these skimmers you should be able to purchase used within your budgeted amount, and although not the latest and greatest they have performed well in the past, can't see why they would not continue to do so. Also check out the Tunze DOC skimmers, I know a couple of guys out here in the area that like them alot. Catch you later, Mike

 

[loismustdie]

Hi all, I will be setting up my 120g tank this weekend (fish only for now but may be reef in the future) and I need advise on getting a in-sump skimmer. It must be below $300.

I was considering one of the following:

Aqua Medic Turboflotor 1000 Protein Skimmer
ASM G-2
Coralife Super Skimmer Needle Wheel


Thanks in advance,
Jay

I think it's one of the cool things Rich does is he never sets a time line on when he will set a tank up ("I will be setting up my 120 this weekend"). The tank is always the last thing he buys after he has already bought all other equipment he feels he will need to run the tank the way he wants it ran.
IMO, the skimmers listed will not do if you plan to start this as a fish only tank. You will spend more money buying twice. They may be good enough if you were to run a fishless or close to fishless reef.
That's a tough budget to work with for a skimmer good enough for a 120. Also, the fact that you are starting fish only tells us that you will need better nutrient removal and that you will more than likely be keeping a high bioload. Higher load needs a bigger skimmer.
If I were you and you absolutely have to go forward and set up this tank this weekend, I would consider setting it up as a reef, but lean more towards rock and possibly low level coral/inverts and NO FISH. Some people actually advise not skimming for a few months during the establishment of a reef which can allow you some time to build more money for a better skimmer.
Hope this helps. I'm not trying to insult or shoot you down here. I just think you should go about this differently. This hobby is expensive, it's better to spend money once rather than buying undersized/low quality equipment over and over again.

 

[Aquatic Life Direct]

Hey Jay Whats up? Subie Fo Life! :biggrin:

 

[jay1513]

Hey Jay Whats up? Subie Fo Life! :biggrin:

No Doubt about that......

 

[NYreefNoob]

the asm3 i would say wont be big enough had one modded on a 62g heavily stocked tank and wasnt impressed you would be double that water volume