Skimmer Help

[Stackbundles]

I need some advice. I have a 75 gallon tank + 40 gallon sump. It's going to be first FOWLR. Would the AquaC Urchin be fine. It says up to 75 gallons but I'm concerned because of the extra gallons with the sump. If not, please advise on a good skimmer (within $200-$300 price range). Thanks!

 

[D1J8Z]

How much room in the sump?

I have seen many good skimmers 300 and less for sale but ive only seen one HOB skimmer.


I personally would not recommend a AquaC skimmer if you have the money and the room go bigger and something a little better. They work but not the best bang for your buck.

 

[aznt1217]

I'm assuming we're talking in sump. Given that there's a sump and it's an urchin skimmer lol.

No you do not want to go with the urchin. Look at the Reef Octopus Skimmers aka SWC Skimmers. For that price I'd get the SWC 120 Cone Skimmer or a Octopus MSX 160 Extreme.

 

[nanchil]

or SWC 160

 

[Stackbundles]

It's going to be in sump. The sump is 3 chamber. I plan using the first chamber (6 x 12) as the inlet. The middle chamber (12x12) will be my return section and the third chamber would be my refugium section (12x12). Let me know if that setup is correct.

 

[kaOzGrUnT]

+1 on the SWC 160 Cone
Its a set and forget system.... it pulls REALLY GOOD

 

[KathyC]

Since you are saying

It's going to be first FOWLR.

That leads me to believe it might eventually become a reef...so you want to only purchase a skimmer one time, so get the biggest/best one you can afford now so you don't have to purchase a different one down the line.

 

[Stackbundles]

yes your right, I plan on it becoming a reef. I agree.

 

[juan319]

get the best skimmer you can afford ONCE

 

[alfani]

get the best skimmer you can afford ONCE

+1
I must had gone through 5 different skimmer b4 rounding up with a Deltec, had I just spend the money in the first place, it would save me $$$. if you have a sump, there are plenty of good skimmer around for $300 range for your 75gal tank. NO to AquaC, not energy efficient as skimmer are running 24/7, usually :bablefish :tongue1:

 

[Imbarrie]

It's going to be in sump. The sump is 3 chamber. I plan using the first chamber (6 x 12) as the inlet. The middle chamber (12x12) will be my return section and the third chamber would be my refugium section (12x12). Let me know if that setup is correct.

Where in the sump will you be placing the skimmer?
The first section is too small and I wouldnt use equipment there in case you want to use filter socks.
The middle section is going to be your return, so I would not put anything in there as you want enough overflow buffer. Any equipment would displace water leading to a faster evap rate.
That leaves the last section but you plan on a fuge.
Will there be a forth section?

 

[morphiii]

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003TQ12L8/?tag=reefs04-20

This will be a good one if it fits.

 

[Stackbundles]

It's 3 chambers. The middles section is actually 14x12 and the third section is 12x12. What section do you think I should put the skimmer in? I was thinking the third chamber and the second chamber could be my return. I'm realizing the first chamber is way too small 6x12 but it has a bubble trap. Should I put the return in the smallest chamber? I'm very confused as a newbie =)