In Sump Protein Skimmer Recommendations

[mellybenoit]

Looking into purchasing a new in sump protein skimmer. Looking for recommendations on what has worked the best for you! I have a 75G main tank and a 30G sump. Thanks!

[Aquattro]

Price range?

[mellybenoit]

Price range is negotiable. I am very much looking for value. If it costs me a few extra $$ to rid myself of future headaches, I'm all for it!

[matt_C]

Bubble magus Curve 5 skimmer
http://www.conceptaquariums.ca/index.php/aquarium-hardware/protein-skimmers/bubble-magus-bm-nac6-2.html
Best bang for your buck!
Great skimmer.

[Proteus]

Pmd

[AquaPin]

PM sent.

[gregzz4]

Nothing against Matt, or Concept

I've always been lead to believe that any skimmer less than $500 should be halved when it comes to ability
With that said, I think the Nac7 is a better choice for you 'size wise', but not my choice as I've heard bad things about the atmann pump they come with
Maybe I'm wrong, so this is where your research (or Matt) will pay off

I'd do some research on the pump that comes with any skimmer you want to buy as there are some lemons out there

It's just a guideline but for instance;
My SK181 Kone is rated for 'up to' 320 gallons
I bought it for my 75g that has a total system volume of 105g
I feel I have enough skimmer to run my tank full-out with a heavy bio-load, but it still doesn't produce enough skimmate for my liking with only a medium load

Skimmers above the $500 mark used to be the way to go, but now-adays things have changed

I'd still recommend you look at halving the listed rating on less expensive units, or get a great skimmer that's going to do the job without worrying about your bio-load

[dcw1sfu]

I just upgraded from a Reef Octopus to a Vertex Omega 150 for my 60 gallon. Its rated up to 150G heavy bioload and is really skimming well in my SPS tank (nice dark nog). Love the skimmer and couldn't be happier.

[Skimmerking]

yes the omega 150 is a good little skimmer
the alpha 170 is another skimmer
the SWC 160 was another good skimmer

[SaltyDog143]

Well I don't know if I am in any position to give advice as I am brand new, but when we were in Edmonton we went by big Al's to check out the skimmers, with all the ones they had there that we could check out watch in action, listen to, see how they were adjusted, etc we decided to go with the JNS U2 skimmer, we are hooking ours up to a 120gal w/external sump. Foot print is pretty small as well because the pump is under/in the housing.

Good luck on your decision
Randy