Large Protein Skimmer Options

[Anonymous]

Howdy, been a long time since I've checked in here.

I'm looking into the options for changing out the skimmer on my tank. I'm currently running an Octopus skimmer, and have a few issues with it. Its not a great design for an external setup (leaks) and it is very persnickity in terms of getting it adjusted.

I'm looking to add an external skimmer to my ~500 gallon mixed (SPS dominated) reef. The fish load is moderate, but I also have several non-photosynthetic corals that I feed regularly. Thus my load is pretty high.

Money is obviously important, but secondary to finding a well functioning protein skimmer.

My current considerations are EuroReef, AquaC, E.T.S.S..

Can anybody make some recommmendations for me? Thanks. 8)

 

[ReefLabs]

I think needlewheel/meshwheel seem to be the standard preference these days. Beckett skimmers are extremely power-hungry/intensive and require more maintenance from what I understand.

Try:
ReefOctopus - popular, affordable
Vertex - popular, affordable
Warner Marine
My Reef Creations
Bubble King - pricey, imo
ASM - very affordable
ATB
Precision Marine
RK2
SWC

 

[Anonymous]

The Reef Octopus Extreme series gets very good write-ups. That's probably one of my top options for my next tank.

 

[leftovers]

For larger tanks the Aqua-medic 5000 and even the baby 5000 would be two of the best out there. Quiet, highly efficient, long contact time and set and forget skimmers.

 

[Anonymous]

I think needlewheel/meshwheel seem to be the standard preference these days. Beckett skimmers are extremely power-hungry/intensive and require more maintenance from what I understand.

Try:
ReefOctopus - popular, affordable
Vertex - popular, affordable
Warner Marine
My Reef Creations
Bubble King - pricey, imo
ASM - very affordable
ATB
Precision Marine
RK2
SWC

Thanks for the info, I'll look into these brands. Couple of names I haven't heard before.

 

[Anonymous]

If you're that worried about cost try to find a way to make it work in sump, that'll take quite a bit off the price

 

[Anonymous]

These are pretty bad ass:

http://www.myreefcreations.com/Reeflo-Orca-PRO

We have the mid-size model on a 1500g touch tidepool exhibit. The constant hands going in the system caused the previous skimmer (an ETSS downdraft) to crash the entire day. The needlewheel design provides a consistent foam head and creates the same amount of foam at a fraction of the energy draw.

 

[Anonymous]

I never thought about how you'd get all those oils (and other crap) from peoples hands out of the tank... skimmer it is!

 

[Anonymous]

Ozone and/or UV will break it up too.

 

[Anonymous]

These are pretty bad ass:

http://www.myreefcreations.com/Reeflo-Orca-PRO

We have the mid-size model on a 1500g touch tidepool exhibit. The constant hands going in the system caused the previous skimmer (an ETSS downdraft) to crash the entire day. The needlewheel design provides a consistent foam head and creates the same amount of foam at a fraction of the energy draw.

Thanks for the tip, I'll look into it.

So the question arises, where do you work?

 

[Anonymous]

Steinhart Aquarium in SF.

 

[Raskal311]

I think needlewheel/meshwheel seem to be the standard preference these days. Beckett skimmers are extremely power-hungry/intensive and require more maintenance from what I understand.

Try:
ReefOctopus - popular, affordable
Vertex - popular, affordable
Warner Marine
My Reef Creations
Bubble King - pricey, imo
ASM - very affordable
ATB
Precision Marine
RK2
SWC

I would not say an ASM is very affordable, last I looked they are priced higher then many of the newer/better designed skimmers.

 

[Anonymous]

I agree. I got mine right after the split from EuroReef and they were cheap back then. Now they are as expensive, or more, than Octopus and the like. The quality of the ASM is not as good as Octos IME.

 

[murraycamp]

I would take a very serious look at the Super Reef Octopus 6000, although even it may be slightly underpowered for a well-stocked 500 gallon system:

http://www.reefspecialty.com/p460/Super ... _info.html

Depending on budget, you may want to consider two smaller skimmers, such as two of the Octopus 5000s, or two smaller cones.

JMO

HTH

Murray

 

[Len]

murraycamp and Reeflabs,

:welcome:

 

[Anonymous]

Steinhart Aquarium in SF.

Gotcha, tell Charles I said "Hi." lol

Minnesnowta Zoo myself. See you on the listserve! B)

 

[Anonymous]

I would take a very serious look at the Super Reef Octopus 6000, although even it may be slightly underpowered for a well-stocked 500 gallon system:

That's the skimmer I have now. If it wasn't for the fact that it leaks at every union...particularly the connection between the collection cup and the cone, I would endorse it wholeheartedly. Unfortunately, I'm tired of discover a puddle of water under the skimmer. The function is good...as an in-sump skimmer. I would NOT recommend you run one of these mama-jamma's externally.

 

[Len]

Cone skimmers with diffuser plates are all the rage right now. Check out the very last post of the protein skimmer thread for a list of cone skimmers (topic78592-80.html). I'm not convinced the cone shape works better, though almost every hobby has bought into it The diffuser plate is a respectable idea. I think what makes these skimmers better is they're larger and have better air formation pumps.

 

[Anonymous]

Steinhart Aquarium in SF.

Gotcha, tell Charles I said "Hi." lol

Minnesnowta Zoo myself. See you on the listserve! B)

"Hey Charles, some guy named 'yslexdia' says hi"....didn't you work at Shedd a while back? I forgot your name IRL....

 

[Anonymous]

Yeah I was at the Shedd a few years back. Been at the zoo for a couple years now. It seems to be a better spot for me. I've got more responsibility...and a coral tank of my very own. Not a bad spot...for now.

Len, thanks for the advice. That's the direction my research was directing me, but being able to direct my boss to your advice is a good foundation for a case to break out the checkbook. Thanks much!