Skimmer Recommendations

[RogersCG]

I'm building a 110 XH with a 40 gallon sump and will soon need a skimmer. This will be my first skimmer.

My needs are:

Low noise
26" height with cup removal ( I can probably squeeze another 1/2"... I'll need to measure again when I get home)
10"X12" or close to there footprint
Around 200.00 (new or used)

I was considering the Octopus NW 200 for about 180.00 mail order but should I be looking for something else?

I plan on doing a reef setup with fish. 2X400 Watt MH (hopefully) with some supplemental lighting I've not decided on yet. At least 1/3 of the sump will be a refugium. with the center section a return ( Skimmer --> Return <--- Refugium).

Thanks!
Chris

[oyam123]

$327.00 TUNZE 9010
Spend now, or pay later.
Some other good deals on here, but look out for pump noise.

[David Grigor]

Skimmers are such a key element that it really the one piece of equipment I wouldn't try to skimp on or put a spending limit on. $200 really limits your options.

Like David mentions, buy the right one ( or save money until your can ) r you will just end up spending more money on a second skimmer later.


While I've never actually owned one the NW200 needs a number of modifications to do well. So be prepared for some DIY work. Out of the box the general consensus is it's just a so so skimmer with potential.

The one bonus to a 9010 is with such a small footprint your can increase your refugium size considerably with all the room saved compared to most other skimmers.

[RogersCG]

Skimmers are such a key element that it really the one piece of equipment I wouldn't try to skimp on or put a spending limit on. $200 really limits your options.

Like David mentions, buy the right one ( or save money until your can ) r you will just end up spending more money on a second skimmer later.


While I've never actually owned one the NW200 needs a number of modifications to do well. So be prepared for some DIY work. Out of the box the general consensus is it's just a so so skimmer with potential.

I don't mind DYI but I could probably kick my skimmer budget up to the mid three hundreds. Would you also recommend the Tunze David mentions in that range? Is there anything else I should also be looking at around there?

BTW, I just want to say thanks to both of you and everyone here. It is so nice to be able to ask a newbie question of those who have experience in a field and get honest and pleasant responses without the belittling you often see elsewhere on the net...

[mtfatwork]

ASM G4's are another good option. you would have to look up footprint dimensions though and make sure it will fit into your plan :)

[David Grigor]

I have a 9010 and really like it alot because it packs a pretty high performance in such a small footprint. No other skimmer this size can touch the performance.

I have it on a 110g ( 60" long tank ) with heavy fish load and lots of corals so I know for sure it will do the job. There are many other skimmers too though so can't say it's the end all of skimmers but if looking for small footprint, requires little fiddling, virtually silent, it's a good fit and I know it can handle your tank. I don't have a problem recommending.

Prior I had a ASM G4+ modded to the hills and this keeps up very close if not the same using just a small fraction of the foot print the other one required. Noise level is night and day too.

This would able you to increase macro algae portion by almost a third.

The one downside is if your planning to use the insump config of the skimmer. The fittings etc. are pretty finicky to get just right. Best to use in-tank mode in your sump. To do so, just keep the skimmer portion of your sump water level at around 12". If plan a water level of 6" or so then you must use the insump fittings. Once in-sump mode is setup your golden but it is tricky to get it configured correctly. Not for sure if Li ever got his going right. I had to assist KVM with his. He could get it figured out. In-tank mode setup though is a piece of cake and skimmer up and running in minutes.

Bob's reef mania skimmers, the higher end euroreefs if you can affort the ehiem pumps, bubble master are all good skimmers and worth the money long term but are considerably more than your budget. 9010 on the other hand is probably one of the lesser $$ skimmers that will do a good job for you.

Also, keep in mind, skimmers are such a personal thing. It's only natural for everyone to like there's the best ;)

[spsick]

The nw200 wont fit in that footprint, the 150 will though. sorry I never got back to your pm. I would rec. the 150, it worked great for my heavy load 120 and when I got the 200 i've had more trouble, the 150 cranked out more, drier skimmate. Well, the 200 will give that, but needs to be in deeper water, the 150 worked awesome in 7 inches. hope that helps.

[clownnut]

ER 180

[RogersCG]

I have a 9010 and really like it alot because it packs a pretty high performance in such a small footprint. No other skimmer this size can touch the performance.

I have it on a 110g ( 60" long tank ) with heavy fish load and lots of corals so I know for sure it will do the job. There are many other skimmers too though so can't say it's the end all of skimmers but if looking for small footprint, requires little fiddling, virtually silent, it's a good fit and I know it can handle your tank. I don't have a problem recommending.

Prior I had a ASM G4+ modded to the hills and this keeps up very close if not the same using just a small fraction of the foot print the other one required. Noise level is night and day too.

This would able you to increase macro algae portion by almost a third.

The one downside is if your planning to use the insump config of the skimmer. The fittings etc. are pretty finicky to get just right. Best to use in-tank mode in your sump. To do so, just keep the skimmer portion of your sump water level at around 12". If plan a water level of 6" or so then you must use the insump fittings. Once in-sump mode is setup your golden but it is tricky to get it configured correctly. Not for sure if Li ever got his going right. I had to assist KVM with his. He could get it figured out. In-tank mode setup though is a piece of cake and skimmer up and running in minutes.

Bob's reef mania skimmers, the higher end euroreefs if you can affort the ehiem pumps, bubble master are all good skimmers and worth the money long term but are considerably more than your budget. 9010 on the other hand is probably one of the lesser $$ skimmers that will do a good job for you.

Also, keep in mind, skimmers are such a personal thing. It's only natural for everyone to like there's the best ;)

I have to say David, I think you've convinced me....

I don't quite understand the sump vs. in-tank setup but I'll look into it. I think I saw once Tunze has their manuals online so I'll check into that. I haven't had the class cut for the sump yet so if I need to make a change for this I can.

Thanks again... TONS of info to absorb here...

Chris

[wolmutt]

ASM, EuroReef, Reef Mania by bob, and any skimmer made by Spazz....

[maxseeley]

I am not a big fan of the Tunze - not impressed with the quality of components - everything seems really flimsy on them. I really like EuroReefs for this size skimmer. You can't go wrong with a ER 180.

[RogersCG]

I'm not finding much on an ER180. I see an RS, CS and RC 180... Is it the same as the RS?

[clownnut]

CS version have PVC lid and bottom.
RS verison have acrylic lid and bottom.
RC is Recirculating.(Cost a lot more $$$)

[Fish'InMN]

The "ER 180" is just the general size recommendation. EuroReef's naming system goes:

RS= Made with cell cast acrylic tube and glued to 1/4" cast acrylic sheet material.

RC= Made with cell cast acrylic tube and hot air welded to 3/8* thick PVC sheet material.

RC generally also means recirculating, unless it is an older model. The CS models are usually custom built, but I've seen the term applied to just generally older model ER's.

http://www.euro-reef.com/products.shtml

(Love my RS-80. Will probably get an RC-180 or RC-250 when I upgrade to a larger tank. Or a DAS EX-2/EX-3)

[wolmutt]

ER is short for the brand EuroReef

[mrbill]

I also have a 110 with approx 40 gal in a sump and ref. I added a Tunze 9010 this past July and I am really happy with it. Works very quietly and really pulls out the crud. Basically a plug and play setup but you have to make sure nothing came apart during shipping. Like Maxseely, I was unimpressed with the material (plastic) that the skimmer is made of but once its in the sump and running it really shouldn't matter.

[REEFSTOCK]

I've been testing the Tunze based on Griegor's recommendation. I'm impressed, especially for the size it is. It really fits into the typical aquarium stand nicely. It is super simple to clean and I don't notice the noise at all (though it is in a noisy room, so perhaps some one else can comment on this).

[RogersCG]

I am going to go with the Tunze... Anyone know of a better prince than MarineDepot?

Chris

[JVB]

I also have a Tunze 9010 on my 75g and it seems to do a great job. I'm in Savage as well if you want to come over and check it out.

[sea monkey]

nice thing about euroreefs is they have a high resale value so when you upgrade you can get 70&#37; of your money back .

This is one area I also believe you should think out and get something quality rather than waste money buying crappy ones over and over again .

[wolmutt]

if you order from marinedepot it takes a long time for shipping. I always order from premiumaquatics.com

You should get your skimmer in two business days, they are in Indiana I think.

[clownnut]

I am going to go with the Tunze... Anyone know of a better prince than MarineDepot?

Chris

tunze have a MSRP for all retailers. almost everyone have the same price.

[oyam123]

tunze have a MSRP for all retailers. almost everyone have the same price.

True, unless you score one on ebay you pay the $327.
Aquacave has same price with free shipping and a gift (I got free portable air pump).

[MPH]

I'll throw in my recommendation, H&S 110-f2000. Another fine product of western Europe.
http://www.finsreef.com/product.php?productid=16133&cat=253&page=1

I had a much larger version H&S and absolutely loved it. These skimmers are highly rated and really easy to tune. You will not go wrong with this unit.

[Afish4u]

what the opinion on an aqua c ev 120 or 180? with a J/G